Mentorship. Community. Basketball.

Derray Ward 

Founder/Program Director/Coach/Player Development Trainer

As the founder and Program Director, Derray (Coach Ward) invests his heart, soul, and time into each and every youth that he encounters. Ward played basketball at Como Park high school, North Hennepin Community College, and currently plays in charity games and men's leagues around the twin cities. With over 25 years of basketball experience; playing, coaching, and being a fan of the sport. Derray envisioned a mentorship program that would not only enhance basketball skills but also provide guidance, support, and life skills to young individuals facing various challenges.

Growing up in a community where opportunities were limited, Derray experienced firsthand the impact that sports can have on a young person's life. Inspired by his own journey and fueled by a desire to pay it forward, he founded "Forward Thinking Foundation."

"In the end the results, will always RESULT!"

- Coach Ward

Abdul Kunert

Board Vice Chair

of Nonprofit Organization

"I love to give back to the community any chance that I get. I've been active in communities across the Twin Cities for over 15 years. Hosting events, turkey drives, and much more. It brings me joy and fulfilment. So the idea to be a part of Forward Thinking was brought to me by Derray, it was a no brainer. I guess it helps that we've been friends for 20 years hahaha..."

Jonathan Giadyu

President of Basketball Operations/Coach/

Board Member

"I like to coach because I want to give back to the younger generation so that they have a great foundation to built off. Working with kids bring me joy and happiness."

Jonathan has 8+ years of coaching experience. He has been with Forward Thinking since the start of the program. He was one of the first coaches to commit to the program back in 2020. He has coached alongside the Founder, Coach Ward for about 5 years. Jonathan has been appointed President of Forward Thinking Basketball. Coach UJ will return to coach our girls, class of 2026.

Dominique James

Treasurer/Coach/

Board Member

"I enjoy the game of basketball, teaching the kids, and watching them become better as a team."

Dominique has 9 years of coaching experience. She has been with Forward Thinking since the start up. Because of her support and dedication to Forward Thinking, Dominique has been appointed Treasurer. Coach James has been coached 7/8 grade girls this past spring(2024). She will return to coach our girls, class of 2029.

Blake Gibson

Vice President of Basketball Operations/Coach/

Board Member

"I simply love the game and it's a way for me to give back to the kids."

Blake played Juco basketball at Angelina College in Lufkin, Tx. He has 4 years of coaching experience. Blake has been with Forward Thinking staff since the start of the program. Coach Blake coached our 4th grade boys this past season and looks to return and coach our boys, class of 2032.

Davon Massie

Coach

"I enjoy teaching youth about basketball and becoming a young man in today's society."

Davon has 4 years of coaching experience. He has been coaching with Forward Thinking for 1 year. Coach Davon coached our 4th grade Boys this past spring(2024). He will return to coach our boys, class of 2032.

Candice Butler

Coach

"I played basketball my whole life it's always been my first love. I love to teach the youth life skills and be an example of getting the job done while you're able to! ...once your glory years are over, you can't redo them."

A graduate of South high School, played on the girls basketball team from 2002-2006. Coach Candice has 3 years of coaching experience. She joined the FTB coaching this past spring(2024). She will return to coach our girls, class of 2028.

Jenna Wykle

Coach

"Coaching is an opportunity to not just teach kids a game but to have an impression on who they are as people. I believe when you have a gift or talent that you should cultivate it and share it when the opportunity arises. Coaching has become that for me. I don’t know it all but what I do know, I love to pass along to help kids become the best they can be."

Jenna has played the game of basketball her whole life and coached in various roles for the last 5 years. This will be Jenna's 1st year joining FTB coaching stuff was this past spring(2024). She will return to coach our girls, class of 2029.

Alex Draughn Sr

Coach

"I'm just a huge fan of the game."

Alex has been apart of the FTB program since 2023 but not as a coach, as a parent of a player. With his prior coaching  experience, he decided to join the FTB staff in the spring of 2024, bringing his youngest son to the program. Coach D coached our boys, class of 2029 this past season.

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