What is The LAB? | The LAB Sports Academy

ABOUT US

\\\ TRAIN. LEAD. SUCCEED.

The game of basketball is the first love of our Founder, President and CEO, Coach Benjamin Tillman Jr. Since the days of his youth growing up in Thomasville, Georgia, basketball provided a refuge and comfort zone for Coach Tillman to grow and thrive. Robust competition, superior sportsmanship, and genuine team camaraderie were earmarks of his early experience in the sport guided by impactful coaches, neighborhood friends, and endless hours shooting, dribbling and studying the game.

Following a successful 20-year stint as the assistant and head coach of the Thomasville High School boys’ basketball team, Coach Tillman retired from coaching at the high school level and turned his attention to ways to continue to serve youth in the community through the game he loves. The LAB Sports Academy, Inc. is the culmination of Coach Tillman’s efforts to remain close to the sport while serving youth in South Georgia/North Florida. His vision is to offer curated basketball skills training programs and life skills development, meeting each student-athlete where they are. The LAB means “Life and Basketball,” and that mission is close to our hearts.

MEET THE TEAM

Benjamin Tillman Jr.

Founder, President & CEO

Coach Tillman is a native of Thomasville, Georgia where he held the positions of director of operations, assistant principal, athletic director, head boys’ basketball coach, and teacher in the Thomasville City School District. A point guard at heart, Coach Tillman’s love of the game was nurtured by countless hours of film study and game preparation over the approximately 20 years he worked with the Thomasville High School boys’ basketball program as assistant coach and later as head coach. Following his retirement from the school system, he served as an assistant coach to the NAIA Thomas University men’s basketball program for three seasons. Player development is his forte, and he welcomes student-athletes to come to The LAB to work on their game. Coach Tillman’s life motto is: “To Thine Own Self Be True”, a sentiment his mother taught him at an early age. He is authentic and focused, and ready to welcome new members to The LAB.

LaDarius Thomas

Director of Player Development

A native of Thomasville, Georgia, Coach LaDarius “LT” Thomas is a true student of the game of basketball who honed his skills over the years as a player and now a coach. In high school, Coach Thomas played for Coach Tillman for 4 years as a Thomasville High School Bulldog. A point guard at heart, Coach Thomas also excelled in the shooting guard role. He understands how to be a floor general and how to play the role of a shooter and defender. With a desire to turn his passion into purpose, Coach Thomas is dedicated to achieving the vision of our founder to train and mentor youth in the community using basketball as a tool to teach life skills, discipline and confidence.

Charles Hayes

Trainer/Adult League Coordinator

Charles Hayes, a former multi-sport standout athlete from Thomasville, Georgia, graduated from Thomasville High School in 2010. He excelled as quarterback of the football team and was the starting point guard for Coach Tillman for three years. During his leadership on the court, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Thomasville High School basketball team one of its three state championship appearances in the school's history. A gifted athlete, natural leader and thoughtful trainer, Coach Hayes has worked with youth of all ages in athletics for more than 10 years.

Stephanie Tillman

Vice President

Laquan Brunner

Office Manager

Faye Wright

Assistant Office Manager

Lindsay Tillman

Digital Media Manager