While the faces are still the same, the roles with the SPIRE Academy Basketball program have changed to best benefit the sports boarding school in Ohio. We’re excited to announce the recent promotions of our team to better align with the program’s vision to continue to develop the best basketball athletes in the world.

Jeff Javorek: Director of Basketball

With a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration and over ten years of coaching, training and directing basketball programs, Jeff Javorek is well qualified to take over SPIRE’s basketball offerings. Jeff has a strong history involving coaching, player development and scouting.

Javorek has a unique and varied background, including working at the professional, collegiate and high school levels, which includes the NBA G-League, NCAA Division I and Division II and OHSAA. Prior to accepting his new position as SPIRE’s Director of Basketball, Jeff was the Regional Basketball Director.

Jeff Sparrow: Head Coach – Post Grad

Jeff Sparrow is known globally as “The Doctor of Defense” because of his extensive knowledge of defensive techniques and styles. His unique training approaches and methods have influenced thousands of players both overseas and here at home.

Professional, collegiate, high school and club teams have consulted with Sparrow to gain valuable insights on their own training techniques. Jeff’s previous role as SPIRE’s assistant Post Grad coach has made him the perfect selection for his new role of Head Coach – Post Grad.

Gravelle Craig: Head Coach – High School National Team

Gravelle Craig brings his 18 years of Division I coaching experience to the SPIRE National Team. Coach Craig’s prior coaching experience includes six years as head coach and seven seasons as the assistant coach at Bethune University.

Coach Craig’s new position brings a Division I Head Coach to SPIRE’s basketball team, which is a level of experience that is unusual in the preparatory school landscape.

Previously the Post Grad Head Coach at SPIRE, Coach Craig is excited for his position as now Head Coach – National High School Team. He explains that the new basketball leadership lineup is an unprecedented opportunity for SPIRE’s basketball programs. “I have wanted to get back to the national level and compete with the top teams. We’re always expanding, and this leadership lineup is the right combination to achieve the growth our teams deserve.”

In addition to Javorek, Sparrow and Craig, SPIRE’s basketball staff also includes Michael Dooley, Assistant Coach – Post Grad and Jeffrey Gonzalez, Basketball Operations Manager and Assistant Coach – Post Grad. The team of five makes SPIRE one of the most complete and well-rounded basketball programs in the country and ready to compete with the best of the best at any level.