Baba B-Ball — Youth Basketball Classes in Hyde Park, Chicago
Not running this school year
TIMEOUT
School's in. We're on the bench.
Baba B-Ball is off for the school year, so we are not taking sign-ups. Keep those sneakers close. We'll open it back up when summer hits.
Hyde Park, Chicago
BABA#2
SEMI
OPADELE
Age 17 • Lead Coach
Competitive AAU basketball player with elite-level training. Played at Kozminski in Chicago's Hyde Park and North Sanpete High School. Every summer he attends the Coach Paul Peterson Basketball Camp at Wasatch Academy — a USA TODAY Super 25 nationally ranked program competing in the Nike EYBL Scholastic league.
When the family lived in Utah, Semi received private one-on-one coaching from Coach Johnathan Loyd — Wasatch Academy Assistant Coach, the winningest player in University of Oregon basketball history, and 2013 Pac-12 Tournament MVP. Both Semi and Dara continue training with Coach Loyd every summer at the Wasatch Academy camps.
BABA#3
DARA
OPADELE
Age 13 • Lead Coach
AAU basketball player building an impressive foundation ahead of most kids his age. Played at Kozminski in Chicago. Every summer he attends the Coach Paul Peterson Basketball Camp at Wasatch Academy alongside Semi, where both brothers train with Coach Johnathan Loyd, Wasatch Academy's Assistant Coach.
Close in age to the kids he coaches, Dara makes basketball feel fun first and competitive second — the perfect coach for our youngest ballers.
Semi Opadele
BABA#2 • Lead Coach
Dara Opadele
BABA#3 • Lead Coach
Most youth basketball classes are run by adults who played college ball twenty years ago. Semi and Dara are actively playing, actively training, and actively competing right now. Every summer they attend the Coach Paul Peterson Basketball Camp at Wasatch Academy — ranked #1 in Utah and Top 15 nationally, competing in the Nike EYBL Scholastic league. When the family lived in Utah, Semi received private coaching from Coach Johnathan Loyd — Wasatch Academy Assistant Coach, the winningest player in Oregon Ducks basketball history, and 2013 Pac-12 Tournament MVP. Both brothers continue training with Coach Loyd every summer at the camps.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Every session is tailored to the group's skill level and age.
Ball Handling
Crossovers, between-the-legs, behind-the-back. Build confidence with the ball in your hands.
Shooting Form
Proper mechanics, follow-through, and repetition. Layups to jump shots — build range with confidence.
Footwork & Agility
Quick feet, pivots, defensive slides. The foundation of every great basketball player.
Defense
Stance, positioning, anticipation. Learn to be a lockdown defender and disrupt the offense.
Game IQ
Passing, spacing, reading the court. Understand the game beyond just your own moves.
Hustle
Endurance, speed, and mental toughness. Outwork everyone on the court — every play.
Ages 5–6
Motor skills, coordination, learning to love the game
Ages 7–9
Fundamentals, shooting form, intro to team play
Ages 10–12
Advanced skills, defensive concepts, competitive drills
SIMPLE PRICING
No contracts. No commitments. Just hoops.
Every session is a 1-hour small-group class. Sessions with one coach have a max of 5 kids. Sessions with both Semi and Dara support up to 10 kids — still just 5 per coach, so every player gets real attention.
Single Session
Try a class with zero commitment.
- 1-hour coached session
- 5 kids max per coach — real attention, not a crowd
- All ages 5–12 and skill levels
- Parent stays on-site
4-Class Pack
The regular player rate.
- 4 sessions at $12.50 each
- Use on your own schedule
- Valid for 3 months
- Same small-group experience
8-Class Pack
Best rate for committed players.
- 8 sessions at $12.50 each
- Maximum savings
- Valid for 3 months
- Build real skills over time
Affordable because Semi and Dara are young — but you're getting quality basketball instruction from players trained at the highest levels. Have questions? • See the school-year update
AVAILABLE SESSIONS
After-school weekday sessions in Hyde Park when we are in season.
THE COURT IS QUIET
No sessions this school year. We're not taking sign-ups, and there is nothing to book.
We'll post dates here when summer is back. Questions? Drop us a note.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not during the school year. Baba B-Ball is on a timeout until summer, and we are not taking sign-ups. Ask us anything in the meantime.
Our classes are for kids ages 5–12. We tailor every session to the age and skill level of the group.
Just a water bottle, athletic shoes, and comfortable clothes. We provide the basketballs and equipment.
When we're in season, yes. The $15 Single Session is built for that. Right now we're on a school-year timeout, so there's nothing to try until summer.
Yes — a parent or guardian must remain on-site during all sessions. You're welcome and encouraged to watch!
Semi and Dara are competitive basketball players — not certified coaches. When the family lived in Utah, Semi received private training from Coach Johnathan Loyd, Wasatch Academy Assistant Coach, the winningest player in University of Oregon basketball history, and 2013 Pac-12 Tournament MVP. Both brothers attend the Coach Paul Peterson Basketball Camp at Wasatch Academy every summer — a USA TODAY Super 25 nationally ranked program, #1 in Utah, competing in the Nike EYBL Scholastic league. Coach Loyd continues training both brothers every summer at the camps. They bring real, current, competitive basketball experience to every session. All participants are required to have a signed parental waiver before attending.
We keep our classes small — max 5 kids per coach — so every player gets real attention. The coaches review each registration to make sure there's space and your child is matched with the right group for their age and skill level. Most families are confirmed within 24 hours.
Sessions are typically held indoors, so rain isn't an issue. In the event of severe weather (heavy snow, dangerous conditions, etc.) we'll notify you by email and either reschedule or issue a full refund/credit. Package sessions won't count against your total.
Cancel with 24 hours notice for a full refund or credit. No-shows forfeit the session fee.
Sessions are held at courts in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. The exact location will be included in your booking confirmation email. Locations may vary.
GET IN TOUCH
Questions? We're around. Classes and sign-ups wait until summer.
Baba B-Ball
Youth Basketball Classes
Coached by Semi & Dara Opadele
Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois
Off for the school year. Back in summer.
Kids ages 5–12 • All skill levels
$15 per session when we run • No contracts