Taylor Statham is a professional basketball player, owner of Statham Academy, and co-founder of Creators Basketball, one of the top ranked kids travel basketball teams in California.
A native of Santa Clarita, Taylor's life story is amazing and young athletes can learn from it because Taylor represents much more than a basketball player and a coach. His impact on the local basketball community of Santa Clarita is truly inspiring
While Taylor practiced on G League teams such as the South Bay Lakers, his basketball journey took him international.
It was in Asia, Europe and in other locations where Taylor built up his well rounded experience playing point guard, shooting guard and small forward on some of the best teams around the world.
Taylor has played in 12 different countries, most notably in the Philippines on Chooks To Go, in Indonesia on Pacific Caeser and in Thailand on the Madgoats.
Taylor has a lot of MVP awards and championships from Asia where he even managed to play for the Philippines in the Fiba 3×3 circuit, at that moment, Taylor was the number one ranked player in Asia.
In addition to his ranking as #1 3x3 Player in the Phillipines, here is a list of Taylor Statham's additional individual & team accomplishments:
Fiba 3x3 #1 player in Asia
Back to back Best SF Award TBSL
Scoring Champion TBSL
MVP Hong Kong
MVP in Canada
Top Indonesia Top Assists Award
1st Team all TBSL
Championships in Philippines/ Hong Kong/ Indonesia.
Cup championships in China/ Canada/ Malaysia/ Philippines/ Thailand
Scoring records in Thailand: one game (57), average in one season (28.6), points in one season
Drew League Player of the week
Speaking of 3x3 basketball, Taylor also joined his Creators co-founders Travis Divita and Alec Berryman to represent Santa Clarita at USA Basketball's 3x3 tournament at the basketball hall of fame last year.
Taylor's grandmother is Filipina and he got exposure in the Philippines when a local basketball writer basketball got to know about him back in 2014, while he was still playing for the University of California in San Bernardino (CSUSB) Coyotes.
He played there for three years, and in his senior year, he was a starter in all games, averaging almost 10 PPG and more than 5 RPG. As a bit of trivia, the CSUSB Coyotes are the alma mater of Jimmy Alapag, the most successful Filipino coach who is at the moment assistant coach for the Stockton Kings in the G League.
Because of his packed schedule, this lifelong Lakers fan has had to turn down offers to play in various countries, including Serbia, Finland, Argentina, and Mexico, among others. Interestingly, his favorite player is Larry Bird, an unusual thing for the Lakers fan, but as everyone knows - all Lakers fans have a quiet respect for the Hick from French Lick.
This spring Taylor entered the BIG3 draft pool and although he left a great impression and was mocked drafted in the second round, was not drafted (BIG3 owners tend to go for retired NBA names rather than experienced 3x3 talent).
BIG3 has a huge number of ex-NBA players this season and the talent level in the league is growing every season. It wouldn't be a surprise if in the future Taylor manages to get a spot and leave a mark in BIG3.
Still, by far the biggest impact this cancer survivor is having by helping the young players of Santa Clarita.
More About Statham Academy, Santa Clarita's Premier Kids Basketball League
Hundreds of kids fall in love with the game of basketball because of Statham Academy and Taylor's coaching.
At Statham Academy, Taylor runs a new Santa Clarita Basketball Youth League and multiple summertime Basketball Camps.
Through his mentorship, Taylor has helped a lot High School players from Santa Clarita to get scholarships and play at the NCAA level.
And like that is not enough, over 40 players from Statham Academy have signed contracts to play at a professional level all around the world.
Taylor has walked the earth and traveled the world, playing basketball like Caine from Kung Fu, and has now brought all of that knowledge with him back to Santa Clarita and Los Angeles area to open the eyes of players and teach them that there are great, and high paying international alternatives to the NBA .
And as basketball grows internationally, so are those opportunities.
We talked with Taylor about his passion for basketball, and here is what he shared with us.
How did you get started playing basketball?
I grew up playing and watching my dad, Derek Statham, who was also my coach. He helped me develop my work ethic and love for the game.
What is your favorite thing about coaching basketball?
Changing lives, especially for kids who don't know the path they can follow or their potential.
What makes the city of Santa Clarita special about basketball?
There is so much untapped potential in Santa Clarita, and so many good basketball programs. We have everything from Golden Valley High, a program I grew up through, to nationally ranked West Ranch. I feel Santa Clarita basketball is just getting started.
What is one tip or word of advice you would give parents looking to get their kid(s) into basketball? And what are some of the positive qualities you see kids getting from playing basketball?
Find the right environment where there’s teaching to put them ahead of the curve but also fun so they grow that love for the game. Positive qualities- Accountability, hard work, discipline, and confidence.
The best way to contact Taylor is at Statham Academy or to follow his academy on social media.