Meet Kelvin McNeil - Owner, Lead Coach, and Trainer of Hillsborough Basketball Academy

Welcome to Hillsborough Basketball Academy! My name is Kelvin McNeil, and I am the proud owner, lead coach, and trainer of this exciting venture. Basketball has been a lifelong passion for me, and I am thrilled to bring my experiences and expertise to the youth of Hillsborough, Durham, and Chapel Hill North Carolina through this academy.

My Basketball Journey

My basketball journey began at the age of 4, growing up as a military brat. Moving around frequently meant constantly adjusting to new environments, but basketball was the one constant in my life. No matter where we lived, basketball provided me with a way to make friends and create a community. It quickly became more than just a game—it was my passion and a cornerstone of my identity.

I played high school basketball at Menchville High School, where I led my team to a 22-3 record. My senior year, I transferred to Massanutten Military Academy, where I continued to develop my game, helping my team achieve a 24-16 record while averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds per game against the nations best high school programs. My efforts earned me 11 Division I scholarship offers, and I ultimately committed to play at the University of Delaware under Coach Monte Ross.

At Delaware, I made an immediate impact, starting as a 6'8" Point Guard, who had the ability to play every position on the court (1-5) and quickly establishing myself as a force on the court. I led the team in rebounds and was known for my defensive skills. During my time at Delaware, I was honored to serve as a 3-year captain, which allowed me to develop leadership skills both on and off the court. However, like many others my collegiate career was impacted negatively by several injuiries, which required me to have a total of 4 surgeries within 3 years.

After my time at Delaware, I graduated with honors and transferred to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I continued to hone my skills, get back healthy and deepen my understanding of the game under the guidance of Head Coach Wes Miller, and Assistant Coaches Jackie Manuel, Duane Simpkins, and Mike Roberts. Coach Wes Miller and Jackie Manuel, who both won a national championship at the University of North Carolina, greatly influenced my basketball IQ and philosophies. My college career laid a strong foundation that granted me an opportunity to play professionally overseas for three seasons.

Professional Career

Following my collegiate career, I played in the Malaysia Basketball League, where I averaged 22 points and 8 rebounds per game, leading my team to a championship victory—an achievement that remains one of the highlights of my career.

I also played two seasons in the French NM1 league, representing Chartres and Andrezioux. In Chartres, I averaged 10.5 points and 6 rebounds per game, while in Andrezioux, I elevated my performance to average 17 points and 8 rebounds. My contributions were crucial in helping my team maintain its status in NM1 before I retired from professional basketball in 2015.

Academic and Professional Background

Education has always been a priority for me, alongside my basketball career. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a 3.0 GPA from the Alfred Lerner School of Business. My academic journey continued at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I earned my Master’s degree in Crisis Management.

Since retiring from basketball, I have transitioned into a career in IT, working as a business analyst, consultant, software engineer, product strategist, and account manager. Throughout my career, I have maintained a Public Trust Level 5 Security Clearance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services while supporting agencies such as the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), reflecting my commitment to integrity and excellence.

Family and Personal Life

I am blessed to be married to my wonderful wife, Ruth McNeil. Together, we have two amazing children, Kelvin James McNeil and Karmen Beth McNeil, who bring joy and inspiration to our lives every day. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such a wonderful family.

Why I Started Hillsborough Basketball Academy

Hillsborough Basketball Academy was born out of my deep passion for the game and my desire to give back to the community. Growing up, basketball was my way of connecting with others and creating a sense of belonging, no matter where life took me.

My goal is to pour that same love for basketball, leadership, and confidence into the youth I train and coach. Through this academy, I aim to inspire young athletes, helping them develop not just as players, but as individuals who can lead with confidence both on and off the court.

I look forward to the journey ahead and am excited to work with the young talents within RTP, helping them achieve their full potential in basketball and beyond.

Thank you for visiting Hillsborough Basketball Academy. I invite you to join us in this exciting journey, where passion meets purpose, and every player is given the tools and confidence to succeed.