We started this journey with a deep passion for sports and a belief that travel can change lives. There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing young athletes come alive as they play the game they love in incredible places like Europe. That’s why we built this program—to give student-athletes the chance to compete internationally in an Olympic-style event, all while exploring new cultures and growing as individuals.
Our mission is simple: to provide a first-class experience that blends elite competition with life-changing cultural exposure. We believe in the power of watching a young athlete gain confidence while representing their country on foreign soil. Every trip is designed to build lifelong memories and send athletes home with a new perspective on the world.
Our Team: Unmatched Expertise in European Basketball
Our program is powered by a team of coaches and staff with unmatched knowledge and experience. We’ve coached and played in over seven European countries, and we’ve all worked with other great organizations. Now, we’re dedicated to building the best possible company, one that’s exclusively committed to basketball.
With decades of expertise in group travel and tourism, our team ensures every trip is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable. We’re here to help student-athletes develop their skills, make lasting memories, and embark on a journey that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The selection committee is made up of dedicated coaches, educators, enthusiast, and scouts. They conduct a thorough evaluation of each athlete to assess their suitability and alignment with the USA Gold Standards. This collaborative approach ensures that every candidate is given careful consideration fostering a strong and supportive environment for all participants.
The selection committee is made up of dedicated coaches, educators, enthusiast, and scouts. They conduct a thorough evaluation of each athlete to assess their suitability and alignment with the USA Gold Standards. This collaborative approach ensures that every candidate is given careful consideration fostering a strong and supportive environment for all participants.
Chris brings a unique perspective as both a former athlete and a parent of two children who have experienced the European tour. A two-year varsity basketball player, he knows firsthand the positive impact of competitive sports. With a background in mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University, Chris believes the combination of high-level basketball and cultural immersion can strengthen every athlete on their journey through life.
Tom began his coaching career at North Alabama in 1982. With career stops at North Alabama, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Southeast Missouri State, UAB, Central Florida, Texas-Pan Am, Paris JC, Jacksonville State and most recently Southern Miss, Tom was part of the winning handshake over 300 times. His teams won fifteen D-1 league championships and made eleven NCAA appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen in 1995, and coached in 4 NIT tournaments. He spent five years at Memphis during the mid-1990s, where he made his mark as one of the top recruiters in the nation. In 2007, he was the NCAA Independent Division Coach of the Year. He has worked with the Harlem Globetrotters for over 10 years.
As a player he was a three-time letter winner at Mississippi State, named to the SEC All-Academic Team and was an honorable mention Academic All-American. In 1979, he was third in the SEC in assists (107) and first in charges taken. He spent his freshman year at UNLV and was part of the school’s 1977 Final Four team.
Tom has coached in Europe and traveled extensively throughout Europe. He successfully outran the bulls in Pamplona and his favorite city is Venice.
As a player, Coach Bernard was a standout, earning Houston Chronicle Player of the Year and being named one of the top 5 guards at the Nike All-American Camp. A McDonald’s All-American Nominee and Top 40 National Recruit, he played for the University of Texas and later graduated from the University of Houston. He went on to play professionally in China and South America, giving him a unique international perspective.
Now as a coach, Bernard brings that same expertise and passion to the court. He has worked with over 50 collegiate and 20 professional athletes, and has coached on five international tours. His passion for representing the USA as a coach is the driving force to move USA Gold forward. He currently serves as the General Manager for Grand Parkway Sports Complex, our Houston headquarters and gym partner.
Bret is a dedicated sports enthusiast and entrepreneur whose lifelong passion for basketball has been a constant. With more than three decades of experience on the court, including high school and collegiate club play, he brings a unique, player’s perspective to everything he does. In his professional life, Bret is a private investor and entrepreneur. When he’s not working, he is a committed family man and a member of First Methodist Church.
Bret and Chris understand the need to expand the athletes overall life and game experiences and together they founded USA Gold Student Athlete.
Todd is an accomplished General Manager at Bucher Municipal with a BBA in Business Administration and Management from The University of Texas. He brings extensive leadership experience from his previous role as General Manager of Legends Sports Complex. A former collegiate baseball player drafted by the Houston Astros, Todd also has a strong background in coaching, having mentored over 15 Division I basketball and football players.
Chris brings a unique perspective as both a former athlete and a parent of two children who have experienced the European tour. A two-year varsity basketball player, he knows firsthand the positive impact of competitive sports. With a background in mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University, Chris believes the combination of high-level basketball and cultural immersion can strengthen every athlete on their journey through life.
Greg is an experienced basketball evaluator and youth basketball mentor. He holds a strong passion for developing talent, as demonstrated by his annual work at youth basketball camps in Texas and Florida. He regularly attends the Nike Peach Jam to scout the next generation of NBA talent and is a strong advocate for international competition, having played on a team that toured China in high school. The tour had a profound impact on him and is something he encourages every young player to pursue. Greg has coached all age groups and experience training both boys and girls at the high school and middle school levels.
