Meet Our Founder
Amir Rashad
(formerly known as Quentin Youngblood)
Amir Rashad is a faith-driven leader, educator, and former professional athlete dedicated to developing young people through character, discipline, and sport. A former Division I basketball scholarship athlete at the University of Washington, Amir embraced Islam during his college years — a transformative decision that continues to shape his leadership and service.
He earned All-State honors at El Cerrito High School before competing professionally in Germany, Brazil, and Indonesia. With more than 18 years of coaching and mentorship experience, Amir has impacted youth locally and internationally through structured athletic, leadership, and character development programs. He also teaches Mathematics in a Bay Area public school, bringing the same discipline and mentorship from the court into the classroom.
Amir currently serves as the Director of Deen Sports Academy, Director of the United Muslim Association, and as one of the Imams at the Islamic Center of Alameda and Masjid Wahadah in Oakland, California, where he integrates faith, education, and community leadership to cultivate disciplined, purpose-driven young leaders on and off the court.
Coaching Philosophy
At Deen & Basketball, coaching is leadership in action. Our coaches are not only instructors of the game, but they are also mentors, role models, and builders of character.
We are committed to creating a structured, disciplined, and empowering environment where every athlete feels seen, challenged, and supported.
1. High Standards with High Support
We believe in excellence (Ihsan).
We set clear expectations for effort, focus, discipline, and respect.
But we do not demand greatness without guidance.
We teach it. We model it. We reinforce it daily.
Accountability is not punishment; it is preparation.
2. Growth Mindset Over Fixed Talent
We coach effort, not ego.
We believe players are built, not born.
Mistakes are learning moments.
Adversity is training.
Failure is feedback.
We teach athletes to respond, not react, to grow instead of shrink. (Growth Mindset)
3. Character Before Competition
Wins matter.
But who the athlete becomes matters more.
Our coaches emphasize:
Integrity in conduct
Humility in success
Dignity in defeat
Responsibility in leadership
Basketball reveals character. We coach to refine it.
4. Positive, Constructive Communication
We correct with clarity and respect.
We praise effort and discipline more than natural ability.
Our communication style is:
Direct but uplifting
Honest but encouraging
Firm but fair
We build confidence through consistency, not volume.
5. Mentorship Beyond the Court
Our coaches serve as mentors in life, not just sport.
We guide athletes in:
Academic responsibility
Emotional regulation
Leadership development
Faith-centered identity
We understand that young athletes watch what we do more than they hear what we say.
6. Team Culture Built on Brotherhood & Sisterhood
We model unity, mutual respect, and service.
We teach that:
No player is bigger than the team
Leadership begins with serving
Communication builds trust
Discipline builds freedom
The gym is not just a place to compete; it is a place to belong.
“When a coach speaks, kids listen.
But when a coach lives what he teaches, kids transform.” - Coach Amir