Tamar Slay is a former NBA player, college All-American, and international professional whose passion for development, discipline, and mentorship has shaped one of the most respected basketball academies in the Southeast.
A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Slay starred at Marshall University, where he became one of the program’s all-time greats and was later inducted into the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame. His success earned him a selection in the 2002 NBA Draft, where he joined the New Jersey Nets and went on to play alongside legends during the team’s NBA Finals runs. Slay continued his career overseas, playing 10+ years of professional basketball across Europe, where he developed a global understanding of player development, work ethic, and leadership.
After retiring from professional basketball, Slay turned his attention to building the next generation of athletes. He founded Slay Basketball Academy, a faith-driven player development program built on the principles of skill, strength, and character. Under his leadership, Slay Basketball has grown into a multi-location training system known for producing elite athletes, college recruits, and disciplined young men and women who excel both on and off the court.
In addition to leading Slay Basketball, Slay serves as the Head Coach at Carmel Christian School, one of the premier basketball programs in North Carolina. His teams are known for their toughness, preparation, and commitment to “doing things the right way.”
Through every role — player, coach, mentor, husband, and father — Tamar’s mission remains the same: to use basketball as a platform to develop leaders in life.
“Basketball is just the tool. The real goal is to teach discipline, faith, and the mindset to win in every area of life.” – Coach Slay
Celeste Slay serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Slay Basketball Academy and has been a core leader in the organization since its founding. Working alongside Tamar Slay, she has helped build Slay Basketball into a premier player-development academy rooted in excellence, structure, and family values.
As COO, Celeste oversees the daily operations of the Academy, including membership management, front desk and parent relations, scheduling and logistics, and the organization and coordination of coaches and staff. She plays a vital role in ensuring the Academy operates efficiently while delivering a consistent, professional experience for athletes and families.
Celeste is deeply involved in translating Slay’s long-term vision into execution, supporting growth, scaling programs, and maintaining the culture that defines the Slay Way. Her leadership helps ensure that what happens behind the scenes matches the elite standard of training on the court.
Scott Merritt brings a lifetime of basketball excellence to Slay Basketball. A former starter on Marquette University’s 2003 Final Four team, Scott went on to play nine years of professional basketball around the world before moving into an 11-year Division I coaching career, including two seasons as a head coach.
During his time at Marquette, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Gardner-Webb, Scott earned a reputation as one of the most respected skill developers and basketball minds in the college game. His passion for teaching and deep understanding of player development have helped countless athletes reach the next level.
Scott is a tremendous addition to the Slay Basketball staff, using his experience, insight, and energy to help the next generation of players unlock their full potential — both on and off the court.
Christopher “CJ” Lloyd Carson II
Hi, my name is Christopher “CJ” Lloyd Carson II. I am 30 years of age & a Charlotte native. Completed my studies at East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. This will be my 4th year coaching and training with Slay Basketball Academy. In my time, i’ve been able to work with all ages and skill levels. From beginners, all the way to professionals! Helping athletes achieve optimal body movement alongside skill building is a passion of mine that you will hear on and off the court! Be ready to get 1% better. Hope to see you soon!
Bryan Gee is a former Division I starter turned elite basketball trainer who has worked with NBA, WNBA, overseas, college, and high school athletes nationwide. A former First Team All-State guard and the first Division I player in his school’s history, Bryan holds school records for assists and triple-doubles. He has trained NBA and Division I players while serving alongside college coaching staffs at programs like Coastal Carolina, Winthrop, Cleveland State, and Western Carolina. His sessions mirror the same standards, drills, and detail demanded at the college and pro levels—because he’s lived it, done it, and coached it firsthand. Bryan specializes in crafting each athlete’s unique play style through a perfect blend of skill development and player development—enhancing touch, handle, offensive awareness, defensive IQ, and overall game readiness that coaches simply can’t overlook.
Born and raised in New York, I later moved to Charlotte, NC, where I became a North Carolina state champion under Coach Tamar Slay. I earned multiple college athletic scholarships. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to coach and train players at the high school, college, and professional levels. I bring my experience and passion for the game to every athlete I work with, helping them reach their full potential on and off the court.
Born in New York City and the son of NBA/European pro Steve Burtt Sr., Steve Burtt Jr. brings a world-class playing background and a gifted teaching style to Slay Basketball Academy. A former point guard and elite scorer, he is known as a “shooter’s coach,” specializing in shooting mechanics, touch, footwork, guard play, and high-IQ decision-making.
College Career – Iona University
Steve became one of Iona’s all-time greats:
- MAAC Tournament MVP & Conference Champion (2006)
- First Team All-MAAC (2006)
- 2nd All-Time Leading Scorer (2,034 points)
- Multiple single-season scoring and shooting records
- Iona Hall of Fame inductee
- Part of one of only two father/son duos in NCAA history (Burtts & Currys) to each score 2,000+ points
Professional Career
Steve went on to an 18-year professional career spanning 15+ countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, highlighted by:
- Multiple-time European Champion
- Multiple European MVP awards
- Multiple Top Scorer awards across elite international leagues
- NBA Summer League: Charlotte Bobcats & Memphis Grizzlies
- Member of the Ukrainian National Team
- Coaching at Slay Basketball Academy
- At Slay, Coach Burtt delivers true pro-level training elite shooting development, advanced guard skills, footwork detail, spacing concepts, and high-level basketball IQ. His global experience and natural teaching ability help every athlete unlock their full potential.
Coach Cam is a premier basketball skill development coach trusted by top athletes — from youth prospects to professionals. Every session is built with precision, focusing on advanced shooting, elite footwork, decision-making, and total game IQ. His training approach is designed to separate players from the competition and prepare them to dominate on every level.
Athletic Background:
• High School: Began his athletic career at Butler High School (Matthews, NC), where he played football for two years before transferring to Central Academy at Lake Park, leading the team to the Super 7 as one of the top high school teams in the county.
• Prep Career: Played at Combine Academy, capturing the NACA National Championship (2017).
• College: Competed at Methodist University, where he helped his team reach the USA South Conference Final Four (2018) and win the USA South Conference Championship (2019).
Jordan Paris brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of player development at every level of the game. A standout member of the 2002 High School National Championship team, he earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the National Tournament, showcasing his skill and leadership on the court.
Following a successful college basketball career, Jordan transitioned into coaching and player development, where his passion for teaching the game has flourished. As a Nike Basketball Camp Director, he has led high-level training environments that emphasize fundamentals, advanced skill work, and the mental approach required for success.
Over the course of his career, Jordan has personally trained more than 25,000 athletes, ranging from grassroots players just beginning their journey to seasoned professionals competing at the highest levels. His unique ability to connect with athletes, break down the game, and push them toward their potential has made him one of the most trusted names in basketball training.
