Sydney Kopp
DePauw University
First Team All-American
DePauw All-Time Leading Scorer
Professional: Germany

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON WAS HOW TO TRULY WORK
I can easily say that Coach Greg and the rest of the trainers at Breakaway Basketball are the main reason for my success in basketball today. Throughout my 4 years of college, I would constantly continue the dribbling and shooting drills that I had learned at Breakaway. Although the drills and basketball knowledge I had learned from Breakaway were essential to my basketball career, the most important lesson Breakaway taught me was how to truly work hard. Before I started going to Breakaway, I thought I understood what working hard meant and what it would take to achieve the goals I had in mind. After working with Coach Greg and the other trainers, I realized that working hard does not just mean doing what everyone else is doing, but rather, continuing to push yourself when you know your competition has given in. Continuing to push yourself when you don't think you can possibly get in another rep. I had the opportunity to train with boys my age at Breakaway every night of the week throughout high school because Coach Greg emphasized that basketball is basketball regardless of your gender. This experience not only taught me how to be stronger and more confident once I was going against girls in college, but it also taught me that I can compete and ask the same of myself as anybody else who plays basketball. I can confidently say for a fact that if it had not been for Breakaway Basketball, I would never have accomplished my goals at DePauw and eventually my dream of becoming a professional basketball player. The trainers at Breakaway care about you as people just as much as players, and that is what separates Breakaway from any other program. 

Nate Shockey
University of North Dakota
Division 1 Scholarship Player

HELPED ME TAKE MY GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Breakaway Basketball has developed my skill level tremendously throughout my basketball career. The workouts year-round and AAU practices helped me take my game to the next level. Coach Greg and the rest of the Breakaway staff taught me how to work hard the right way. All of the coaches always bring so much energy and enthusiasm to every workout. Most importantly everyone at Breakaway Basketball wants to see you succeed and they do anything in their control to guide you. I had an incredible time with my three years on the AAU team and couldn’t have asked for a better program to be a part of.

Sean McGonagill
Brown University
First Team All-Ivy League
Professional: Germany, United Kingdom

HELPED ME UNVEIL MY FULL POTENTIAL
For all the years that I have been playing basketball, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play under Greg. Even though it was only for a year, I got the most out of that one year than I have my entire basketball career. Our AAU team may not have been the biggest or most athletic group of players, but under Greg’s direction, he recognized our strengths and developed us into the smartest and most hard-working team. We were able to challenge and beat the top-ranked teams in the country and by the end of the summer we took 13th in the nation. His hard work and dedication to the game has inspired me and helped me unveil my full potential as a player and a leader on my team. Greg Ktistou is not just a coach, he is a motivating leader and role model.

John Cheng
Denison University
University of Chicago - Men's Basketball Assistant Coach

INTENSE AND CHALLENGING
Coach Greg and the rest of the staff at Breakaway basketball do a tremendous job of improving the skills of each and every player. Breakaway basketball’s workouts push you to the very best of your ability as they are intense and challenging. You are certain that you become a better player every time you step on the court with Breakaway. Not only does your skillset develop with Breakaway but your mind does too. Through each workout, you gain a stronger understanding of the importance of hard work and dedication. As a result, this mindset begins to translate to other major aspects of life.

Bledar Dervishi
Lake Forest College

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND DEDICATION
I have known Coach Greg since the beginning of my basketball career and through those years I have experienced many different coaches and trainers. That being said, I can honestly say that my best experience as a player has come with Coach Greg. Coach Greg is extremely knowledgeable about the game and if you've ever seen him coach or train you would know what I'm talking about. Perhaps his best quality as a basketball trainer is his ability to get the best effort (and that's a lot, trust me) out of his players. Coach Greg has a unique ability to relate to his players on a personal level because he's experienced the hard work that's required to become a successful basketball player. He knows the effort and dedication that it takes to become a great player, and as a coach, he demands that same effort and focus from his players. I think that's why so many of his players, myself included, became successful basketball players. We bought into what he said because: 1.) we wanted to become better basketball players 2.) and perhaps more importantly, we believed him. Without a doubt, I believe that Coach Greg's experience, knowledge, and dedication towards developing great basketball players makes him one of the best at what he does. I confidently recommend Coach Greg to anyone who wants to develop into a better basketball player.

Mark Bentley
Case Western University
University of Illinois

RECOMMEND TO ANY PLAYER, AT ANY LEVEL
Coach Greg is simply the best at what he does. I have experienced Greg’s Coaching and mentoring for almost 10 years and he is responsible for so much of my development as a basketball player, and as a person. He has the ability to get the most out of all his players and make them want more out of themselves. His knowledge of basketball is only one aspect of his effectiveness as a trainer and coach. With an unmatched intensity and love for the sport, as well as the personal attention he gives everyone he works with, he just makes his players want to train harder and do what it takes to get better. I owe my experience as a college basketball to him and truly wouldn’t have accomplished what I have without his help. My appreciation and support for the way he approaches coaching and training has inspired me to be a part of Breakaway Basketball and help him continue to reach more players. I am proud to work alongside Coach Greg and would recommend him to any player, at any level, who wants to excel in the sport of basketball.

Kareem Amedu
Rockhurst University
Scholarship Player

GREATEST COACH/TRAINER I'VE EVER BEEN AROUND
Coach Greg is easily the best coach that I’ve ever played for. I never truly knew what potential and ability I had until Greg pushed me to that limit and made me the player that I am today. It doesn’t matter if there’s one person in the gym or 30 people in the gym, everyone that participates will leave the gym tired, but exceptionally better than they came in, and that’s what it’s all about. Playing under Greg during AAU was the greatest time of my life. He brought in a team of smart players that didn’t so much look the part, but he got us to play the part, and we enjoyed a few summers defeating top-ranked teams in the nation. If it wasn’t for Greg’s coaching and guidance I don’t think any of us players would have made it to where we are today. Greatest coach/trainer that I’ve ever been around.

Kevin Golden
Parent
Head Coach - Pleasantdale Wolves

TEACHES THE FUNDAMENTALS
In the past fifteen years, the development of youth travel basketball programs and AAU basketball teams has exploded. Unfortunately, for several coaches, the concept of teaching hard work, dedication, and learning fundamentals has been lost to making money and putting All-star teams together. Greg is training and coaching young players because he loves the game and wants to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of players. He teaches the fundamentals that your son or daughter will need to succeed in the game of basketball. More importantly, he teaches core values that will assist your child in life. My son enjoys attending Greg's workouts and I have seen the improvement in his basketball skills and his passion for the game. More importantly, my son knows that he has to put in the work to become a better player. As a former player and a youth basketball coach, I do not think you can find a person who has more dedication to the game of basketball than Greg.

Lisa Hanley
Parent

I CAN SEE HOW MUCH MY CHILDREN HAVE IMPROVED
We have had four different children attend Breakaway Basketball training sessions over the last few years. They all love to go and work out with Greg and his staff. It is fun for them, but it is also effective. I can see how much my children have improved as a result of these sessions. I wholeheartedly endorse their training methods and have recommended the training sessions to many of my friends who have children who play competitive basketball.

Scott Daniels
Parent

HELPED LIGHT THAT FIRE AND TAUGHT SAM HOW TO WORK HARD
My wife and I can't say enough good things about Greg Ktistou. We feel fortunate to have found him three years ago when we started looking for skills training for our now HS freshman son Sam. From the very first session, Sam was hooked and he still looks forward to every "Ktistou workout" because he sees that the work he's putting in is making him a better player. Greg helped light that fire and taught Sam how to work hard and to push past his comfort level in the safe and super positive environment that Greg provides. "Push for your best!" is something you'll hear often during a workout. Greg is an exceptional teacher and the skills he emphasizes are fundamental to being a good basketball player at any age/level of play. Rarely will you find someone who has Greg's level of practical basketball knowledge and experience who also has the gift of being able to teach relevant skills as effectively as he does. His energy, enthusiasm and obvious love for the game create a great atmosphere for every workout. Greg really connects with each kid and it's easy to see that he takes a genuine interest in their development as people, as well as players. I've been around basketball my whole life (former D1 college player, dad who was a longtime college coach, wife who also played D1 ball) and I can tell you that no one does it better than Greg Ktistou!

Amy Kramer
Parent

ENERGETIC AND KNOWLEDGABLE
My children have been going to Breakaway workouts with Greg for a little over a year. I can tell you that these workouts are some of the best I have seen in my 35+ years of playing and coaching basketball. Greg is one of the most energetic and knowledgable basketball people I have been around. His workouts are tough...they are not for the casual player. Players will be pushed, work hard, and be very tired when they are done. I have seen my kids' games move to another level after working with Greg and his Breakaway staff.

Jeff Blust
Parent

FAR MORE THAN A COACH
Greg's own work ethic and commitment to the game come through at every practice; his enthusiasm is contagious. He expects every player to work toward becoming a complete player; shooting, passing, rebounding, defense, transition, and communication. During Greg’s workouts, he shows the players the drills and technics which will allow them to make a significant jump in the quality of their game. Players receive constant feedback not only on their technics but increasing their basketball IQ. At the end of each practice, Greg spends time with each player inspiring them to work on their own. He is far more than a coach to my son Peter who has been working with Greg for the past 3 years. Peter now knows what it will take to become a college player and thanks to Greg he has the attitude, drive, and work ethic to make his dream a reality. Greg doesn’t coach he connects!

DR
Parent

MY SONS ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR NEXT SESSIONS
In all my years of being involved with basketball as a player, fan, youth coach, and player's dad I have never seen a better program for individual basketball skill development and conditioning than Coach Greg's. My sons always look forward to their next sessions with anticipation.

Tom O'Keefe
Parent

PREPARING ATHLETES FOR THE HS LEVEL AND BEYOND
Coach Ktistou has worked with my twin sons on their conditioning and basketball skills since they were 9 years old. Now sophomores, they have been able to compete on the HS level because of the work ethic that Greg has helped instill in them, not just in basketball, but in the classroom and in their other sports as well. I have attended many sports camps and clinics as both a parent and youth coach over the years, and Greg's expertise and enthusiasm for teaching the game of basketball and for preparing athletes for the HS level (and beyond) is second to none.

Lou Surprenant
Parent

INSTILL CONFIDENCE
I have coached sports for over 30 years and in all that time I have never seen anybody who could teach the fundamentals of a sport as good as Greg does, especially in a one hour period. The fundamentals that he teaches instill a great confidence in his students that really carries over onto the court during games.

Laura Surprenant
Parent

CARE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY ATHLETE
My boys walk out of a one-hour workout with Greg dripping with sweat and cannot wait to go back again. Their game has improved dramatically. The most impressive part about his training is that there is nothing demeaning in his style and yet he commands their total attention and respect. He really does care about each and every athlete. He wants all of them to succeed.

Jason and Janice Christensen
Parents

PUSHES THEM TO DO THEIR VERY BEST
Greg has high expectations - he pushes them to do their very best, which is sometimes even more than the players themselves realize they can accomplish. He celebrates with them when they complete goals.
Greg communicates to the players that they have to keep their playing in perspective…that hard work and good attitudes will carry over into other aspects of their life. He reminds them to stay focused on family and school and not just their playing.
Greg has shown the players through the example of his life to hold on to dreams and to do what it takes to accomplish them.

Ed Lavin
President
Oakbrook Knights Basketball

HARD WORK, EFFORT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Breakaway Basketball provides a positive hands-on learning experience that allows players to develop a passion for hard work, effort, and accountability. Coach Greg and his staff work weekly with every player in the Knights Travel Basketball program and the improvement in fundamental skills have made a significant positive difference in overall player development. Breakaway Basketball has been instrumental in helping players improve on the court by gaining confidence in their own skills. Many of the players elect to train with Breakaway Basketball in the off-season because they are motivated by the results that have experienced. Coach Greg and his staff know every player's name and this personalized approach creates an environment where players feel comfortable making mistakes as part of the learning process. Most importantly, Coach Greg's motivational messages provide all the players with important lessons that can be applied off the court.

Tony Lavorato
Head Coach
Maine South - Boys Varsity Basketball

EFFICIENT AND SKILLFUL TRAINING
Coach Ktistou is one of the finest basketball skill developers in the state of Illinois. I have known Greg for over 20 years and send my own children to work with him. His passion, work ethic, and attention to detail allow for efficient and skillful training sessions. Greg has a wonderful message for players of all ages. Both Boys and Girls will benefit from his program.

Mike Reingruber
Head Coach
Riverside Brookfield - Boys Varsity Basketball

INSTRUMENTAL IN THE SUCCESS OF RB
Greg and Breakaway Basketball have been instrumental in the success of Riverside Brookfield Basketball. Our players from 4th grade all the way through high school and college, enjoy working with Greg and his staff. The coaches at RB, have been able to see their improvement first hand. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to get better at the game of basketball.

Vince Doran
Head Coach
York High School - Varsity Boys Basketball

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS SECOND TO NO ONE
Greg Ktistou is one of the finest basketball coaches I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I highly recommend that any player wanting to develop their basketball skills work with Coach Ktistou. I have seen his work firsthand in terms of developing a player's talent. His basketball background and instructional methods are second to no one. Coach K's training sessions are a must for any player that wants to get better.

Joe Niego
Founder
Chicago Lockdown
1987 Houston Rocket's Draft Pick

IMPROVE THE SKILLS OF PLAYERS OF ALL AGES
Greg Ktistou blends a rich history of teaching in the classroom and experience on the basketball court. These unique qualities allow him to impact and improve the skills of players of all ages. He trains our Chicago LockDown players and I highly recommend him.

Mike Nolan
Head Coach
Downers Grove Nomads

VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS OF HARD WORK, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TEAMWORK
I have observed Greg train both teams and individuals and he consistently displays a passion for helping each and every one of the players he works with achieve their full potential. What makes Greg most unique and special is that he develops within his players not only the proper technique of dribbling, passing and shooting a basketball, but most importantly, valuable life lessons of hard work, accountability, and teamwork. Combining these skills into coaching is not easy and rarely done well, but Greg does it naturally. He teaches his players how to succeed on the basketball court as well as succeeding in the most important game, the game of life.

Dan Bartkowiak
Director, Coach, and Parent
Downers Grove Wolfpack

I COULD SEE SKILL SET IMPROVEMENT IN EACH PLAYER
I first heard about Greg's training from a parent whose son was a former player of his. After hearing nothing but good reports, I decided to let my own son participate in some training sessions. Even though I have been around the sport coaching almost 25 years, I was immediately impressed by Greg's passion and knowledge for teaching the game. In a short time, I could already see skill set improvement in each player. Using his own personal experience and success, I appreciate how Greg teaches players to hold themselves accountable to train hard and challenge themselves to get better. After seeing the value of his instruction, several of our travel program basketball teams and coaches have now started participating in team training sessions with Greg. I look forward to more training sessions with him!

Mike Burr
Coach
Hinsdale Inferno

TEACHING HARD WORK, DEDICATION, AND COMMITMENT
Greg's approach to teaching hard work, dedication and commitment, through basketball, separates his training from other alternatives. The Breakaway Basketball development approach isn't for the casual athlete, but Greg Ktistou's approach will bring the best out of the player committed to becoming a better basketball player. Greg's system of "accountable" motivation was perfect for my 8th-grade girls team, as many continue to train with the Breakaway Team.