Who is ITG Hoops?
❊ About Us
From Players, For Players.
The Game Gave Us Everything. Now We Give Back.
ITG Hoops was built by two players who have lived the journey themselves. Robert McCowan and Michael Afrakoff. From junior basketball and representative teams to college and high-level competition, we've experienced the success, the setbacks, and everything in between.
We created ITG Hoops to give players the coaching, knowledge, and support we wish we had growing up. Every session is designed with purpose, focusing on building real game skills, confidence, basketball IQ, and a strong work ethic.
Our goal is simple: help every athlete become the best player—and person—they can be, by sharing the lessons we've learned and continue to learn through the years of playing the game we love.
Meet Coach Rob!
Coach Rob is the founder of ITG Hoops and a current professional basketball player with experience competing across Australia, the USA, China, Taiwan, and England. His passion for the game extends beyond playing, with a commitment to helping athletes develop the habits and skills required to perform at the highest level. Rob's coaching philosophy combines elite footwork, basketball IQ, competitive mindset, and attention to detail, creating an environment where players are challenged, supported, and empowered to become the best version of themselves.
🌍 Professional playing experience across 5 countries
🏀 Founder of ITG Hoops
🧠 Specialises in footwork, basketball IQ & player development
Meet Coach Mikey
Coach Mikey is the Co-Founder of ITG Hoops and a current NBL1 player who spent three seasons competing at the collegiate level in the United States. Having experienced the journey from Australian basketball to the US system, he is passionate about helping players reach their full potential through purposeful training and mentorship. Mikey's coaching philosophy is built around elite ball handling, basketball IQ, confidence, and the mental resilience needed to perform under pressure. Combining his playing experience with his background in psychology, he is committed to helping every athlete become a smarter, more complete player—both on and off the court.
🇦🇺 Current NBL1 player
🇺🇸 3 seasons of US college basketball
🏀 Specialises in elite ball handling & guard development
Client TESTIMONIALS
“Coach Mikey has been an outstanding private basketball coach for my son Blake. From the very first session he made Blake feel comfortable, motivated and excited to learn. Mikey has a natural ability to connect with kids, creating a positive and encouraging environment where they feel confident to try new things and improve. Blake genuinely looked forward to every session and always came away smiling, more confident and eager to keep practicing. He explains skills clearly, focuses on strong fundamentals and understands how to challenge young players while still keeping the sessions fun and engaging. His knowledge of the game, combined with his ability to relate to younger athletes, makes him an exceptional coach. I would highly recommend Mikey to any parent looking for a knowledgeable, supportive and inspiring basketball coach. Blake has not only improved his skills, but his confidence and love for the game have grown as well.”
Dean, on Coach Mikey
“As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful for the impact Coach Rob has had on my daughter in her first year on the team. He sets high expectations in every session and takes the time to explain skills and give corrections, making sure she gets the most out of each practice. He celebrates progress while continuing to challenge her to improve. Within larger group sessions, he addresses distractions immediately, reinforcing his standards and instilling a strong sense of discipline. His approach is always positive and encouraging. It’s clear that he knows his players as individuals and genuinely cares about their development. My daughter responds so well to his feedback and often comes home excited to show me new skills he’s taught her. I’ve seen her abilities improve tremendously, but even more importantly, her confidence and passion for basketball have grown much more. She truly looks forward to his sessions and will miss him greatly. We’ve been very fortunate to have him and would love to see him return next season.”
Suanna, on Coach Rob
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the incredible work you've been doing with my son, Justin. Over the past few months, we've seen remarkable growth in his basketball skills and his overall understanding of the game. Your ability to break down fundamental techniques—from footwork to shooting form—has been invaluable. More importantly, you've taught him the importance of hard work, discipline, and consistency.
Thank you for being such a positive role model and for pushing him to be his best, both on and off the court.”
Li, on Coach Rob
“I had the pleasure of working alongside Michael during my time as President at Crushers, and I honestly can’t speak highly enough of him. Not only is he an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate coach, but he has a natural ability to connect with kids and make basketball genuinely enjoyable for them. Michael coached my eldest son and had such a positive impact on him not just in developing his skills, but in building his confidence and love for the game. He creates an environment that is supportive, encouraging, and fun, while still challenging players to grow and reach their potential.
As a person, Michael is reliable, respectful, and deeply committed to the development of the kids he coaches. He brings great energy to every session and truly cares about the players both on and off the court. I would absolutely recommend Michael to any club or family looking for a coach who makes a lasting difference.”
Maddy, on Coach Mikey
“Finding a coach like Rob has been a total game changer for our family. He teaches my 14-year-old son, who is Autistic, and the warmth and dedication he brings to every session is just incredible.
Rob doesn’t just 'teach basketball' he teaches with a level of patience and perseverance that is rare to find. He meets every student exactly where they are, ensuring they don't just learn the sport, but actually feel the pride of progress.
What truly sets Rob apart is the beautiful community he has built. He has created a safe, joyful space where these boys who often face so many barriers can simply be themselves, find their 'team,' and build lifelong friendships. Seeing them smile, connect, and support one another is pure magic. We are beyond grateful for the heart Rob pours into this group; he isn't just a coach, he’s a mentor and a friend to these kids.”
Olesea Rotaru, on Coach Rob