Mr. Danny Tjoeng, a science department teacher of Chemistry and Earth and Space Science. He coaches Boys JV Basketball and Girls Varsity Handball teams. He goes over his experience as a coach and what he hopes for in the future as he continues coaching and teaching at Bryant!
Fawzia Ikra
“Please introduce yourself Mr. Tjoeng.”
Mr Tjoeng
“My name is Mr. Tjoeng and I teach Chemistry and Earth and Space Science. I also coach the Boys JV Basketball and Girls Varsity Handball teams.”
Fawzia Ikra
- “How long have you been coaching the boys Junior Varsity basketball team?”
Mr. Tjoeng
“This is my first season as the Boys JV Basketball coach. It’s been a rewarding experience watching the players grow both as athletes and individuals during this time.”
Fawzia Ikra
- How would you describe yourself as a coach?
Mr. Tjoeng
I would describe myself as a supportive but demanding coach. I believe in pushing my players to be the best they can be, while fostering a positive and team-oriented environment. I focus on building skills, teamwork, and instilling a strong work ethic.
Fawzia Ikra
- What is the most memorable moment so far in all your years of coaching?
Mr. Tjoeng
The most memorable moment was when we rallied during a match against Maspeth High School. Although we were down by almost 30 points at one point, we worked extra hard and scored a season-high 31 points in the last quarter of the game. That moment really showed me how much growth happens, not just in terms of skill, but in terms of perseverance and team spirit.
Fawzia Ikra
- How do you keep your players motivated, both during tough games and throughout the season?
Mr. Tjoeng
I try to emphasize the bigger picture—growth, development, and the importance of the team. During tough games, I remind them that setbacks are part of the journey, and that how we respond is what defines us. Throughout the season, I keep the energy high by setting achievable goals and celebrating progress.
Fawzia Ikra
- What inspired you to become a coach?
Mr. Tjoeng
I’ve always been passionate about basketball and saw coaching as a way to give back to the game. I was inspired by the coaches I had growing up, who helped me develop not just as a player, but as a person. I wanted to have that same positive impact on others.
Fawzia Ikra
- What does a normal practice look like?
Mr. Tjoeng
A typical practice starts with a warm-up and some conditioning drills to get the players moving. Then, we focus on skill development—ball-handling, shooting, defense, or passing—followed by team drills. We typically end with play reviews and scrimmages, so players can put what they’ve learned into action in game-like situations.
Fawzia Ikra
- What qualities do you look for in your athletes?
Mr. Tjoeng
I look for dedication, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to be a team player. Mental toughness is also important, as basketball requires both physical and mental resilience. Athletes who stay focused and continue pushing through challenges stand out to me.
Fawzia Ikra
- What advice would you give students who are trying to join the team?
Mr. Tjoeng
Work hard on the fundamentals—shooting, dribbling, passing—and be willing to put in the effort both on and off the court. It’s also important to show up with a positive attitude and be ready to learn. We value players who are coachable and eager to improve.
Fawzia Ikra
- What is the biggest challenge whilst being a coach?
Mr. Tjoeng
One of the biggest challenges is balancing individual player development with team success. Every player has different strengths and weaknesses, so I need to find ways to help them grow while ensuring the team remains cohesive.
Fawzia Ikra
- What is an experience with the team that you have learnt from?
Mr. Tjoeng
One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of communication. There was a time when a lack of communication on the court caused us to lose a close game. Since then, I’ve made sure to emphasize clear communication, both in practices and games, and it’s really helped our team performance.
Fawzia Ikra
- What’s a message that you can give to your boys returning next year or the new boys who will be joining the school’s team?
Mr. Tjoeng
To the returning players, I’d say: keep pushing yourselves. We’ve built a strong foundation, and it’s time to take the next step. To the new players, I’d say: be prepared to work hard, but also to have fun. This is a place where you can grow and achieve great things if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Fawzia Ikra
- What is your process for developing individual skills and improving weaknesses?
Mr. Tjoeng
I start by identifying each player’s strengths and weaknesses. From there, we create a personalized plan for improvement. I encourage players to work on their weaknesses consistently, but also to refine their strengths. Regular feedback and reinforcement are key to progress.
Fawzia Ikra
- How do you help players develop mental toughness and handle the pressures of competition?
Mr. Tjoeng
Mental toughness is about handling adversity and staying focused. I help players develop this by creating pressure situations in practice where they have to execute under stress. I also emphasize the importance of staying positive, focusing on what’s within their control, and trusting the process.
Fawzia Ikra
- What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a basketball coach?
Mr. Tjoeng
First, immerse yourself in the game. Watch lots of basketball, learn from experienced coaches, and always be open to new strategies and ideas. Second, be patient and empathetic. Coaching is about developing people, not just players. Build relationships with your athletes and learn how to get the best out of them.
Fawzia Ikra
- What are your plans for next year to have a successful season?
Mr. Tjoeng
Next year, I plan to focus on team chemistry and individual skill development. We’ll continue working on the fundamentals, but also emphasize mental toughness and consistency. I’m looking to build a deep roster, with players who can step up in key moments and work together as a team.
