Sherwin "SHAKE" Durham
From Globetrotter to Legendary Coach
Coach Durham's remarkable journey spans from touring with basketball legends like Meadowlark Lemon and "Pistol Pete" Maravich to mentoring generations of young athletes as an acclaimed high school coach.
Major Achievements
Coaching Excellence
Coach Durham has amassed over 160 wins in his high school coaching career, with three 20+ win seasons and multiple Coach of the Year honors, establishing himself as a transformative leader in youth basketball.
Professional Legacy
Before his coaching career, Sherwin Durham traveled the world with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters and the Shooting Stars, learning the game from basketball icons like Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, and "Pistol Pete" Maravich.
- Over 160 wins as head coach at Whittier Christian High School
- Three league championships and three 20+ win seasons
- 10 playoff appearances in 12 years as head coach
- Three-time League Coach of the Year recipient
- Area Coach of the Year award winner
- Two All-Star Game coaching selections
- Developed over 10 players who received college basketball scholarships
- Mentored a player who went on to play professionally in Japan
- Influenced 7 former players who became coaches themselves
- Hall of Fame inductee at Bolsa Grande High School
- Received Honorable Mention All-American honors as a college player (NAIA)
Basketball Journey Begins
Bolsa Grande High School
Built his foundation as a standout player at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, CA.
- Received numerous MVP awards throughout high school
- Selected for All-League and All-Tournament teams
- Developed exceptional skills that would define his future in basketball
- Graduated with athletic and academic honors
College Career
Golden West Community College & Southern California College
Continued his development as a player while pursuing business management studies.
- Attended Golden West Community College (1981-1983)
- Transferred to Southern California College (now Vanguard University) from 1983-1985
- Earned Honorable Mention All-American honors (NAIA)
- Received numerous MVP and All-Tournament selections
The Shooting Stars
Professional Basketball Player
Traveled globally playing alongside basketball legends.
- Performed with basketball icons Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal
- Learned from "Pistol Pete" Maravich
- Developed crowd-pleasing skills and basketball showmanship
- Represented American basketball on international stages
The Harlem Globetrotters
Ambassador of Goodwill
Entertained fans worldwide as a member of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.
- Performed basketball entertainment for international audiences
- Served as an Ambassador of Goodwill representing the sport
- Mastered advanced basketball skills and showmanship
- Built connections with fans across different cultures
The Winnipeg Thunder
Professional Basketball in Canada
Continued his playing career in the Canadian professional basketball league.
- Competed in Canadian professional basketball
- Further developed his skills in structured competitive play
- Gained valuable experience in international basketball
Villa Park High School
Assistant Coach, Girls Basketball
Began his coaching journey as an assistant coach for girls basketball.
- Developed fundamental coaching philosophy
- Focused on player development and team-building
- Learned the administrative aspects of high school coaching
Success By Design (SBD)
Skills Development Business
Founded a specialized basketball skills development program for aspiring players.
- Created personalized training methodologies
- Developed youth players throughout Southern California
- Built reputation for effective skills training
- Emphasized character development alongside athletic skills
Vanguard University
Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball
Expanded his coaching expertise at the collegiate level.
- Contributed to program development and recruitment
- Refined advanced coaching strategies
- Mentored college-level student-athletes
Whittier Christian High School
Head Coach, Girls Basketball
Led the girls basketball program at Whittier Christian High School.
- Established coaching philosophy and program structure
- Developed young female athletes
- Built foundation for future success
Whittier Christian High School
Head Coach, Boys Basketball
Built a legacy of excellence as the head boys basketball coach.
- Accumulated over 160 career wins
- Won 3 league championships
- Led teams to 10 playoff appearances in 12 years
- Achieved three 20+ win seasons
- Earned 3 League Coach of the Year awards
- Received Area Coach of the Year recognition
REACH
Youth Basketball Outreach
Founded a community-focused basketball clinic to serve youth in need.
- Created free basketball clinics for underserved youth
- Used basketball as a platform for character development
- Built positive connections throughout the community
- Emphasized academic excellence alongside athletic skills
Whittier Christian High School
Head Coach, Girls Basketball (Second Tenure)
Returned to lead the girls program while continuing to coach the boys team.
- Managed dual coaching responsibilities
- Developed female student-athletes
- Implemented consistent coaching philosophy across programs
Whittier Christian High School
Basketball Consultant
Transitioned to an advisory role to share his extensive basketball knowledge.
- Provides strategic input on program development
- Mentors coaching staff and players
- Continues to influence the culture of excellence
Gotham City Hoops
Senior Coach & Mentor
Joined forces with Coach Winn to develop young athletes through Gotham City Hoops.
- Combines decades of playing and coaching experience
- Implements character-focused basketball development
- Shares professional insights from Globetrotter experience
- Mentors the next generation of basketball players
Professional Development
Education
Business Management Studies at Golden West Community College (1981-1983) and Southern California College (now Vanguard University) (1983-1985)
Notable Playing Career
- The Shooting Stars (1986-1990): Performed with Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal & "Pistol Pete" Maravich
- The Harlem Globetrotters (1990-1992): Entertained fans worldwide as an Ambassador of Goodwill
- The Winnipeg Thunder (1992-1993): Competed in Canadian professional basketball
- Received Honorable Mention All-American recognition (NAIA)
- Earned numerous MVP and All-Tournament selections throughout playing career
Player Development Programs
- Success By Design (SBD): Skills development business founded in 1996
- REACH: Youth basketball outreach clinic established in 2005
- Trained numerous players who received individual honors
- Developed over 10 players who earned college basketball scholarships
- Mentored a player who went on to play professionally in Japan
- Influenced 7 former players who became coaches themselves
Coaching Philosophy
"Teach the person, not just the player" - Coach Durham's approach focuses on character development alongside basketball skills, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and academic excellence as keys to success.