STAFF
Basketball Star Academy works closely with the Danish Basketball Federation (DBBF), Ikast-Brande Gymnasium and Sportstar College.
Our dedicated staff is responsible for developing the basketball program and for the Academy management.
COACHING STAFF
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Head Coach & Sport Director
VILLE TUOMINEN
Ville boasts 20+ years in professional basketball as a player, head coach, and sports director. He’s led national teams in Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. After excelling in youth national teams, he played for nine years in EuroCup, NEBL, and the Finnish national teams. Ville also coached in the FIBA Europe Cup and served as Sports Director. His accolades include coaching Bakken Bears to a 2014 Danish Basketligaen victory and leading Denmark to the U20 men’s Nordic Championships triumph in 2023. Ville holds top professional coaching certificates in Finland.
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Coach
JESPER HVAM
Jesper’s hoops journey started at Åbyhøj Basketball. A pivotal High School stint in Fremont, California, earned him the Northern Californian Division III championship. After Viby, Jesper contributed to Skovbakken’s shift to Bakken Bears, securing three Danish championships. In the twilight of his playing days, he returned to Åbyhøj. As a player, Jesper participated in four senior national team tournaments and one in the young championship; he coached various men’s teams, including Odder Basket and Åbyhøj’s 2nd Division and AUS 2nd Division teams. With a master’s from Aarhus University, Jesper also teaches history, social science, and Global Politics at IBG.
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Coach
SUNE THYSSEN
Sune received his basketball upbringing at Skovbakken Basketball and later in the elite department of Bakken Bears. He played there from the mid-1990s until the 02/03 season. Following this, Sunw was recruited to Aabyhøj Basketball, where he also played in the Basketligaen until the 05/06 season. In the 04/05 and 05/06 seasons, he was selected for the Basketligaen All-Star team. Sune has coaching experience with various youth teams and has been responsible for basketball instruction at the sports education program at Aarhus University for several years. He is also a certified fitness trainer with extensive experience in the physical training of elite athletes.
MANAGEMENT STAFF
Head of Academy
LUCA BRUSCHI
With a love for basketball cultivated over four decades, my journey has taken me from the courts of Italy to the dynamic basketball scene in Denmark. From player in Italy to head coach in the Billund Basketball Club, through the playing and coaching experience in the club in Vejle, l have contributed to nurturing talent and leading teams into official tournament under the Danish Federation (DBBF). When I'm not immersed in the world of basketball, I channel my nearly 25 years of experience into my role as a Senior IT Business Partner. Here, I bridge the gap between business strategies and IT solutions. Additionally, I enjoy the thrill of public speaking, having had the privilege of presenting at TEDx events and various esteemed conferences. Now, I'm on a mission to unleash the full potential of every player, shaping resilient individuals both on and off the court. Join me at the Basketball Star Academy as we chase hoop dreams together!
Executive Manager
MICHAEL GULDBRANDT LARSEN
I'm a sports enthusiast, finding joy in both playing and spectating almost any sport out there. Born and raised in Ikast, a town where basketball was virtually non-existent. MJ stood as my towering idol. I soaked up every game I could, yet the court was confined to school gym classes. After more than 15 years living outside of Ikast, I moved back, and I started the project to get Ikast on the basketball map. In 2021 I founded Ikast Basketball Club, and now all the young Citizens in Ikast have the opportunity to play this great sport. My love and passion for basketball knows no bounds, and it's here to stay! Aim for the stars and join Basketball Star Academy.
General Manager
SUSANNA LIBERTI
Ever since my husband introduced me to basketball, it's been a slam dunk in my heart, vying for attention alongside my love for horses and riding. Now, with my kids joining in on the court action, my life's a fast-break of basketball excitement and barnyard bliss. By day, I'm the Senior Analytics Business Partner at the LEGO Group, where I weave data magic into block-by-block insights. With a knack for project management and networking, I've navigated my way through countless challenges. And yes, I'm not just a basketball aficionado, but a key player in the management team at the International Basketball Star Academy. While I might not be making the shots myself, I'm the MVP behind the scenes, calling the plays! Whether I'm crunching numbers or rallying from the sidelines, I'm driven by a passion for excellence both on and off the court. With basketball and barns as my backdrop, life's a thrilling game worth playing.