Coach Neftali Valentin
Basketball Coach/Trainer
Coaching Certifications:
“They’re scared to be great because we’re going to ask them to do it again”
STACK Basketball is proud to have Coach Neftali Valentin on our staff. A former standout guard at William Paterson University, Neftali brings both high-level playing experience and a passion for teaching the game to our players.
Over his four-year career with the Pioneers, Neftali played in 97 games and developed into one of the program’s most reliable scorers. He averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game his senior year, while also recording a career-high 37-point performance. His consistency and scoring ability allowed him to reach a major milestone — becoming the 33rd player in school history to surpass 1,000 career points.
In the 2023-24 season, Neftali started 23 of 25 games and averaged 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while leading the team in three-pointers made (55) and finishing second in the NJAC in three-point percentage (.414). He had several standout performances, including a career-best 28 points on 6-of-7 from three against The College of New Jersey.
In prior seasons, he continued to showcase his scoring ability, averaging 10.8 points as a junior and logging 14 double-digit scoring games, while steadily improving his all-around game. In total, Neftali finished his career with 33 double-digit scoring games, multiple 20+ point outings, and consistent contributions as a playmaker and defender.
Before college, Neftali starred at Hackensack High School, averaging 17.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a senior, earning all-county and all-division honors.
Neftali has been coaching at STACK for over a year, where he brings his energy, knowledge, and love for the game to every practice. He’s passionate about developing young players, teaching them fundamentals, and helping them grow both on and off the court.
When he’s not coaching, Neftali is completing his degree in Sport Management and continues to stay involved in the game at multiple levels.
Parents can expect Coach Valentin to bring intensity, encouragement, and a player’s perspective that motivates kids to reach their potential.
