TNC Basketball Academy
Mind. Mentorship. Hoops.
A mentorship-first basketball development brand helping athletes grow on the court and in life.
By investing in youth, building community, and using the game as a tool for purpose and growth, TNC (Thoughts Need Company) is redefining what it means to succeed in sports—and beyond.
Explore Plans
Mind. Mentorship. Hoops.
The TNC Formula for Complete Player Development
Mind
Mental Performance training based on the 10 Pillars of MPM.
Mentorship
Our PATH mentorship framework: Progress. Awareness. Togetherness. Honor.
Hoops
Elite, personalized basketball development for every level.
🎙️ “I created TNC because it’s what I needed when I was younger. Now I get to give youth athletes a real system that helps them grow—on the court, and even more off of it.”
D.J. Fenner, Founder & CEO
TNC was founded by D.J. Fenner — former Washington State Player of the Year, full-scholarship Division I athlete at the University of Nevada, and an 8-year overseas pro. After retiring, he returned to Seattle to continue building his purpose-driven system, Thoughts Need Company, that delivers real mentorship, structure, and results to youth athletes both in-person and online.
D.J. is a Mental Performance Mastery (MPM) Certified Coach, a certified Double-Goal Coach, and a USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach. Backed by his wife Mallory and their three children — Spear, Honor, and Praise — TNC is more than training. It’s a mission.
Book a Call with D.J.
Train with Purpose. Grow with TNC.
🏀 Built by a Pro
From Seattle Prep's 2nd all time leading scorer to 1,345 career points at Nevada and 8 years overseas — Coach Fenner brings firsthand experience to every session. You’re learning from someone who’s been where you want to go.
🌱 Purpose Over Hype
TNC gives back through The TNC Foundation, offering free mentorship, training, and college prep to underserved athletes across Seattle and beyond.
💻 In-Person + Online
Train in the gym or from your phone. TNC blends live sessions, film study, and mobile-friendly workouts so athletes can stay consistent — no matter where they are.
The PATH Scholarship
Empowering the next generation of athletes through mentorship and opportunity — Progress. Awareness. Togetherness. Honor.
At Thoughts Need Company, we believe doors should open for those who show up with heart, effort, and character.
Through our upcoming nonprofit initiative — The TNC Foundation — we’re awarding full scholarships to 1 boy and 1 girl for each TNC Academy training tier (Foundations, Development, and Elite Plans).
Whether it’s weekly mentorship, elite training, or recruiting prep — every kid deserves access to tools that change lives.
The PATH Scholarship is about more than basketball. It’s about building leaders, creating hope, and investing in young people who are ready to work.
Want to apply or nominate someone?
Send us an email at [email protected] and let us know whether you're applying for yourself or nominating someone else. We'll walk you through the next steps.
Sponsor
Mentorship Mondays
Free 15-Minute Call with D.J. Fenner
Mentorship Mondays is your chance to get personal guidance from someone who's walked the path. From a high school standout to Division I basketball to playing professionally overseas, Coach D.J. brings real experience, not just opinions.
💬 What's it for?
- Ask questions about training, recruiting, confidence, or mindset
- Talk through your current situation and get real advice
- Learn what's possible and how to take the next step in your journey
- Walk away with clarity, encouragement, and direction
👥 Who can join?
- Athletes (middle school, high school, or college)
- Parents looking for support or clarity
- Coaches needing mentorship or advice
- Anyone ready to level up
📆 How it works:
- Book your free 15-minute call
- Show up ready to talk
- Explore options for deeper mentorship or discounted training sessions
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real talk and real growth.
Book Now
Andres Torres, 15
"The mentorship from DJ Fenner has been amazing. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better coach/mentor. Through DJ, I not only learned how to get better at basketball, but also how to get better at life in general."
Enrique & Karisse, TNC Legacy Parents
“TNC Academy has been a revelation for us and our child, striking the perfect balance between athletic training and personal development. DJ, the coaches and staff have gone above and beyond to support our child’s growth on and off the court. They focus on essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, which have been invaluable.
