top of page
ABOUT
TRAINING
REACH OUT

About the LAB

MEET THE TEAM
START TRAINING
ai-generated-IMAGE.jpg

What Is The LAB

The Lab will serve as a space where a passion for the game of basketball will be fostered through intentional relationships with individuals of all ages and skill levels to celebrate the game of basketball.

Who Is The LAB

Brooks.png

Brooks Mansfield

Co-Founder

A lifelong student of the game of basketball, Brooks saw a need for access to high quality skill development in the greater Wilmington area, leading him to co-found The Lab in 2026.  His earliest memories of basketball stem from his time watching Michael Jordan and Duke basketball with his father, creating an obsession that would change his life forever.  Brooks recalls often foregoing social outings with his friends throughout his early life to instead stay home and train on his backyard hoop.  This discipline led him to much success throughout his playing career, including setting the all-time conference record for single season made 3 pointers and selected as an All-American his senior season.  From there he continued on to play at the Division I level at UNC Greensboro where he specialized in shooting, movement without the basketball, and defense.  Brooks has now turned to coaching as his passion within the game, currently serving as the boys head coach at Surf City Middle School.  Brooks’ basketball philosophy is rooted in the idea that with the right focus, energy, and confidence that any player can impact winning with the right attitude and approach to the game.

Matthew.png

Matthew O’Connell

Co-Founder 

Serving as Co-Founder of The Lab in 2026, Matthew brings a lifelong passion for the game of basketball along with endless experience in playing, coaching, as well as physical rehabilitation with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University.  Matthew’s dedication to the game started at an early age in Southern California when he would utilize his elementary school recesses to do ball handling and shooting drills daily.  Typically not the most athletic player in the gym, he used his intelligence and finesse to fuel his career which resulted in many accolades including selection to the Adidas Phenom Top 150 Camp, high school All-County selection, and culminated in playing junior college basketball at Cuesta College in California.  Since that time Matthew’s journey has taken him across the country to North Carolina where he started coaching and skill development with youth in 2015.  Matthew believes strongly that leading with integrity and intensity are the most important qualities to instill in our players, and that each individual can contribute to a winning culture with the right focus and development. 

basketball shot
Player Success

Straight from the Lab

  • What I appreciate most is that the training translates directly to my games. I’ve gained confidence, improved my basketball IQ, and developed skills I use in real competition.

    Spencer

    Player| Age 13

  • We love the intensity and attention to detail of the workouts. This is our 4th year of putting in the work thru workouts, camps and travel.  Not to blow smoke, but you coaches are doing great and get the most out of the kids by far.

    Parent

    Shane

  • Great overall drills and content. Relevant to game play and excellent coaching. 

    Josiah

    Parent

  • What separates The LAB from many trainers is that he develops more than talent he develops competitors and confident players. He teaches accountability, resilience, leadership, and the importance of understanding the game beyond individual statistics and understanding the role each athlete has. Those are qualities that translate at every level, from youth basketball to collegiate programs.

    Carly

    Parent

$300 Per Player

Experienced players looking to take their game to the next level. Sessions held on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Level Up Club
Have Questions? 

Fill out this form and we will get in touch with you!

REACH OUT

Get training with the LAB! 

 $65 Per Player
Open Clinic

Join us for an Open Clinic. Open Clinics are a beginner level environment designed to develop key basketball skills. This is offered on Sundays only.

$200 Per Player
Player Development

Work one-on-one with a dedicated trainer to accelerate skill development, build confidence, and focus on your specific areas of improvement.

bottom of page