ST. LOUIS — Corey Frazier helped lead the SLU Billikens basketball team to two NCAA tournament appearances from 1997-1998, but he's become better known as a fiery and passionate basketball coach in the St. Louis area.
It all started 20 years ago at a church in a small town. Frazier was unsure what career path he wanted to take, but was presented the opportunity to coach a fifth-grade team, and never turned back.
Frazier not only coaches for John Burroughs High School and Bradley Beal Elite, but works as a trainer for Pure Sweat as well. As a trainer for Pure Sweat, Frazier is able to run evening workouts with top-tier talent in the St. Louis area.
His male and female athletes run drills together. The intensity is high. And there are no excuses on the path to get better. Frazier is determined to help each athlete reach his or her potential.
Drills are designed to enhance a player's skills in every aspect. Frazier said the sport of basketball has evolved to where a player must be able to dribble, shoot, and play defense. There is no longer an option to choose.
Frazier has trained elite players that have come out of the city including NBA stars Brad Beal and Jayson Tatum.
From current college players in Jeremiah Tilmon, Terrence Hargrove Jr. and Yuri Collins.
To the current high school stars including Caleb Love.
If a player out of St. Louis has gone on to play past the high school level, then he or she most likely trained with Frazier.
But Frazier doesn't focus on only working with elite talent. He strives to work with as many athletes as possible from the fourth grade and beyond.
He said one of the biggest differences from the start of his career to now, has been the growth of basketball in St. Louis, and the level of talent that continues to arise.
Frazier's success has been endless. From his 300th win at Burroughs to open the season in 2018, to leading the Maplewood Blues Devils to back-to-back state championships and seven undefeated conference championships over the course of six years. There is no hiding the impact he's on had the teams he's coached.
But, in the end, he said personal success will never be his focus.
His passion and desire to help children grow as people and players in the process will always be his goal as a coach, and in life.
