Vision & Leadership

As Program Director and Head Coach of Phantom Hoops Club, Michael Scott Jr. brings a high-major collegiate coaching mindset to grassroots basketball in Mid-Missouri. He founded Phantom Hoops Club to provide young athletes with a consistent, intentional, and invested environment—preparing players to refine their skills so they are ready to shine under the brightest lights. Having coached at the highest levels of collegiate basketball, Coach Scott understands exactly what college evaluators and recruiters look for in prospective student-athletes.

A Proven Track Record: From Hall of Fame Athlete to Collegiate Coach

Michael’s basketball foundation was built in St. Louis, where he starred at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS). His relentless work ethic and court vision earned him induction into the 2023 MICDS Boys Basketball Hall of Fame.

Transitioning from player to student-of-the-game, Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Missouri (Mizzou), followed by a Master's Degree in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership from Mizzou—a foundation that continues to shape his player-first, character-driven leadership philosophy today.

High-Major Experience & Tactical Mastery

Michael began his collegiate coaching career in 2014 as a Graduate Assistant for Mizzou Women’s Basketball, learning the intricacies of high-major practice design, player development, and game operations.

• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) (2017–2018): Served as Assistant Coach, Post Player Specialist, and Recruiting Coordinator, helping lead the program to its only Women's Conference Championship in school history during the 2017–2018 season.

• MICDS (2018–2019): Served as Assistant Coach, Admissions Liaison, and 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher—an experience that provided unique insight into how middle school student-athletes learn, process instruction, and grow both academically and athletically.

• Saint Louis University (SLU) (2019–2020): Director of Basketball Operations (budget, worked with athletic administrators and academic advisers, community outreach)

• Mizzou Women’s Basketball (2021–2022): Served as Assistant Coach for the Tigers, directing opponent scouting, video breakdown, and detailed player skill execution.

• Columbia Independent School (CIS) (2020–2022): Served as Athletic Director. Managing an athletic program through COVID in his first year demonstrated his critical thinking, adaptability, and ability to unite and lead a diverse sports community with clarity and purpose.

A Household Built on Basketball Excellence

Basketball is more than a career in the Scott household—it is a shared passion and way of life. Michael is married to Morgan Eye Scott, widely celebrated as one of the most prolific three-point shooters in Mizzou Women’s Basketball history. Together, their combined basketball knowledge, high-level execution, and deep roots in Missouri athletics shape the uncompromising culture of excellence at Phantom Hoops Club.

The Scott File at a Glance

• Forward-Thinking Program Architecture: Meticulous attention to detail and a visionary approach to youth development—adapting elite college and professional training structures into practical, age-appropriate blueprints for middle and high school athletes.

• Holistic Athlete Development: Unwavering dedication to the individual growth, character, and life-skills development of every player both on and off the court.

• Authentic Next-Level Relationships & Recruiting Insight: Deep, established connections across college basketball programs nationwide, providing players with honest guidance and direct insight into what collegiate programs actually look for.

• Accolades & Credentials:

  • MICDS Boys Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2023)

  • B.S. Finance & M.Ed. in Positive Coaching & Athletic Leadership (University of Missouri)

  • Former Assistant Coach: Mizzou, UAB, & Saint Louis University (SLU)

  • Former Athletic Director, Columbia Independent School (2020–2022)