Club Director

Alex Lieu is the Club Director of City Roots Basketball, founded in 2025, and currently serves as the Program Head and Director of Basketball at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. His diverse coaching background spans Division I, Division II, and elite high school programs, with impactful stops at Harvard-Westlake, Cal State Fullerton, Academy of Art University, and Valley Torah High School.

Drawing on his wide-ranging experience, Coach Lieu is committed to making City Roots Basketball a premier environment where players can develop their skills, build character, and prepare for success at the next level. His vision is to create a program rooted in community, growth, and opportunity for every athlete.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 2 CIF Open Division State Championships (2023, 2024)

  • 1 CIF Open Division Southern Section Championship (2024)

  • 3 Mission League Titles (2022, 2023, 2024)

  • Coached 2 McDonald’s All-Americans: Trent Perry (2024) and Nikolas Khamenia (2025)

  • Developed 30+ scholar-athletes across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, including players who advanced to professional careers

Lead Skills Trainer

Brad Austin serves as the Lead Skills Trainer for City Roots Basketball and is currently the Varsity Assistant and Junior Varsity Head Coach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. Over the past six years, he has established himself as one of the area’s premier skills trainers, known for his ability to blend strength training with advanced skill development to accelerate player growth and prepare athletes for the demands of the game.

Coach Austin brings extensive experience in the club basketball landscape, having previously served as Technical Director for LA Hoopz. During his tenure, he oversaw significant program growth and played a key role in developing athletes across all levels — from youth players to college prospects.

As a former collegiate player at LA Trade Tech, Coach Austin understands firsthand the dedication required to succeed at the next level. He continues to mentor and train JUCO student-athletes, helping them refine their game and pursue their basketball aspirations.

As the Lead Skills Trainer, Coach Austin oversees all aspects of player development and planning, ensuring athletes receive the structure, guidance, and training needed to maximize their potential.

Club Operations

Aswad Sofala serves as the Club Operations Director for City Roots Basketball and is currently the Varsity Assistant Coach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. With decades of coaching experience, Coach Sofala has built a strong reputation as both a community leader and a proven winner. In 2023, he played a key role in guiding his alma mater, Long Beach Jordan, to the CIF-SS Division 4A Championship in 2023.

Dedicated to player development at every stage, Coach Sofala has spent years specializing in youth skills training and serving as a lower-level head coach. In these roles, he has mentored athletes and their families on how to navigate the pathway to higher levels of play, instilling the discipline, work ethic, and confidence required for long-term success.

As the Club Operations Director, Coach Sofala oversees the daily standards, structure, and culture of the program. His leadership ensures that City Roots Basketball provides a consistent, supportive environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the court.