From the hardwood of Woodford County High School to the Yum Center in Louisville, Ashton Myles Devore has always believed every person writes his or her own story
The former Yellow Jacket’s journey through high school and college hoops helped shape him for his next step, a basketball mentor on the other side of the country.
For Devore, the opportunities have been terrific and he is still learning what the ultimate goal in basketball should be. He’s helping coach the San Fernando Valley Prep Basketball squad in California and is also a youth coach in the Los Angeles Clippers organization.
Devore says working with renowned NBA trainer Chris Johnson has been eye-opening because he’s been included in NBA pro-day workouts and has learned about the draft process.
With all the experience he’s gained in a short period of time, Devore doesn’t call himself a coach; he has a simpler way of explaining it.
“I think for my current title, I would say I’m a learner right now, said Devore. “As humans, we never really stop learning things.”
After leaving Louisville, Devore graduated from Indiana University Southeast in 2025 and deciding whether to find playing opportunities or look to see what is on the other side of the game.
Instead of leaving the game, he threw himself at it to see what sticks.
All roads led west, where he is today.
Devore spends his days working with young players to develop their games and learning from some of the most respected names in professional basketball through Johnson’s Jus Hoops program.
Currently preparing for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Devore said it’s a busy time when every young player is being evaluated, and it also turns into a king’s ransom of networking opportunities with every big name in the sport present throughout the summer league.
Since he moved to California last year, his network has grown in ways he never thought was possible. He credits much of that to trying to get to know people on a genuine level.
“I think finding a balance between being pushy and persistent is what has led to the growth of my network,” he said.
“Being pure and genuine on the inside is hard to hide from the outside. People can feel and sense that.”
Basketball has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.
His father, Myles Devore, was a star at the University of Louisville, helping the Cardinals to a Final Four. His dad was also the founder of the AAU powerhouse Louisville Magic team.
Devore grew up around talented ballplayers who helped give him a basketball education and showed him that coaching could mean something beyond wins and losses.
“I think when you are in it for the right reasons, coaching can be a pivotal moment or job in some people’s life,” he said.
Devore said that watching his father coach players from all backgrounds left a lasting impression.
He saw someone who treated players equally regardless of skill level, size or circumstances – and instead focused on helping them become better people and basketball players.
Those lessons continue to shape Devore’s coaching philosophy.
His experience as a former college basketball player helps him relate to players. He understands the challenges and sacrifices of balancing basketball and school.
Go to practice. Lift weights. Watch film. Recover. Go to Class. None of it is optional.
“I’ve learned many things from playing the game of basketball,” said Devore. “Not only in college, but my whole career. What matters is how you respond when things are hard or when things don’t go your way because things will not go your way sometimes.”
The lessons transcend sports. The ability to adapt to changes are part of everyday life and Devore tries to extend those lessons each day. Plans change and people get hurt playing ball. A well-rounded individual must be ready to keep moving forward.
“You are the author of your own story,” Devore said. “Don’t ever count yourself out before you’re even counted in.”
That mindset carried him through the grind of college basketball and the uncertainty after graduation. It still guides him today.
Devore said he knows the next step may involve entry-level work like breaking down film or assisting the video team before advancing up the ladder, and he’s okay with that. He understands that patience will be a big part of the process.
“The end goal is to be an NBA scout, work in the front office, coach with a franchise, something in that realm,” he said.
Faith is at the center of his journey. Devore points to God for his purpose and direction.
“My goals at this point are to continue to grow as a God-fearing man,” he said.
His inspiration comes from his family and friends, and the opportunity to help others.
“I am inspired by the fact that maybe my story or who I am can inspire others,” he said.
The game of basketball is changing thanks to NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and social media attention.
Despite the challenges, Devore’s advice is simple: “Find trustworthy people. Stick close to those who have your best interest.”
For now, he continues to build relationships while searching for more opportunities. His story continues.
Wherever the story takes him, the former Yellow Jacket hooper hopes it shows that faith and persistence still matter while always looking back to where he came from.
“To the city of Versailles, I will never forget who I am or where I came from,” he said. “Once a Yellow Jacket, always a Yellow Jacket.”