For Scottsdale’s Steve Moses, basketball was never just a game, it was the soundtrack of his childhood. Late nights watching Lakers games on VHS with his dad. Mimicking Magic Johnson’s no-look passes. Counting down imaginary buzzer-beaters like Kobe. It was joy, escape, connection.
But in 2005, everything changed. Steve was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that left him completely paralyzed in the ICU.
“A nurse who coached youth basketball told me I’d walk again, and that one day, I’d play,” Steve recalls. “That gave me hope.”
At the time, all he wanted was to get back on the court. Today, he’s done more than that… he’s created a place where others can rediscover that same hope, joy, and sense of belonging.
Welcome to Swysh Den.
This new 14,000-square-foot basketball facility in Scottsdale blends elite-level training with accessibility, innovation, and community. It’s built on tech and coaching expertise, but its heartbeat is culture.
“I wanted something different,” Steve says. “Basketball is a social sport. Most of us just want a space to hang, to play, to feel like we belong.”
That feeling is exactly what Swysh Den delivers. From the court flooring to the mobile app, from the music playing when you walk in to the layout of the lounge- every detail was chosen to create an experience that feels both high-level and highly personal.
“We want people to walk in and instantly feel, ‘This was made for me,’” Steve says.
That intention comes to life under the leadership of Michael Ruffin, Swysh Den’s Program Director. A former NBA veteran with a 12-year professional career and coaching experience with the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans, Michael brings a rare blend of expertise, humility, and heart.
“I wasn’t the star,” he says. “I was the guy doing the dirty work… rebounding, defending, setting the tone. That grind taught me about preparation, consistency, and leadership. That’s what I bring to the programs we run here.”
At Swysh Den, that mindset shapes everything from the coaching staff to the curriculum.
“I oversee our basketball programming from youth development to advanced training,” Michael says. “Every drill, every progression, every player interaction is intentional. We’re building skill, but we’re also building people.”
Programs are tailored to each level. Younger or recreational players focus on fundamentals and fun. Competitive athletes are guided through refinement, mental performance, and high-level prep. But across all tiers, the approach is progressive, measurable, and rooted in individual growth.
“Development is a process,” Michael says. “You don’t need to be the best today. You just need to be better than yesterday. That’s the win we care about.”
It’s not just what Swysh Den offers… it’s how.
Players reserve flexible sessions through an app, removing the chaos of open gyms. Shooting bays use real-time analytics. Ball-handling kiosks track progress. Video playback and personalized feedback help players reflect and adjust. It’s training, elevated.
“You walk in and feel it immediately,” Michael says. “This space was built for you.”
The design backs that up: a full court that converts into two junior courts. Five shooting bays. A turf zone for strength and recovery. Private coaching areas. And “The Den”- a modern lounge with Wi-Fi, TVs, and an interactive wall where families can relax and connect.
“Parents tell me they’ve never seen anything like it,” Steve says. “It’s structured but fun. Serious but not intimidating. And most importantly, their kids want to come back.”
Even more is coming. In the months ahead: 3v3 tournaments, youth development tracks, league play, family events, corporate sessions, and more.
“The vision is simple,” Michael says. “Make every player feel seen, supported, and excited to grow.”
“This isn’t a rental gym,” Steve continues. “It’s not a pop-up clinic. It’s a home for anyone who loves the game.”
And for the duo running the Swysh Den ship, that mission is personal.
“As a dad, this matters to me,” says Michael. “I want my kids to have safe places to grow, not just as athletes, but as people. That’s what we’re building.”
“This place isn’t just about basketball,” reflects Steve. “It’s about community. About belonging. About turning a twenty-year dream into something others can now call home.”
swyshden.com
"Swysh Den is a home for anyone who loves the game.”
“You walk in and feel it immediately."