Although the AAU Season will not occur for several months, athletes trying to get on a 2010 Hoops City team is under intense competition. The skill driven philosophy of Hoops City U is a culture shock compared to most AAU programs, but a difference that many people are getting excited about. That explains why hundreds and hundreds of players piled into the “U” on October 10 and 17 to tryout for the 2010 AAU Spring Season. The massive numbers that packed the gym, months before the season begins in February, sends the message wide and clear that special things are on the horizon.

Those that tried out had the opportunity to be put through elite, professional skill training by renowned trainer, Micah Lancaster, which allowed the coaching staff to get a great look at the skill-base of each participant. This, of course, is just a taste of what to expect by those that have the opportunity to be selected to a roster, as all Hoops City AAU Teams will train WEEKLY with Micah Lancaster just as the pros would train! That is literally a value of thousands of dollars of sessions with a professional trainer, just for joining the Hoops City family! Additionally, each team will also train two times per week with their Coach (3x weekly) to further emphasize the skill development. The Hoops City success formula is driven by fundamental skill development with high intensity repetition.

Hoops City AAU athletes will further train as the pros do, as teams will also train weekly (age appropriate) with the new Speedflex strength, speed and vertical jump equipment used by NBA players across the country.

Quite simply, while many AAU programs play game after game after game, Hoops City AAU puts player development first. That formula which began 8 years ago has led to the tremendous success of our flagship team (first Hoops City Team) the 16U girls which now consists of multiple high profile nationally ranked athletes. Our emphasis is to place a premium on providing athletes the vehicle to compete nationally in high profile NCAA exposure events, to better their opportunities of a college education. In 2010, many Hoops City Boys and Girls Teams ages 14 and above will be competing in NCAA exposure events across the country: Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Atlanta and the Nike Nationals just to name a few.

While the Hoops City Finest and the Hoops City Heat are definitely built to win, excitement specifically surrounds the formation of the “Micah Lancaster All-Stars.” The All-Stars will be Nike Sponsored and associated with Micah Lancaster and Ganon Baker Basketball Services, as Micah Lancaster will be spending additional hours training the two teams on a very regular basis.

What’s New for this season for ALL TEAMS?

In an effort to continue the excellence of this program, we will introduce several new ideas this season.

·     Administration We are excited to introduce Tina DePrisco, the new administrator for the AAU program. The goal; improved communication, standard procedure, administrative support and increased fundraising opportunities. We are excited to offer our very own web site, on-line account management, team websites and much, much more!

·     Fundraising/Sponsors Athletes can fundraise along the way and receive credits to their account.  This will allow for ease in applying funds as well as the ability to fundraise throughout the year.  We will offer no less than 3 standard fundraising opportunities for all families and additional strategies for individuals and teams will also be provided.

·     Coach Development. Our 2010 Coaches are outstanding. In addition, all coaches will be given training, provided ongoing development and we will also be conducting surveys throughout the season to gain valuable feedback.

·      Hoops City Heat Gear:  Coming soon…the ability to purchase Heat Gear for the whole family!

There is a lot to be excited about this coming spring, and the search is not over yet. One more try out is scheduled for January for 6th grade and younger athletes and February for all age groups, including the 17U Boys. The “U” is expecting to see even bigger results the next time around!