I. Basic Information
1. What is the Patriots Basketball Club?
The Patriots Basketball Club is a select basketball organization located out of the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex. It offers boys and girls in grades 5-8 the opportunity to play AAU basketball at a highly competitive level. In addition to travel basketball, we offer skill training clinics, individual training sessions, and various camps throughout the year.
2. What is AAU Basketball?
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
3. What is the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex?
The RecPlex is the largest Municipal Recreation Facility in America. Located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, the RecPlex offers; 8 basketball courts, 40 basketball hoops, indoor water park, Olympic sized swimming pool, 2 ice rinks, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
4. What experience or skill level should a player have?
Players can have any type of experience or skill level. It is our goal to improve the skills of every player in our program. It is important to remember that we are drawing players from numerous cities, which will raise the level of competitive play. Our travel teams will be more competitive than most recreation and school teams.
II. Travel Basketball
1. When is the Patriots travel season?
The travel season is every spring and summer. Tournaments will begin in April and end in July. Camps and clinics will be offered throughout the year.
2. Where will the tournaments be located?
Tournament locations will vary. Many tournaments will be in Wisconsin and Illinois, but there are possibilities tournaments might be out of state. Each player is responsible for providing their own transportation and lodging for tournaments.
3. How many tournaments will each team play in?
Each team will play in 6 tournaments. These tournaments begin in April and go through the end of July. The tournaments will be selected by the Patriots Basketball staff.
4. Is playing time guaranteed if my child makes a team?
Playing time will vary from team to team. Coaches will weigh a number of factors each game as to which players will start and be subbed in. Coaches generally do not keep track of every players’ playing time. The worst thing you can do is confront a coach immediately after a game and complain about playing time. If you truly are concerned about playing time, we ask that you control your emotions and respectfully contact the coach outside of the event. Please remember, this is competitive basketball and playing time is not given, it is earned.
5. What nights will my child practice?
All practices will be at the RecPlex. We will not know practice schedules until after tryouts. Practice dates will vary, but expect 1-2 practices per week.
6. How many players will be on a team?
Our goal is to keep 10 players on each team. There is a chance we will have numerous teams at each grade level. Because we are a competitive club, the top 10 players at each grade level will play together.
7. Will my child be on the same team the following year?
It is not promised that teams will stay the same every year. In order to remain a competitive club, we will give players an equal opportunity each year to make a team. New players, or players that improved, may cause players to be cut or placed on a different team.
8. Can my child request to be on the same team as someone else?
No. It is important to remember that this is not a recreational program. Players will be placed on teams at the discretion of the Patriots Basketball staff.
9. How much does Patriots Travel Basketball cost?
The fees are listed on the Patriots Travel Basketball page. Click the hyperlink near the bottom of the page to see the fee for your age group.
III. Tryouts
1. How will players be selected for a team?
Players will be evaluated through the tryout process in February or March. The tryout process will put the players through drills and games. Coaches will evaluate players based on their basketball skills, knowledge, athleticism, and attitude.
2. Is there a tryout fee?
Yes, we do charge a tryout fee. The fee is published each year and is based directly on the costs of holding the tryout. This fee is non-refundable.
3. What if my child cannot attend a tryout?
E-Mail Jamie DeMatthew and let him know. We will try our best to make sure your son or daughter is able to be placed on a team.
IV. Clinics and Camps
1. What are the guard, post, and shooting clinics?
These clinics are designed to focus on a player’s individual needs. These weekly, hour long clinics are offered to boys and girls in grades 3-12 throughout the year. Each clinic will be run by a member of the Patriots Basketball staff and are a great way for players to constantly sharpen their skills.
2. What is Individual Training?
The individual training is offered to players that truly want to elevate their game. In addition to on the court training, our individual training will consist of personal fitness training as well. This program is designed to improve a players speed, strength, and mental toughness.
3. Who conducts these camps and clinics?
The camps and clinics will be conducted by members of the Patriots Basketball staff. The staff includes players and coaches with extensive knowledge and passion for the game of basketball.
4. I have more questions, who do I contact?
If you have any other questions, please send them to patriotsbball@plprairie.com.