3D Basketball
When did each program start?
We started the program in the spring of 2017 with one 12U team. Only 9 kids showed up on the first day and at the end of the tryout we looked around and said, “Congratulations! You all made it.” We had some rough games that season but the team really improved, and that group is now the core of our 15U team and the foundation of our program.
What’s the biggest difference from your program now, to 5 years ago?
3D is only about 3yrs old, but we’ve grown from 1 team in our first season to 8 teams this fall with 6 professional coaches.
Where is the program based out of?
We’re based in Fairfield County, CT.
What is your favorite memory with your program?
Winning our first ZG tournament.
What is the hardest part about having your own program?
Balancing the administrative duties, scheduling, registrations, etc. but we have a great group of coaches and parents who help tremendously.
What do you think your program excels in?
We’re very focused on promoting a family environment and continuity between teams throughout the organization. We encourage our players to support the other 3D teams and integrate our younger/older players through training and fundraising events.
How can you elevate your program to the next level?
We tell our players success doesn’t come overnight but rather through steady, consistent progress. As a program we try to improve each season, correct our mistakes, and work hard to develop great players and coaches. If we stay focused on those principles, we expect our momentum to continue.
What separates you from other programs?
3D is a 501c3 registered non-profit organization, so we are solely focused on basketball and not economic gain. We have a very robust scholarship program and over 40% of our players receive financial assistance. We are proud to provide a high-quality experience to all of our families, regardless of financial circumstances.
Where do you see your program in 2 years?
We’re launching a girl’s program in the spring and two years from now we hope both programs are equally successful.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest factor to your program’s growth/success?
Great coaching. We’re fortunate to have a tremendous group of coaches, the majority of whom have played professionally. We have very high standards and are lucky to have such an accomplished group.
What is your favorite ZG tournament? ZG Nationals, without question.
What would you say is your program’s mission statement?
We are focused on helping our student-athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court. It sounds a bit generic, but we recognize each player progresses at a different pace and our program is structured to allow each player the opportunity to learn and improve, regardless of their stage of development.
What are you looking forward to most about the Spring 2020 ZG season?
We are looking forward to building on our success from 2019 with a goal for each team to make it back to the ZG Finals.
What’s been your proudest moment as Director?
Seeing 4 of our teams playing in the ZG Finals in Boston last spring and watching the support from all players and parents involved.
What impact has your program had in your local community?
Each season our teams participate in fundraising activities to support our scholarship program. In addition, our program will lead a toy/food drive to help families in-need this holiday season.
What is your favorite aspect of being a program director?
While I love seeing each of our players improve throughout the season, my favorite aspect is watching our players develop relationships and build memories that will last long after the games are finished.
What made you start the program?
We started the program in order to teach the game with a focus on fundamentals and teamwork.
What role model do you have your players look up to?
There’s no shortage of debate among our players about the best players in the NBA. We try to highlight those players who are hardworking, good teammates, and most importantly, good citizens.
