PD Hoops

Today we got to catch up with Mickey and Sarah who run PD Hoops. We asked them some questions belows!

We love working with PD Hoops and cant wait for a great spring 2020 with them

When did each program start?

PDH started in the winter of 2015

How big was it when it was first established?

Our first Spring we had 6 teams competing

What’s the biggest difference from your program now, to 5 years ago?

The easy answer is, we’ve grown to 15 teams; but really the biggest difference how we’ve spread to include athletes from all over Westchester County

Where is the program based out of?

We’re based of Briarcliff in Westchester County NY

What is your favorite memory with your program?

Our favorite memory is the first time our uniforms came in for the Spring of 2016. Opening up the boxes to see purple jerseys and shorts with PDH on them, something that we pretty much dreamed about become a real thing was surreal

What is the hardest part about having your own program?

The hardest part of having our own program has been time management. Sarah and I have full time jobs and family’s, and then want to work with every athlete & team in the program, we want to be at every game. Having good coaches that we trust has been very helpful

What do you think your program excels in?

We feel as though we excel at teaching the game of basketball. We spend on a lot of time explaining to our athletes why we’re doing what we do; why set screens at a certain spot on the the floor, why do certain things on defense. The higher your basketball IQ is, the more effective you can be

How can you elevate your program to the next level?

We can elevate our program to the next level by continuing to raise our athletes basketball IQ, and keeping things fun. Basketball is a game, games should be fun; we definitely work hard, but things can still be fun and that’s what will keep the athletes playing.

What separates you from other programs?

What separates us from other programs, besides the purple uniforms, has been our willingness to be flexible when it comes to our athletes participating in other sports and activities

Where do you see your program in 2 years?

In 2 years, we believe that we will have a few teams that are some of best in the region. We have some established teams that have been moving up the ladder, and are ready to take that next step

What, in your opinion, is the biggest factor to your program’s growth/success?

Our program has grown because we are a very player friendly program. We understand that children do multiple sports & other activities, and we support that. We understand when athletes have to miss a practice or game because they have other things going on.

What is your favorite ZG tournament?

Atlantic City

What would you say is your program’s mission statement?

Player Development Hoops (PDH) focuses on developing and empowering young athletes both on and off the court. We are focused to not only make our young athletes better basketball players but to help them grow overall as young adults. We will provide a challenging yet fun environment that allows our athletes to create lifelong friendships and basketball skills. We strive to teach our athletes the whys behind the game of basketball, helping them to get an edge on their opponents. It does not matter what level you are when you start with us with each player we will build on their strengths and improve their weaknesses. Through time, effort and commitment we believe our players will get better and have fun doing it.

What are you looking forward to most about the Spring 2020 ZG season?

The opportunity to compete against the top talent out there. We know when the schedule comes out there won’t be any cupcakes, got to bring it every game and every weekend if you want to be successful

What’s been your proudest moment as Director?

It’s something away from the court. We have athletes from all over the county, it’s pretty cool to hear about how they hangout away from the court.
Basketball isn’t life, its a part of life; for our athletes to create bonds and relationships that will last well beyond playing for PDH is awesome

What impact has your program had in your community?

We feel as though we’re providing an opportunity that might not have been there before. It might not be participating on a travel team, could be one of our developmental or training groups, we offer something for everyone

What is your favorite aspect of being a program director?

Our favorite aspect of being a program directors is being able to interact with so families and athletes. When you’re the Coach you’re primary focus is on the team(s) you coach; as directors, we get to meet every family in the program, and have these awesome relationships that become bigger than wins & loses

What made you start the program?

We started our program because Sarah and I love the game of basketball. It’s taking us to different parts of the world, enabled us to meet all types of people(including each other); the least we can do is give back to the game that has done so much for us by passing on we’ve learned, pay it forward

What role model do you have your players look up to?

We have great families in our program; our athletes don’t have to look any further than their own parents. The commitment parents make for their children to participate in youth sports is crazy. Work all day, come home and take them to practice, give up their weekends to take them to games. It all starts there