The mission of NIKE Elite Youth Basketball is to improve the game of basketball through the phenomenal experiences we provide kidsat our events. We offer young players a place to receive superior skill instruction, honest evaluation and life-changing experiences. Our programs and events push kids to work hard and to challenge them to be better on and off the court.
Through our network of High School programs, sponsored Travel Teams and professional talent evaluators, we are able to identify who the top high school players are throughout the country and provide them with the training, competition and instruction to improve their skills.
A player’s potential is often identified at one of the many sponsored NIKE Basketball events. The main event used to identify players is the Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), which consists of three regular season events in Hampton, VA (April 8-10), Dallas, TX (April 29- May 1st) and Los Angeles, CA (May 28-30). The EYBL providesa safe and structured environment on the Travel Team circuit while providing teams with the best competitionand a chance to play for an ultimate goal each summer. The EYBL finals will be played at the most coveted tournament of the summer, theNIKE Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC (July 12-15).
For many underclassmen, their initial elite camp experience begins at the annual NIKE Elite 100. Developed specifically for freshmen and sophomores, this camp offers skill development and player evaluations to determine who moves up to the next level. The next step is an invitation to the NIKE Positional Skills Academies, this year hosted by Amar’eStoudemire, Kevin Durant and Deron Williams, which consist of three days of intense position specific skill instruction with their peers. Only the top 20 players at each position are invited nationally.
Each player from the positional academies will attend the LeBron James Skills Academy with the 2009 and 2010 NBA Most Valuable Player in Akron, Ohio to build upon their positional skills,form competitive teams and competein front of hundreds of NCAA coaches, scouts and media during the final two days of camp.
The summer basketball experience concludes with the top 20 players from the LeBron James Skill Academy playing against the top youth players from all over the World at the NIKE Global Challenge in Portland, Oregon.
Finally, at the end of the player’s high school career, upon selection, he is invited to play in the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic all-star game at Bobcat Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.
It’s not just about what’s happening on the court. NIKE’s Elite Youth program strives to mentor players to be role models academically and socially. Many of the athletes who participate in these events excel in the classroom and in their communities. We believe the investment in young players today will only enhance the game and the community for tomorrow.
WHAT IS ELITE YOUTH?
The following information is from inside.nikebasketball.com
How can I get my AAU, youth or travel team sponsored by NIKE?
NIKE sponsors a very limited number of travel teams each year, usually only established programs. Our current teams demonstrate a high-level of performance, community involvement and player development.
How do I get my high school team sponsored by NIKE?
Similar to the travel teams, NIKE only sponsors a limited number of high school basketball programs.
What are the Skills Academies with Deron Williams, Kevin Durant and Amar’eStoudemire?
The Deron Williams Academy, Kevin Durant Academy and Amar’eStoudemire Academy are four-day skill development events featuring approximately the top 20 high school players at their respective positions. For example, the top 20 point guards in the country are invited to attend the Deron Williams Skills Academy.
How do I get invited to one of the Skills Academy events?
The NIKE Skills Academies are all invitation-only events. These players are selected by our NIKE scout team. We do not accept applications for these events.
What is the difference between the NIKE Elite 100 and Skills Academies?
The NIKE Elite 100 is a showcase for the top student athletes entering their freshman and sophomore year of high school. The Skills Academies each feature the top 20 high school student athletes at their respective position regardless of age.
Who do I contact to get invited to the NIKE Elite 100?
Elite 100 participants are chosen by invitation-only.
How can I get my travel team into the EYBL?
The Elite Youth Basketball League’s teams are determined each year by our elite youth department. The teams are invitation-only.
Who do I contact regarding the Jordan Brand Classic?
For more information on the Jordan Brand Classic you can visit www.JordanBrandClassic.com.
What is the NIKE Global Challenge?
The NIKE Global Challenge is the culmination of the NIKE summer events. The top 20 players from the LeBron James Skills Academy represent two United States teams in an International tournament against six other countries in Portland, Oregon.
How do you get selected for the NIKE Global Challenge?
The NIKE Global Challenge features the top 20 players, who are selected directly from the LeBron James Skills Academy.
Who do I contact to get NIKE to sponsor my event?
NIKE sponsors a very limited number of basketball events.
How can I reach a NIKE professional athlete or college coach about an appearance or autograph?
Please contact the player’s NBA team or the college athletic department directly.
Who should I contact about NIKE products (footwear, apparel or equipment)? Visit NikeStore.com or call Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-806-6453 (5am – 10pm PST, 7 days a week).
