Program Preview: New Orleans Wolves 17u
Program Director: Rory Poplion
Affiliation: Independent
Head Coach: Rory Poplion
Twitter: @nolawolvesaau
Roster:
6’8 F 2017 Ryghe Lyons (John Curtis)
6’10 C 2017 Mike Young (Salmen)
6’ G 2017 Raylon Hardy (Hahnville)
6’ G 2019 Dajour Lloyd (West Jefferson)
6’2 G 2017 James Lee (New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy)
6’3 F 2018 Carey Holmes (Salmen)
5’11 G 2017 Devin Bernard (West Jefferson)
6’1 G 2017 Emir Carter (Bishop McManus)
6’3 G 2017 Deitrick Stovall (Salmen)
6’4 F 2017 Ronald Holmes (John Curtis)
6’5 F 2019 Corey Coleman (West Jefferson
Notes:
In today’s landscape of grassroots programs, it is rare to see talented rosters that are capable of competing with circuit teams be independent. But that is the case for the New Orleans Wolves 17u team. So far this season, they are sporting an impressive 11-1 record, with two prestigious tournament championships already, in the Below Zero Hoopfest and Icebreaker Hoopfest. They have also gotten several marquee wins over circuit teams, including NOLA BB Club of the Powerade circuit and New Orleans Elite of the Adidas circuit. Those wins right there put them right in the upper echelon of Grassroot teams out of New Orleans.
According to Coach Rory Poplion, the thing that separates the Wolves from other grassroot programs, is the training and genuine player care. “I honestly feel like we train harder than everyone. Our main focus is player development, because without player development, college coaches won’t have any interest… I help place guys where I can not only see them playing, but graduating. Every player who plays for the Wolves only plays for us. This is a brotherhood.” He also feels like he has a genuine relationship with the players. “I believe in these kids to the fullest. No one knew who these kids were last year. All were sleepers.They worked so hard for these opportunities.” All of that hard work has certainly paid off as of late, and will continue to play off the rest of this summer.
Schedule:
March 17-19 Biloxi
March 24-26 New Orleans
March 31 South Carolina
April 28-30 Houston, Texas
May 19-21 New Orleans
May 26-28 Atlanta