Hustle Region Preview: Utah Premier Basketball Club
We may be in the middle of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Hustle Region and here’s a look at Utah Premier Basketball Club.
Utah Premier Basketball Club will have multiple teams in the 17U, 16U, 15U, 14U divisions of the Hustle Region. They will be participating in the Spring Kick Off, Bash in the Desert, and Hustle Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with program director Anita Rowland.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
My program has been going for 10 years… we recently merged with Colorado Premier and changed our name to Utah Premier.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
At every level of our program, we want to see our players be able to meet the skill challenges to make THEIR next level…whatever that level is. We are a TRAIN FIRST program…we love to win, and we do win…but our focus is on player development. Our girls program is a Nike EYBL program…one of 32 programs in the country. We are seeking to establish our boys program at that Nike EYBL level.
What is your program’s mission each year?
The mission of Colorado and Utah Premier Basketball Club is to provide an exceptional personal development experience through the game of basketball for youth ages 3-19 by teaching the values of hard work, accountability, team play, competitiveness and sportsmanship.
We will provide comprehensive programs that help all of our athletes, from the beginning player to our elite national level players, become the best players and people they can be.
It is our goal to provide a safe and positive environment where all children feel valued and can feel great about their accomplishments. Most importantly, we hope that after our players have moved on from our organization, they will realize lifelong benefits from their experience with Premier.
Premier seeks to establish the highest quality youth basketball club in the world.
Our parents, athletes and fans will find that Colorado Premier Basketball Club and Utah Premier Basketball Club are committed to the following five core values:
1. Kids First: We put the kids first in everything we do and every decision we make in our boys and girls youth basketball club.
2. Whole Player – Whole Person Development: Our programs expand beyond just basketball. Through on and off the court activities, we attempt to instill the values of hard work, accountability, team play, sportsmanship and charity in all of our athletes.
3. All Ages – All Abilities: We believe that basketball can be a positive outlet for all youth, not just elite athletes.
4. High-Quality Coaches and Staff: We seek out the highest quality coaches and people to be a part of our organization. We proudly support the Positive Coaches Alliance.
5. Affordable, Value Driven Programs: Our staff and coaches are in this for kids, not money. We keep our fees as low as we possibly can to run an exceptional organization and allow families the ability to have their kids play for Premier.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
From our Utah Premier U16 National Team:
-Jaden Brownell – 6-7 small forward
-Bodi Nageli – 6-2 point guard
-Dominic Burns – 6-1 shooting guard/point guard
-Parker Christensen – 6-0 shooting guard/point guard
From our Utah Premier U17 National Team:
-Nathaniel Lowe – 5-11 shooting guard
-Mark McCurdy – 6-0 point guard
-Braden Housley – 6-3 point guard
-Max Curry – 6-7 power forward
-Caden Kuhn – 6-7 power forward
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
With the new recruiting calendar it’s become even more apparent that the NCAA is all about the top 100 players in the country…which leaves the majority of players without opportunities to be evaluated. Prep Hoops is getting in front of that dilemma with their Circuit program. Prep Hoops already has a solid reputation for running quality events, but now players and teams have something to play for in their travel season other than trying to get in front of coaches…they can compete in each event for placement in the Prep Hoop regional finals. That makes the circuit motivating and fun! Also, the circuit is set up in such a way that there are many options to choose from and still be a part of the big show at the end of the summer! My hope is that the NCAA D2 and D3, NAIA and JUCO coaches will support Prep Hoops’ efforts to provide quality events and come in person to evaluate the amazing talent that can be found in our region.