Grind Region Preview: Texas Elite-Kinney
As we are moving towards the end of the high school basketball season in Texas, we are looking ahead to the travel team circuit this spring. We continue to preview the teams participating in the Prep Hoops Circuit: Grind Region over the next…
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Continue ReadingAs we are moving towards the end of the high school basketball season in Texas, we are looking ahead to the travel team circuit this spring. We continue to preview the teams participating in the Prep Hoops Circuit: Grind Region over the next two months.
Today we look at Texas Elite-Kinney who will have teams competing on the 13U, 15U, 16U, and 17U circuits. This squad will be at the #GrindSzn Kickoff, Mayhem in the Plex, and the Grind Region Finals.
Below is our chat with program director Marcus Kinney previewing this upcoming season:
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
The purpose of starting our organization was to provide a teaching environment. I knew kids that had the aspirations of playing college basketball, but didn’t focus on the core skills to get there. We provide that with constant attention on skill development and doing the little things the right way every time.
Texas Elite-Kinney was started 11 years ago (2008) as the Razorbacks Elite. We have continued to evolve and look forward to many more successful years. The end game is providing an avenue to allow our kids to showcase their skills and get an opportunity to play college ball. I appreciate the opportunity to bring our kids to the Prep Hoops Circuit and use the amazing platform that has been provided. Prep Hoops has stepped up and provided a competitive environment with national media coverage and a goal similar to that of the Texas Elite to help kids and provide exposure. Kudos to the Prep Hoops team! We are looking forward to a great season.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Our goal is to focus on building each kid from the inside out. Not only focusing on basketball, but focusing on building character. Yes, it is very important that they can play the game at a high level, but it is also important that we stress the skills that are required to be productive adults. If at the end of the season, the kids improved their jumpshot and learned how to properly use social media, then 2019 was a success.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Our mission is for each player to return to high school improved. At the first workout of our season, we ask each player what is something they need to improve on. We also try and have the same conversation with their high school coach to understand what they would like to see improvement on. If there is a united focus on what needs development, it helps the player and what he brings his school the next season.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
We have the luxury of returning almost our complete roster. We also added a couple of key new pieces. Our team will have several players that will be of interest to coaches at the next level. They defend, communicate, and play for each other. I couldn’t be more excited to see them back together again.
Why did your program choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
Before the circuit was even announced, I often complimented Prep Hoops for how it covered talent. The focus wasn’t on the same big names. You (Brandon Jenkins) and the rest of the team at Prep Hoops are actually in the gym watching games. Not just the highlight games with the players everyone already knows, but random games that have lead to some introducing some hidden gems that can really play. The Prep Hoops Circuit is giving those “unknown” players a platform and opportunity to showcase their skills. Lastly, the communication and planning that has gone into the launch of the Circuit is top notch. Kudos, to the Prep Hoops team!