Hard Work Region Preview: Full Package
Although it is still in the middle of the high school basketball season in Illinois we are already looking ahead to the travel team circuit this spring. We will be previewing the teams participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Hard Work Region over the next few months.
Below is our chat with Dmitry Pirshin of Full Package previewing this upcoming season!
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
Steve Pratt founded Full Package Athletics in September 2000, offering classes and basketball lessons at the Highwood Recreation Center. News traveled quickly about his ability to train basketball players in both individual and team skills effectively. In the winter he was invited to use facilities at the nearby Bannockburn Club for practices and training sessions, and the Full Package Athletics program was firmly established. Full Package was born on a foundation of finding the potential in all players and building confidence by helping every individual develop through the game of basketball. This philosophy is the backbone of our program and remains apparent today throughout the dedicated coaching of all our travel teams, leagues, and training programs.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Full Package Athletics is a DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. FP is family oriented basketball club, focused on personal development of players. Full Package Athletics includes travel, camps, clinics and training programs designed to allow each player to reach his/her personal goals and contribute to their teams and their communities. And learn how to be a high functioning teammate that encourages others, while competing at their highest level. Goals are to create and develop as much players as possible each year. In addition to that, another goal for upperclassmen high school players is to try to find best fit and develop them to compete at the next level or move on to a sponsored program where they play and can get more exposure.
What is your program’s mission each year?
The mission of Full Package is to create a better tomorrow by inspiring its youth athletes to shoot for excellence in all endeavors, to use their talents for the greater good, and to follow their dreams. Full Package is committed to developing all facets of its student athletes – using basketball and team skills to create leaders —who not only understand the value of hard work and teamwork but also giving back to the community.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
Last two years we went to their Battle of the Lakes tournament which was well organized and we like tournament style competition. 17U two years ago knocked down some sponsored teams to get to final four. We had a blast and there was a great amount of coaches present and coverage. Competition was right. Good talent balance, so most games are competitive. Main thing that I personally liked, people who cover games actually around and watch games, and see how players do. For example, last year I went with players who were unknown to anyone, but Scott actually went and watched some games, so he could write them up and gave them some looks. It helped one player who barely played high school to continue his playing career in junior college. So I thought that was fair. They do not just write about hyped up players who everyone already know, so helps unknown players.