Hard Work Region Preview: Kentucky Defenders
We may be on the tail end 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 Prep Hoops Circuit Hard Work Region and here’s a look at the Kentucky Defenders
The Defenders will compete in the 16U and 17U age divisions of the Hard Work Region and will be at Havoc in the Heartland, The Show Me Showdown and the Hard Work Region Finals.
I recently caught up with Defenders Director Roosevelt Bowles to learn more about the program and what to expect from his teams this season:
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
I started the program to give kids a chance to play at a high level for an affordable rate. I started the program in 2014.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
To get all my players a free education.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Our mission is to teach a player to be a well-rounded player. We take players that some people would consider average players and teach them how to perform at a high level. We motivate players to:
Be a coachable player: willing to execute the role a coach ask of him to give his team a chance to win the game.
Be a team player: willing to be excited for his teammate and willing to give a helping hand.
Raise basketball IQ: taught to value the ball on each procession.
Be a defensive stopper: be a strong defensive player at every position. Take pride in being able to stop your opponent.
Have self-confidence: believe in yourself and all the training.
When players are willing to play together as one and buy into what they are being taught. I truly believe a team will be successful and they can play for any system a college coach may have.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
Class of 2020: Trevon Harris, Jack Cooper, Grant Disken, Kevin Centers, and Jalen Bowles
Class of 2021: Blake Robinson, Zaire Monroe, Dameion Mitchell, Dietrich Farmer
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We joined the Prep Hoops Circuit because we wanted to play on a circuit this season. We specifically chose the Prep Hoops Circuit for the exposure. We feel the Prep Hoops Circuit is another way to maximize exposure for our players.