AAU Preview: Dribble Drive Basketball
The start of grassroots basketball season is right around the corner so it’s time to to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. We have reached out to all of the top AAU programs in the state…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe start of grassroots basketball season is right around the corner so it’s time to to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. We have reached out to all of the top AAU programs in the state to get a preview and today we look at Dribble Drive Basketball.
Dribble Drive Basketball has scaled back its program this season due to program director Eddie Alexander’s responsibilities at Northwest Christian University as the head men’s basketball coach. Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with coach Alexander.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
Dribble Drive has been in operation since 2003 and has mentored over 400 student-athletes (3rd – 12th Grade) and 20 coaches. With over 40 of those athletes going on to participate in College Athletics (Basketball, Track & Field, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, and Baseball), Dribble Drive is about developing the total athlete on and off the court. Five of those coaches have/are now coaching at the Collegiate Level in Basketball.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
In 2019, Dribble Drive is only offering one 17U/Open travel team and one 14U team, as opposed to the five teams last spring and summer. Coach Alexander expects their 17U team to be highly competitive with a handful of players able to move on to the college level in 2019 or 2020.
What is your program’s mission every year?
The programs mission each year is to offer a program vacant of politics or drama and to offer every player the best possible experience in competitive travel basketball at the “AAU” level.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
A player to keep an eye on this year is Trae Knabe of Junction City HS, who has been in conversation with Pacific University with regards to joining their program in 2019-2020. Jackson Tucker of Sheldon HS is expected to be a team leader. The crafty lefty is a scorer and with a tremendous ability to get his team involved. Our point guard this season is Nick Stice, fresh off leading Marist HS to the 4A State Tournament. Nick may be undersized, but is one of the toughest and best on the ball defenders on the court each game.
What are the main tournaments you will be playing in this year?
Schedule
April 6-7 Portland Classic Portland, OR
April 13-14 Nike Hoop Summit Spring Showcase Beaverton, OR
April 27-28 Northwest Live Spring Showcase Salem, OR
May 11 The Hoop Mother’s Day Shootout Salem, OR
May 17-19 Oregon Open Run Spring Showcase Beaverton, OR
May 25-27 The Hoop Memorial Day Classic Salem, OR
July 6-7 The Hoop Salem Tournament Salem, OR
July 11-14 Las Vegas Main Event Las Vegas, NV
July 20-21 The Hoop Summer Championships Salem, OR