Where are the tryouts?
Western Middle School- 1 Western JR, HWY., Greenwich, CT.
When are the tryouts?
Spring Travel Basketball Evaluations:
Thursday and Friday every week at Western Middle School- 1 Western Jr. Highway, Greenwich CT.
3rd-5th Grade 6:00-7:00pm
6th-8th Grade 7:30-9:00pm
Email Stevejuricek@gmail.com if you plan on attending
Is there a tryout fee?
There is a $30 tryout fee
How many players make the team?
10 players make our A team. 10 players make our B team.
How are teams chosen?
Coaches evaluate all players at tryouts and choose the 10 players they feel are most ready for travel basketball.
Does everyone make a team?
No, everyone is not guaranteed a spot on the team. We do offer an A and B team for each age group.
Do players get equal playing time?
No. AAU Basketball is different from rec. in this aspect – Because AAU is at a much more competitive level, playing time is earned based on each player’s performance in both practices and games. During Practice, every player will be given the same instruction and the same opportunities. During CLOSE games the coaches will do their best at getting everyone playing time in the first half. In the second half, the player’s that were performing the best will be put in to go for the win.
If my child tries out, do they automatically make the team?
Due to the limited number of spots on the team and the level of competition in AAU programs, not everyone is guaranteed a spot. Player’s are chosen based on ability and skill. In the event there are enough travel level player’s to form two teams, A and B teams will be formed.
What options are available if my son does not make a team?
Tri State Thunder will be running an in-house league during the spring season at a convenient location in Greenwich CT. The league is open to players of all abilities, no tryouts required. All teams in the league are coached by Tri State Thunder coaches. Teams are broken up by age and ability. Players can request to be placed on teams with friends. Details will be available at tryouts.
What is Tri State Thunder's Philosophy?
All team’s primary defense is man-to-man. Coaches will only implement a zone defense when they feel the team has grasped the fundamental defensive concepts of man-to-man. All Thunder team’s run an open-offense, focusing on spacing, cutting, screening, and ball movement. We feel the development of player’s “basketball IQ’s” and creativity come from rules and guidelines rather than robotic and outdated “set-plays.” Every situation in basketball requires split second decision-making. Our focus is on teaching our teams HOW TO PLAY rather than teaching them how to run plays. Players learn the importance of playing TOGETHER, thinking on their feet, and reacting to their opponents. Our player’s fundamental basketball actions become instinctual. All players are expected to give 100% during practice. This will contribute to their own development, and the team’s development. The harder they practice, the more it will impact their playing time; coaches recognize and reward this personal commitment.
How often do teams practice?
During the spring, teams practice once a week for 1.5 hours from March to June.
When/where are practices?
Team practice will take place at a convenient location in Greenwich CT.
3rd Grade – Tues 5:30-7:00pm
4th Grade – Wed 5:30-7:00pm
5th Grade – Wed 7:00-8:30pm
6th Grade – Tues 7:00-8:30pm
7th Grade – Thurs 5:30-7:00pm
8th Grade – Thurs 7:00-8:30pm
9th Grade – Wed 7:00-8:30pm
When are the tournaments?
Each team will play in 4-5 local weekend tournaments over the course of the spring. Tournaments consist of 3-5 games depending on a teams performance. Each team will typically play every other weekend.
Where are the games?
Tournaments take place all over the tri-state area. Each individual team will have their own tournament schedule based on where the coaches feel they will receive adequate competition. Some teams will compete in regional AAU tournaments and National qualifier tournaments. A few local facilities we are likely to play at would be:
Hooperstown – Mt. Vernon NY
House of Sports – Ardsley NY
Brewster Sports Center – Brewster NY
Chelsea Piers – Stamford/NYC
Basketball City – NYC
What is the commitment level?
We are looking for committed players, but we understand the demands on your children’s busy schedules, so we are flexible when conflicts come up.
Can my child play on another team at the same time?
Yes. We have many players who play on other teams. As conflicts will occur, we expect to be the priority in most cases.
