I went to this organization looking for my daughter to play meaningful competitive basketball at a very high level and what I have gotten so far is a subpar experience characterized by terrible coaching and a general level of disorganization. My daughter has experienced 3 different seasons with this organization and none of them have been worth the thousands of dollars we have had to shell out in the form of fees. I am sure that these directors of this organization are satisfied with taking the money of any child and their parents with a pulse. People warned me that this was nothing more that a money making entity that is making a killing off of charging outrageous fees for a subpar basketball product. For those parents, who have kids that LOVE the game and really want to get better and be great do not waste your time or your son or daughters talent by taking them to Hoops City AAU programs that equates to nothing more than ridiculously overpriced recreational basketball team.
Do NOT waste your time or money with AAU at Hoops City U!!! It is an extremely unorganized program. The summer teams were scheduled to play in four tournaments. We were just told that we werent playing in this weekends tournament because the coach has no idea who has or hasnt paid for the past two tournaments. After you pay the fee ($310) to be part of the team, you also have to pay a portion of the tournament fee and $35 for a jersey The first weekend we paid $15, the second $20. Now, although we have paid for our son to be a part of this AAU team, he is being short changed playing in three games this weekend due to the utter incompetence of this program!
My daughter is currently playing for a team in one of their MIDDLE SCHOOL Tournaments. Needless to say the team that they were playing was a team that had 10th graders on it of which was confirmed by THEIR score keeper. A couple of concerned parents brought it to the officiants and the representatives that were there attention. The young lady sitting at the registration said, I can call but no one would answer or come.It is a poor representation of an organization as well as poor sportsmanship to have children playing in a game that is not honest. I am very disappointed.
Warning, Please keep all of your receipts, book keeping here is horrible!Also, for spring season we paid about 1000.00 to include having to pay for your player to enter the tournaments weekly(tournament entry fee for familys can become expensive). You may pay AAU money, and receive a spot on a developmental team, where winning is a bonus!In my opinion you should never give any organization claiming to be AAU any money if they do not certify your childs age via birth certificate or gov ID....they may just be a gigantic Recreation league that will only enter your children in their associated events. Gotta give it to this place....their a money making machine! Training classes have been awesome! Just research what your investing your money into.
Went to another Track Out camp last week. Had a great time, all different sports and activities. My son has attended their summer and winter basketball camps for last 2 years. Definitely the best in the Raleigh-Durham area. Very structured, they learn the game while having a lot of fun. Facility is top notch, clean and well maintained. Staff and coaches are fantastic, very professional.
If I could give -0 starts I would. The management is there to take your money. But not to ensure your team has a qualified coach. The rules are inconsistently enforced. Parents are aggressive. We didnt mind spending money for this experience - if we had gotten good coaching. But we didnt. The environment was toxic from the beginning and management did nothing. I was told the owner was too busy with speaking engagements to respond to my concerns. But not too busy to cash my checks. Oh and did I mention this organization gets a cut of the money for all the tournaments you pay for you kid to go to... and that you have to pay to attend... there are many better AAU teams... closer to home. I honestly dont know how this place stays in business.
Great organization! This is our third AAU program and this one is by far the most professional of all. The coaches did an excellent job teaching my son and preparing him for high school basketball. The tournaments we played in were well run with good competition. I would recommend this organization to anyone that wants their child to become a well rounded player.
Being new to the area, we heard about Hoops City through some neighbors and figured we would give it a shot, despite some old reviews we saw. Our first experience was last summer (2014) for a week long summer basketball camp. My son loved the camp, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. His only complaint was that he was sweating too much because it was warm in the gym.Because he enjoyed the camp, we decided to give the AAU program a try, as my son had only done recreational ball and camps before. We didnt really know what to expect, and so it did take some adjusting. We played during the Spring Season (2015), and are planning to return for the Fall season. Our coach was knowledgeable and had coached with the team the year before, and he definitely motivated our son to improve. He did rely on the parents to help with communication which I felt was odd, but in talking to other parents this seemed to be commonplace. My only real complaint during the season was some confusion as to tournament fee due dates and breakdowns, as this got complication and confusing.Overall, the main reasons for having our son play were to improve as a player and have fun along the way. We seemed to accomplish these goals, as he is noticeably better than his friends who didnt play competitive basketball in the Spring.
Well, I agree with the poster Mrs. King, the recent 5 star reviews must have been written by the owner/employees of Hoops City. My son played on a Hoops City team a few season back, most parents felt duped and said they were one and done meaning they would not be back for another season. Basically Hoops City has 1 team that is marginally competitive, the Blue team. All of their other teams are basically based on, if you can pay you will play. All tournaments are run by Hoops City, and outside the blue team( that wins on occasion), their other teams get creamed. Wish there was more upfront honestly about all of this. I have heard good things about their track out camps, to end on a positive note.
My daughter has been playing for Hoops City and Team Carolina for 5 years, and we are thrilled with the experience. There are always top-notch trainers being brought in to work with the players, and the skill work that they learn and drills they are taught are comparable with Division I programs across the country. We have traveled extensively to top tournaments across the country and constantly attract numerous Division I coaches to watch our games. I feel that we have had a great experience at Hoops City and would recommend it to anyone looking to become a top player in the area.
We are on our third season at Hoops City U and we have seen favorable growth in our sons skill set. He had aged out of Upward Basketball leagues and wanted to continue to play and we were told about the this program. We came in not knowing what to expect, but were pleased with the skills training opportunities, the trainers, play time, and the exposure that this gym gets. Our son is frequently approached during tournaments about where he plays and his goals for playing in the future.As with any service, it wont be for everybody. But it has been a good match for our son, as it has challenged him to step up to the next level. We are pleased with the progress that he has made. He has gone from Upward ball, to being a starting player on both middle school and JV school times while still in middle school.Excited about the new season.
Hoops City U offers exceptional Track Out and Summer Camps. My kids typically attend camp here three or four weeks each year, and they always enjoy their time. The All Sports camp offers a variety of activities for kids who want to play all kinds of sports each day. During the Summer, an intensive Basketball Camp is offered in addition to the All Sports Camp. My older son is serious about developing his basketball game, and he loves the skill development offered at Hoops City Us Basketball Camp. My younger son wants to play, so he goes to the All Sports Camp. Im thankful for the coaching and mentoring my boys have received at Hoops City U. Weve told our friends about it, and they have enrolled their kids as well, always with a positive experience. The coaches really invest in the campers and they make it a fun experience for all.
Hoops City U is as advertised! From the facility, the instructors and the program... Everything that is needed to expand your skills, basketball IQ and overall passion for the games is accessible, if you want to take advantage of the opportunity. My daughter has improved and the exposure she has received during the tournaments has been outstanding!
My son went to track out camp here and absolutely loved it! There seemed to be a good balance between physical activity and chill time, and the counselors were great. He is looking forward to going again on another track out.
Great coaching, excellent practice facilities, extremely well organized, and all sorts of additional training. This is truly an elite AAU program. Practices are scheduled, consistent, on time, and at excellent facilities. The Hoops City hosted tournaments are the most organized tournaments you will find. Games are on time and the tournaments draw excellent competition. They also do an excellent job of screening and selecting outside tournaments that are well run. Additional Sunday skills sessions are included and one on one skills or conditioning sessions are available. Everything you want for a young athlete who is serious about developing their game.
Im a former player and I was at Hoops City a lot and I had a great experience...I was a mediocre player and through all the training and AAU programs I developed into a top high school player. If you commit your all, youll see results. Highly recommend!
Been with the program for 8 years. No one has their own facility like Hoops City. Rik is known by many college coaches since he coached in college. Not only is he a great and demanding coach but he has the connections to help get exposure when your son or daughter reaches those 9-11th grade years. He also knows all the Exposure tournament directors and that helps get the team great placements at tournaments. If you child is young, stick with it, and the outcome in high school will be worth it.
Love this place!! Coach J and Coleman are the best!!!! 10/10 would recommend. I definitely learned a lot at hoop city on and off the court!
This is my sons first and last season with Hoop City. First of all, Hoop City is completely disorganized. Schedules change all the time and coaches do not keep parents up to date. My next disappointment – the coaching staff is mediocre. They need TRAINING! From a basic skills perspective, I’d give them a 5. I have had better coaching from YMCA volunteers. Additionally, my sons coach likes to belittle the team. When they lose (which they frequently do because of his bad coaching), he tells them they are awful, they have no passion for the game... Does that work for anyone? I don’t think so! Lastly, Hoop City is EXPENSIVE!!!! We paid $700 for a season. That did not include tournament fees or entry fees. My advice is to find another AAU organization.
Kids can learn basketball and volleyball out here. Daughter started this year. Good place so far!
Horrible experience. Upper management has very bad communication and customer service skills. Youre not getting what you pay for. Its not worth the money or time. Read the contract carefully. I would not recommend waisting your time or money here.
Notice all the recent 5 star review were done exactly 1 week ago. This was the owner posting the rave reviews WHAT A JOKE!!! Okay where to start. First this is not an elite basketball program. Anyone who trys out will be placed on a team. Warning bells first went up at the over the top sales pitch given by the owner Rik during the tryouts. Basically you are paying big bucks for being on a team that is a step above your typical Rec level team. Team Carolinas team tends to get slaughtered during most tournaments by real competitive teams. Oh yes, plus many of the tournaments Team Carolina plays in are actually sponsored by Hoops City, and you have to pay again for your child to be in the tournament and for you to attend and watch(shocking that you dont get a discount since you are already paying way above typical fees for other competitive teams. The owner Rik is a good businessman obviously, but the rub is that he pretends this is a true competitive basketball organization, which it is not. In talking to other real competitive teams in the area, AAU levels teams, the feedback we received is that team Carolina Basketball is not worth the money, and you would be better off having your kid play at a YMCA. Our son has played since the fall, and we will finish out with the spring season. After this, our money will be much better spent on a private trainer and a YMCA type league, which honestly will be at the same level as Team Carolina. Again, I dont mind that this is a business I get it, but the owner should be upfront what this organization is all about. If you are looking for a truly competitive team for your son or daughter, look elsewhere as this is a very expensive rec type of organization.
Most of the boys teams are not competitive. You will pay in excess of $800 for a team mostly comprised of beginners. Kids who cant do basic dribbling drills, make a free throw or even a lay-up will be placed on a team as long as the parents are willing to pay. Even their blue teams have kids who would struggle on a rec league.In every tournament (which are run by Hoops City), many of their boys teams lose by more than 30 points. If your son is serious about basketball, go to Carolina Elite, WCBA, Triangle Flight, or Bull City Thunder.
I have been playing for Team Carolina forever and it is clear that the coaching staff really loves working with the players and its real cool to be a part of this.
NOT HAPPY! Total rip off. It would have been nice to know the price, plus the cost of uniforms, and now more money for the tournament . It seems like we paid all this money for them to practice 3 times a week. It really sickens me that you people take advantage of people who want to put their kids in programs to socialize, stay active and have fun. I know it is a business for you all but you could be more honest and upfront with parents who are signing their kids up. My children will NOT ever play for this league again. I dont feel I am getting my money worth especially since practice was cancelled once, changed once and now paying more for them to play in games. REALLY????
MY son has been playing team Carolina 5 seasons and we find it great the tournaments are competitive and practice is 3 times a week.
Very good training sessions. Kids are always actively learning
My daughter has been part of the HoopsCityU programs for over three years. She has truly enjoyed her experience with the level of competition and training she has received over this time. The coaches and staff have been very helpful in developing her skills and working with her to correct her form and make her a much better player. She has played in many highly exposed events in front of all levels of college coaches. HoopsCityU proves these kids with the basic fundamentals for those just learning early on up to the ones who need just a tweak here and there. I highly recommend HoopsCityU to those looking for a place where kids want to learn, develop their skills, and make new friends along the way..
Great for getting better at basketball but benches are normally crowded with parents during practices
Our experience was that it was a pay to play program, not true AAU. We spoke to several other reputable AAU programs and they told us that Hoop City U was big waste of money, better to play rec or have a personal trainer. We did like the skill sessions, but tournaments were a total joke, all sponsored by Hoops City and the Team Carolina teams would generally get killed as players were not AAU caliber, again our experience, and that of other parents we spoke to was that if you could play that would make a team for you. We also found the coach to be awful, basically right out of college with no experience, plus an awful attitude. Would not do this again, and highly recommend anyone considering hoops City to careful research before buying in. High pressure initial pitch to join, so be aware if you go to a pitch session.
My son has been in the AAU program and going to basketball camps and track out camps at HC for just over two years now and his basketball skills have dramatically improved. Coach Jack, Coach Jonas, and Coach Michko are top notch and truly care about the kids and their basketball futures. The camp staff is very professional and the kids love them...they do a great job with training and camps!
Practicing here is great, but if you play Boys AAU just be ready to lose a lot of games. Ive played 2 summer AAU seasons here, and played about 30 AAU games all together and we have only won 1 game because to other team didnt show up. uniforms are super expensive, and anyone who wants to see the child who is playing at a torment has to play 10-15 dollars just to get in. This will start to add up. And like i said earlier great to practice at, get some lessons like point guard U or a private lesson. Just DO NOT PLAY BOYS AAU BASKETBALL.
Awful experience never again will I have a child play for this organization. Don Ledford and Rik are money hungry and care nothing about the development of the players. Several parents from my sons team have tried to contact Don and Rik and have yet to get a response from them, Amos had a parent go to the facility and Don Ledford slammed the door in her face. Paid for uniforms its the end of the season and still havent received them. Save your money and take your players elsewhere.
Hoop city u is known by all AAU players and coaches as a waste of money. The coaches are unorganized and the schedule is never consistent. I wouldve given this a 1 star even if 0 was possible. I got to where I am right now with the organization. I currently play on a cicuit team and i never wouldve without practicing here for 4 years. The training programs are well planned. The AAU teams are weak and never win a single game. The elite blue team lost to a mid level AAU team by 50+ points. The white team is a rec league team. The cost...... So much for so little. For this price you would expect an AAU Championship caliber team. If the player interested has experience with basketball go to another organization. This is good for beginners to get on the level of other experienced players.
We have been in NC for 3+ years, relocating from Indiana. We spent the first year looking for training and development programs, as well as competitive AAU team for our grade school son (who came from an outstanding program in Indiana). We landed at Hoops City U in 2012 and have been very pleased with the organization, from the staff, to the facilities, to the programs provided. Our son continues to grow as a player from the specialized coaching hes getting w/individual trainers as well as the group programs. Additionally, our youngest daughter (now 6th grade) just started playing organized BB a year ago and has taken advantage of the same opptys our son has. Her growth in just a years time has been tremendous. While our daughters aspirations are lower (making her middle school team then high school) than our sons (college level), we have found complimentary offerings from the HC staff.
Nice sport center for youth to practice.
Designed to make people feel bad after they rob you of 700 dollars
Its a money making scheme for the owners. The staff are abusive and your child will not learn anything.
Coaches are a little strict, but it really helped!