Hustle Region Preview: Washington Elite
We may be in the middle 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 PrepHoops Circuit Hustle Region and here’s a look at Washington Elite.
Washington Elite will have a team in the 17U division of the Hustle Region. They will be participating in the Bash in the Desert, Hustle in the Sun, and Hustle Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with CEO and head coach Anthony Slater.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
Washington Elite have been around for 7 years and I started my program for the less fortunate and at youth risk kids. Because you see a lot kids getting it in trouble and for me I wanted them to have a way out instead of drugs, crime and the streets.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
The goal for the program in 2019 is to continue to build and grow players ability to maximize there potential and help players get the exposure they deserve. Being the program north of Seattle, the blue collar players don’t have the same opportunities as metro players, so for us we bring out the unknowns.
What is your program’s mission each year?
The mission is to mentor and teach players the business of basketball. Teach them that you can You this sport to get a better education and understand that everyone will not make it to the Pros, but everyone is a pro when you get that degree from college.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
2019 Ben Dublanko,
2019 Diego Gutierrez
2019 Mitchell Jones
2020 Ryan Moffett (32.2 ppg a game and 2000 pt scorer)
2020 Carlos Garcia
2020 Joe Gonzalez
2020 Dedrick Mitchell
2022 Leland Zander
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
I felt like the platform that prep hoop has built with recruiting, media this was something that my program needed. I have watched them grow and now that they have a circuit, we want to be part of something new and a circuit that’s about helping all players not just the top 100 ESPN.