AAU Preview: International Elite
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…
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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 International Elite.
International Elite is in its second year and will be playing on the adidas Silver Gauntlet. Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with program director Nate Bowie.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
One of the reasons why International Elite was started was because it was a need for a different analyzed thinking coming from out the ordinary box. One can’t examine or understand fully until they experience AAU in different regions, cities, states and countries. So bringing a different culture to the PNW was a bit of a fresh air for us all. This upcoming Spring & Summer will mark our 2nd Year Anniversary which feels like we been around longer due to our consistent rise up the pecking order.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Our first and most important goal is to develop each players character by teaching the value of hard work and a competitive environment by developing each players skills. We try to foster the atmosphere as common to a PRO and D1 environment as possible, which helps us to our common goal…to WIN. But a culture has to be set and slowly poured out to ensure that the concrete has no cracks in it. We want to play the best competition in the nation and prove to them why we are solid.
What is your program’s mission every year?
Our mission is pretty cut and dry. International Elite purpose is to provide youth an opportunity to make a difference their lives and the community by using their desire to succeed in basketball as an avenue to obtain a college degree, which helps become an upstanding citizen. This heart felt, disciplined approach promotes an environment that instills confidence, goal driven and leadership skills.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
We are returning a few familiar faces but at the same time introducing a new 16U Elite team as well. For our 17U we are returning Jamison Guerra who finished this season losing in the Elite 8 vs. Grant HS. But also had a solid season being named the MVP and 1st Team All League of his Conference. Matt Levis will be returning who had a big time year snatching the 6A title from Jefferson this year. Dakota Reber our 6’6 SF also pulled away with the 5A State Title but also won Tournament MVP, 1st Team All, League and many more accolades. Coming in with TON of D1 interest it is a big year for him. But adding to the 17U, Deray Seamster a tough, gritty, 6’3 guard with a bunch of Varsity and AAU experience really helps our depth. Also adding knock down shooter and scorer Ethan Abrahmson and big’s such as Blake Jensen 6’8, Tucker Pellicci 6’11 and Dane Erikstrup 6’7 we are able to rotate the players to their natural positions.
For our 16U we are returning some great pieces with experience from last year Shambay Gabriel-Trapp and Joseph Maqatish. Most importantly adding athletes that experienced the circuit and varsity such as Vernon Taylor, Nick Boyd, Dakota Sams, Aidan Slater and Trent Templeton. Getting bigger at the wing spot as a knock down shooter Braden Hudgins, helps open the floor a bit.
What are the main tournaments you will be playing in this year?
Some of the top tournaments we are participating in as usual is our trip up to Canada, which gives our program the experience of playing FIBA rules. Owner/Coach Nate Bowie having 8 Years of Pro Basketball experience understands the value of playing internationally and how it can set a tone for success down the road. European basketball is way more physical than basketball in the states and it helps define us mentally as we go on this journey for the spring and summer. We also will be participating in Adidas Regional Qualifier in California and Texas, as well as the Adidas Finale and Adidas Summer Championship.
We really do appreciate the opportunity to allow us to give you a walk in our shoes during this interview. And also remember “The Future Belongs To Those Who Believe In The Beauty Of Their Dreams”.