BTM Basketball-London Showcase (18U)

Coach Joe Callero of Passport Basketball (who was previously a head Division-1 coach and in college basketball for 33 years) and was recently at Cal Poly in the Big West from 2009-2019, is now directing a unique basketball and international experience which started last year with players from Washington and some NorCal players.   There are 2 sessions this year with the WA/CA group going for the 1st week and the Arizona boys debuting in week 2.   I personally invited athletes for a 18U team and a 16U team and I will be traveling with the team for the week and scouting the players.   It is a week trip to London playing versus talented players from the UK. (The two teams will play in 3 games, which are reportedly the three best 16 and 18 and under teams in London.) They will be playing long games with actual FIBA rules on big courts that were played on by former Olympians on famous courts in London.   The other days they will be traveling around London with their families that are going with them and doing bus tours, checking out famous landmarks and simply exploring London. Some will make it to Paris, France on the one off day or go watch a famous Premier League soccer match.   The 8 local 18U players who are experiencing this unique trip are   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/btmbasketball/status/1816757236628103489 </div></figure>   Some vitals of the 8 18U players:   [player_tooltip player_id='1336443' first='Uriah' last='Tenette'] Prescott   The dynamic PG will lead this older group with his dynamic athleticism, speed, tight handle and ability to make players around him better and score at will if needed be. Without a top lead guard, it will be very hard to win any games versus the longer UK players.   [player_tooltip player_id='1542272' first='Michael' last='Payne'] Cholla   Another important guard will be Payne from Tucson. His shooting was on display versus Desert Mountain to "upset" the team with his deep threes with a super quick release. He can also find teammates and be the other ball handler with Tenette.   [player_tooltip player_id='2326931' first='Matt' last='Quinlan'] Rancho Solano Prep   The two-way guard is another who can handle the ball versus the long athletic pressure and alleviate some of the ball handling duties from Tenette and Payne. He is a stout defender and three point shooter. He has a sweet mid-range J.   [player_tooltip player_id='2302768' first='Hayden' last='Stebbins'] Notre Dame Prep   One of the the top shooters of the team is Stebbins. He squares up quickly and lets it fly in a blink of an eye. He has longer arms to keep his opponents in front of them and his three point shooting will allow the bigs and quick guards to have space.   [player_tooltip player_id='1430450' first='Elijah' last='Brush'] Hamilton   Another true floor spacer with a cerebral approach to the game with versatility. He can hit three one by one but he can also work inside to score. He is a very good passer and thinks the game like a Euro player does.   [player_tooltip player_id='1595012' first='Cristian' last='Acevedo'] Apollo   A physical power forward with a nice presence inside to score. He can also shoot it from the perimeter and makes plays when he gets double teamed. He will rebound the ball for the team with his strength and toughness.   [player_tooltip player_id='2134484' first='Jamal' last='Ali'] Sahuaro   The back end of the defense will be Ali. He has long arms, good size and athleticism to alter or block shots. He can also shoot the three and then work inside the paint. He will be the guards best friend on defense.   EJ Sommers C 6'9 2025 Roosevelt/WA   A Phoenix native just moved with his family to Washington but played the last three years in AZ. He has the size to bang but has the skill of a Euro player. He comfortably shoots the three with the best of them and moves well in space to defend. He will rebound and block an occasional shot.   This team fits with enough guards, shooters, shot blockers, inside and out threats and IQ's for the FIBA game.   NOTE:   We will be taking 2 teams again next year (18/16U) the first week of August, 2025. (August 4-11).   Invites will go out around mid-September for next year.   If interested, don't be shy to reach out to me via email, text or social media.   Here are the details of this year's trip if you are interested.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-btm-basketball wp-block-embed-btm-basketball"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://btmbasketball.com/tour/usa-vs-uk-showcase-s1-london-24/ </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BTM Basketball-Destination London</figcaption></figure>   YOU CAN WATCH THE GAMES FROM HERE (live stream)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CoachCallero/status/1817578662369341636 </div></figure>

Coach Joe Callero of Passport Basketball (who was previously a head Division-1 coach and in college basketball for 33 years) and was recently at Cal Poly in the Big West from 2009-2019, is now directing a unique basketball and international experience which started last year with players from Washington and some NorCal players.