Building Through Development: Inside Tennessee United

For programs looking to balance long-term development with on-court success, Tennessee United Basketball Club has carved out a clear identity in the Southeast.

Led by director Ryan Cahak, Tennessee United has quickly grown into a 25-team program rooted in structure, accountability, and player growth.

In a recent conversation with Andy Hansen, Cahak broke down what separates the program and why it's one to watch this season.

With multiple teams set to compete in Prep Hoops tournaments throughout the spring and summer, Tennessee United will bring a strong presence to the circuit across several key events.

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Tennessee United operates with a unique approach compared to many grassroots programs.

Instead of a short seasonal window, the club runs on a 10-month development model, beginning with tryouts in September and continuing through the school year with structured weekend workouts.

The foundation is built on a curriculum inspired by an Australian club system, designed to create consistency across all teams and age levels.

“We have benchmarks for the kids, and it's very transparent where we want them to go,” Cahak said.

The goal isn't just short-term success, it's long-term progression.

While winning remains part of the equation, Tennessee United 's core mission is clear: send players back to their high school programs better than they arrived.

“At the end of the day, this is about development,” Cahak said. “We want kids going back to their high school coaches and showing how much they've grown.”

That growth extends beyond basketball.

The program emphasizes:

When evaluating players, Tennessee United prioritizes two key traits that define their culture:

In today's ever-changing basketball landscape, Cahak believes those qualities are becoming harder to find but more important than ever.

“If they have grit, they'll do all the little things it takes,” he said. “If they don't, it's hard to last.”

Behind the scenes, Tennessee United 's coaching staff is a major driver of its success.

The program features:

The club also invests heavily in continued education, hosting monthly Zoom sessions focused on:

That includes work with a dedicated mental performance coach, ensuring both players and coaches continue to grow.

Tennessee United will take a balanced approach this season, competing regionally while still seeking high-level opportunities.

The program is set to attend multiple Prep Hoops events, including stops in:

For Cahak, one of the biggest draws is the environment that our events provide.

“The professional atmosphere is a big deal,” he said. “For the kids, families, and coaches, it really stands out.”

Tennessee United features several impact players to keep an eye on this season:

Brendan Murphy Brendan Murphy 6'3" | SG/PG Bearden | 2027 State TN
A versatile scorer who can shoot, create, and finish with craft around the rim.

Garrison Jones Garrison Jones 6'6" | SF/PF Dobyns-Bennett | 2027 State TN
An explosive athlete known for his finishing ability and physical presence.

Griffin Head Griffin Head 6'0" | PG Volunteer | 2027 TN
A true utility player—capable of shooting, passing, and impacting the game in multiple ways.

With a structured development system, experienced coaching staff, and a clear emphasis on culture, Tennessee United Basketball Club continues to build momentum in the Southeast.

As the season unfolds, expect the program to make its presence felt across the Prep Hoops circuit while staying true to what got them there: development first.