Latest York, NY – KING Hoops, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball program based in New York City, continues to expand its commitment to both athletic and academic development for student-athletes. The organization’s multifaceted approach, encompassing competitive basketball and comprehensive life skills training, has yielded a 100% high school graduation rate for its participants since 2018.
Founded in 2008 by Ron King, KING Hoops provides opportunities for young basketball players to compete at the local, regional, and national levels. The program’s teams range in age from 12U to 17U, with varying levels of competition. The 12U and 13U teams participate in Local Zero Gravity Tournaments, while the 13U Black and 14U teams compete on the Under Armour Future’s Circuit. Older age groups, 15U, 16U, and 17U, focus on gaining college exposure through participation in prominent regional tournaments such as Hoop Group, Made Hoops, and Gym Rat.
Beyond the court, KING Hoops distinguishes itself through its academic and life skills program. Launched in 2018 with support from the Heisman Trophy Trust, this initiative aims to address educational gaps within the New York City school system. The program provides academic support and a supportive environment for student-athletes to connect with peers and mentors. Over 375 student-athletes have benefited from the program since its inception.
The academic focus shifts with the age of the participants. High school teams will concentrate on college exploration, college recruitment strategies, and career development this fall. Middle school teams will prioritize the development of emotional intelligence. This holistic approach underscores KING Hoops’ dedication to preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the basketball court.
KING Hoops also facilitates a career development pipeline for its participants. Through its sister organization, Kids in the Game, and other opportunities within the New York City community, student-athletes can gain valuable perform experience. Past participants have held positions as summer camp counselors and coaches, marketing interns specializing in photography and videography, and even interned directly with the CEO of Kids in the Game.
Ron King, the founder of KING Hoops and current Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Putnam Valley High School in New York, previously coached at Plattsburgh State and Kennedy High School in New York. He is known for his instruction of the Triangle Offense, a strategy popularized by Phil Jackson and used to win 11 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
The program’s success is reflected in its consistent track record of sending players on to the collegiate level. 92% of KING Hoops student-athletes go on to attend college after completing their high school careers. This statistic highlights the program’s effectiveness in balancing athletic pursuits with academic achievement.
KING Hoops’ commitment extends beyond simply developing basketball skills. It’s about fostering well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The organization’s integrated approach to athletic and academic development positions its participants for long-term success.
Looking ahead, KING Hoops will continue to provide a platform for young athletes to pursue their basketball dreams while prioritizing their academic and personal growth. The organization’s ongoing initiatives and dedication to its student-athletes promise a bright future for the program and its participants.
The next scheduled event for KING Hoops is the upcoming Zero Gravity tournament for the 12U and 13U teams. Details regarding dates and locations will be available on the program’s website. Fans and supporters can follow KING Hoops’ progress and learn more about its initiatives through their official website: https://sites.google.com/kinghoops.org/home.
