About

DIRECTOR: Shawn Pudney

Phone number: (315) 224-1401

Email: syracuseselectstaff@icloud.com

The Syracuse Select Basketball Program is one of the largest and most successful basketball programs in the East, and it is the best off-season preparation program in all of Central New York. Over 10,000 players throughout the Northeast participate annually in events and programs offered by Syracuse Select Basketball. Our program has been recognized as being one of the top programs in the United States for developing quality players at every level. 
Throughout the year, we offer different opportunities for players’ growth on the basketball court. Through a variety of leagues, clinics, one-on-one and small group developmental classes, as well as AAU travel teams and tournaments, we have something to offer every player, no matter their ability level. Our goal as an organization is to create a structured, challenging ,fun atmosphere where a group of talented players from diverse life experiences can come together to develop individual skills, increase basketball IQ and learn how to play unselfish team ball.

JANUARY

Our program begins in January with the largest Modified basketball league in Central New York. Players have an opportunity to either participate with their school team in our Central New York Basketball League, or participate individually on one our 25 plus AAU Boys or Girls AAU Teams.  This year’s tryout will be held on Monday, January 19th, 2015.  Playing as a team, players learn not only about the sport of basketball, but learn valuable life lessons about working together towards a goal, and working hard as a team.

FEBRUARY

February brings you the February Slam Fest Tournament.  The Slam Fest Tournament is a school team tournament, being held this year February 20th, 21st, & 22nd, for teams in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th, 10th, & 11th grades.

MARCH

March is a very exciting month for Syracuse Select Basketball. March marks the beginning of our AAU travel basketball program, as well as our March Madness Basketball Tournament. The Syracuse Select March Madness Basketball Tournament is the single largest event of its kind in New York State, and is second to none. LeMoyne College will play host to this year’s tournament for the 8th year in a row. This year’s event will take place March 21st & 22nd, 2015. With a huge field comprised of some of the top club basketball programs in North America, the March Madness Basketball Tournament boasts an indisputable prominence and acclaim from teams and coaches across North America. Last year’s tournament hosted over 140 Boys & Girls teams representing 12 different US states, and 2 Canadian Providences, making the March Madness Tournament one of the most complete and competitive stops on the spring basketball schedule. 
Our AAU program is paralleled to none in the Central New York area, and is rated as one of the top programs in the country. With over 180 plus Division I, II, & III basketball players graduating from the system over the past 20 years, we continue to produce student-athletes. Our program attracts a diverse cross-section of talented players with representation from all over Central, Western, Northern and Southern New York. We are aware of varying athletic levels and abilities, so we create different teams in order to accommodate players of differing abilities and needs. Whenever possible, we will offer both a National Travel team, as well as a as a Regional team for each grade level. Some players need the opportunity to learn, play, and develop skills. Others need to face the fierce competition that only playing against other nationally ranked teams can provide. We recognize that players develop at different rates and we try to accommodate as many of these players as possible, as long we are able to both provide quality coaching, and have competitive teams. 
Throughout the spring, your son or daughter will attend 5, 6, or 7 tournaments for their AAU season, coached by local JV and Varsity coaches, as well as former DI and DII college basketball players. They will practice twice a week, to prepare for their tournaments on the weekends. Most importantly, what your son or daughter will gain from their experience with Select is an increased knowledge and the fundamental skills of basketball, as well as a sense of teamwork that only participating in group efforts can provide. These skills will carry through with your child throughout his or her life.

MAY & JUNE 

May and June mark the end of our regular AAU season. The 2015 Jam Fest Tournament will occur May 9th, 2015 and will be for AAU teams U11-U17. For this tournament, we only will be taking the first 72 teams that register, so space is limited. Our I-90 Shoot-out Tournament will have a change of venues, as we will be moving to Cazenovia College and Morrisville College for this event this year. The I-90 Shoot-out will take place June 6th and 7th. Space is limited to the first 92 teams that register. 

JULY & AUGUST

As your child’s academic year comes to a close, many more programs are offered, geared at getting your child ready for their scholastic basketball season. In the summer, we offer the Basketball Academy, which is a small group series of weekly workouts, designed to increase basketball IQ, individual developmental skills, as well as team dynamics. Players are registered into the classes based on their current developmental needs, allowing for the best personal growth for each individual player. Players also have the option of working with Coach Pudney, or a member of his staff, in one-on-one sessions throughout the summer, fall, and winter. Some of our AAU teams also choose to extend their season throughout the summer, and may travel to participate in a variety of different tournaments throughout the country. In both the summer and fall, we offer school JV and Varsity Leagues as well.

SEPTEMBER

In the fall, we end our programming with both the Fall Basketball School, and the Elite Fall Basketball School. Both programs are geared towards getting players prepared for the fast-approaching scholastic season. We combine both basic basketball fundamentals, with team play, and strength and conditioning exercises, to give participants the added edge that they will need to be competitive for their teams, and help to make them into the best basketball player that they can be. 
Twelve months out of the year, Syracuse Select Basketball works to help improve all players that come into the program. Throughout the year, we offer different activities, events, and programs to help players truly become the best that they can be. We are proud of our track record, and look forward to helping your son or daughter reach their full potential! 
“First on the floor, last out the door!”

©2017 Syracuse Select Basketball