What is a Competitive Team?

A competitive team can also be known as Select or Travel Teams.  Travel teams can play 100 miles or more from “home” with tournaments being played out of state as well.  Travel teams are usually very competitive and demanding, which calls for coaching to be more demanding and aggressive, as well as teaching the players a more aggressive and up-tempo style of play.

If you play Basketball just for fun a travel or competitive team may not be for you.  Recreational teams usually concentrate more on fun and equal playing time.  Travel teams usually concentrate more on competition and player development although we make it fun as well.  If you are a beginning to feel that you want more from basketball than what you get with your recreational team, or if you want a challenge competitive basketball may be just what you are looking for.

What is the commitment?

The purpose of the Tucson Wildcats is to develop young players and to identify players of a higher caliber who have set their goals on reaching higher standards.  The commitment includes a minimum of two practices a week, year round competitive league play and tournaments.  Teams may also have additional training nights and scrimmages.  This commitment begins in August and runs thru July.  We will hold tryouts for all teams each August and teams will stay together the entire year.  This opportunity will provide each player the chance to play against some of the better players in AZ, CA, LV, NM, and TX, which will help prepare players for High School competition.

What are the fees for club Basketball?

Competitive Basketball also involves an additional cost commitment.  Registration fees are higher than forrecreational basketball.  League fees, tournament entry feesand family traveling costs will add up.  Some tournaments may invoke overnight stays because the tournaments will run for two-three days usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Fees vary from team to team depending upon training, league play and tournament schedules; however it usually ranges between $1,000 and $2,500 per year.  The fees include insurance, uniforms, and gym usage this estimate is for one of our typical competitive teams.  Fundraising can be done to off-set costs.  Families are responsible for hotels and food during overnight travel (we typically do group lunches and a family night dinner).

What do I need to know as a Parent?

Travel teams can be fun, but it is also very serious.  As a parent you should be aware that playing time will be determined by the coach.  It's possible that a player may get very little playing time but still be expected to attend all practices and games.  After the tryout process is completed a coach will have a good idea of which players will get the most playing time and which players will have to earn more playing time in practices.  The coach will keep open dialogue to you as parents if your child fits the latter to make sure you and your child are comfortable with this role.  The purpose of the Tucson Wildcats is that if a child wants to learn the game then coaches will spend the time to teach it to them.  It is the sole responsibility of the parents to make sure the child is practicing these NEW learned basketball skills and ideals at home.  The Tucson Wildcats Basketball Team is a way of life and not just a hobby or something you do to fill time.  We are committed to our players and we expect our parents to be committed to The Wildcats.

How often are practices and how long?

Most of our teams will practice a minimum of twice a week and practices usually last 1 to 2 hours each.  Players are expected to work on individual skills between practices and games.