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Examples of Exposure Events We Attended (2025 Reference)

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17u elite tryout flyer

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As we build our Ares 17U Elite (Class of 2027) program, families often ask what kinds of events we target for competition and exposure.

This post is a reference list of tournaments we attended or planned in 2025. It’s meant to show the type of exposure weekends we pursue — not to lock in our upcoming event schedule. For the upcoming season, dates may be locked, but event names and venues can change based on availability and eligibility/certification requirements.

How We Choose Events (Our Selection Criteria)

We don’t just chase hype. We choose events based on:

  • Competition quality (deep brackets, strong matchups)
  • Exposure environment (college coaches and decision-makers typically present)
  • Operations (venues, scheduling, reliability)
  • Eligibility/certification requirements where applicable
  • Fit for our athletes (the right stage for our roster)

Our goal is simple: put athletes in real games, against real competition, in environments where exposure is meaningful — and support it with recruiting-ready media.

2025 Exposure Event Examples (Reference)

1) AOG NorCal Summer Tip-Off (2025)

  • Dates: July 5–6, 2025
  • Location: The Grounds, Roseville (NorCal)
  • Why it fits: A strong NorCal environment to compete early and set the tone before heavier travel weekends.

2) HoopSource “Portland Rise” (2025)

  • Dates: July 11–13, 2025
  • Location: Portland, Oregon
  • Why it fits: Competitive out-of-state matchups and a different scouting environment than California.

3) MadeHoops Finals SoCal (2025)

  • Dates: July 17–20, 2025
  • Location: SoCal – multiple locations.
  • Why it fits: A Southern California setting with strong talent density and a traditionally strong exposure footprint.

4) Bigfoot Hoops Las Vegas Classic (2025)

  • Dates: July 24–27, 2025
  • Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Why it fits: Vegas weekends are often packed with competition and scouting attention, making them useful closing events for the summer.

Important: These events are listed as examples from 2025. Future schedules depend on event availability, requirements, and final roster planning.

What This Means for the Upcoming Ares Elite Season

For the upcoming season, we will publish:

  • Our locked travel weekends
  • The final event names/venues
  • Any eligibility/certification requirements that apply

We’ll also share what families can expect in terms of:

  • weekly development standards
  • travel expectations
  • recruiting support and media deliverables

Ready to Apply for Ares 17U Elite (Class of 2027)?

The first step is the application. We review film + fit and invite selected athletes to tryouts.

Get a Tryout Invite Apply here >

5 Reasons You Should Try Out for Ares Basketball This 2025 Season

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basketball players trying out at Venture Academy

There are many reasons why you should join a competitive basketball organization, but the main reason you should is to take your game to the next level. Playing with local friends or schools is fun, but when you get to play against the best, that is the level you want to play on if this is something your athlete wants to take serious. Here is why Ares Basketball would be a great choice this coming summer:

1. Build Your Skills with Elite Coaching

Train Like the Pros

At Ares Basketball, you’ll learn from top-tier coaches with years of experience coaching all age groups at a national level. Our goal is to improve your basketball IQ, and prepare you for the next level.

  • Key Points:
    • Position-specific training to maximize your strengths.
    • Advanced drills to boost your shooting, ball-handling, and defense.
    • Personalized feedback to help you grow.

2. Compete at the Highest Level

Challenge Yourself Against the Best

Leveraging our Oakland/Stockton Soldiers partnership, some teams competing in EYCL/EYBL, AAU, adidas® Gauntlet means you’ll face top players from across the country. These opportunities will push you to raise your game and gain exposure to college recruiters.

  • Key Points:
    • Play in nationally recognized tournaments.
    • Gain experience competing under pressure.
    • Develop leadership and teamwork skills on and off the court.

3. Exposure to College Scouts

Open Doors to Your Future

Playing for Ares Basketball provides you with a platform to showcase your talents in front of college coaches and recruiters. A number of our alumni have gone on to compete at the high school state championship and collegiate level.

  • Key Points:
    • High visibility in major tournaments.
    • Guidance on navigating the recruiting process.

4. Be Part of a Winning Culture

Join a Team That Feels Like Family

At Ares Basketball, we emphasize more than just basketball. We’re building a culture of hard work, accountability, and support. You’ll create lifelong friendships and memories on and off the court. Winning is beyond just winning on the court but winning in life.

5. What Parents Are Saying

Hear from Families Like Yours

Skill Development:

Since joining Ares Basketball, my son’s skills have improved tremendously. The coaching staff takes the time to work on the little details that make a big difference in his game. He’s playing with more confidence than ever! – Jeremy M., Parent of a 9th Grader

College Exposure:

The exposure my son got through Ares Basketball and Stockton Soldiers has been incredible. He’s been scouted by multiple college coaches and has multiple offers to pick from in Oregon, California, and even the East Coast! I’m so grateful for the guidance the team provided throughout the recruiting process! – Ken R., Parent of a 12th Grader

Team Culture:

What I love most about Ares Basketball is the positive environment they’ve created. My son has learned the value of hard work, discipline, and teamwork, all while making lifelong friends. – Charbel C., Parent of an 10th Grader

Are you ready to take the next steps?

Sign up for tryouts to take your next step in your basketball journey.

Upcoming tryouts 2/9/2025 and 2/16/2025 – to sign up for those specifically, visit: https://www.aresbasketball.com/basketball-tryouts/2025-tryouts/

Don’t miss tryouts!

Tryouts will be held Sunday Feb. 9, 2025 and Feb. 16, 2025

Register Today!

Enhanced College Recruitment Tools for AAU Basketball Players and Parents

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players during an aau tournament

Navigating the college recruitment process can be daunting for aspiring basketball players and their families. With the rise of technology and data-driven platforms, enhanced college recruitment tools have emerged, making it easier for athletes to connect with college coaches and showcase their skills. This guide explores the best tools and strategies for maximizing exposure and increasing your chances of earning a college scholarship.

Key Recruitment Tools for Basketball Players, Parents, and Coaches

1. Hudl

Hudl is a leading video analysis platform widely used in sports, including basketball. It allows athletes to:

  • Upload and edit game footage.
  • Create highlight reels to showcase key skills.
  • Share videos directly with college coaches and recruiters.

Pro Tip: Focus on creating concise, impactful highlight reels that emphasize your strengths, such as shooting, defense, or court vision.

2. NCSA (Next College Student Athlete)

NCSA is an online recruiting platform connecting athletes with college coaches. Key features include:

  • Personalized recruiting profiles with stats, videos, and academic achievements.
  • Access to a database of college programs.
  • Guidance from recruiting experts to navigate the process.

Pro Tip: Keep your profile updated with recent stats and academic improvements to remain competitive.

3. FieldLevel

FieldLevel is a network that connects athletes, coaches, and recruiters. Its collaborative features allow high school and AAU coaches to:

  • Recommend players to college programs.
  • Share insights about athletes’ work ethic and potential.
  • Facilitate direct communication between players and recruiters.

Pro Tip: Build strong relationships with your coaches to ensure they’re motivated to advocate for you.

4. BeRecruited

BeRecruited (recently merged with NCSA) is another platform tailored for student-athletes. It simplifies the recruiting process by:

  • Allowing athletes to create detailed profiles.
  • Providing a space to upload videos and stats.
  • Offering tools to track college coach interactions.

Pro Tip: Use BeRecruited to target schools that align with your academic and athletic goals.

5. Twitter and Social Media

Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, have become invaluable tools for college recruitment. Many coaches follow athletes to track their progress and personality.

How to Use Twitter for Recruitment:

  • Post game highlights and achievements.
  • Tag college programs and use relevant hashtags like #BasketballRecruiting.
  • Maintain a professional and positive online presence.

Pro Tip: Avoid posting content that could be viewed as unprofessional or controversial.

Strategies for Using Recruitment Tools Effectively

1. Be Proactive

  • Reach out to college coaches via email or direct messages. Include links to your highlight reels and profiles on platforms like Hudl or NCSA.
  • Attend college camps and showcases to meet coaches in person.

2. Focus on Academics

  • College programs prioritize athletes who excel academically. A strong GPA and test scores can make you stand out.
  • Highlight your academic achievements on all recruiting platforms.

3. Leverage AAU Events

  • Participate in high-profile AAU tournaments, as these events attract college recruiters.
  • Use these opportunities to network and share your recruitment materials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overlooking Academics: Neglecting grades can limit your opportunities.
  • Unpolished Highlight Reels: Poorly edited or lengthy videos can turn off recruiters.
  • Inconsistent Communication: Failing to follow up with coaches shows a lack of interest.

Conclusion

Enhanced college recruitment tools have revolutionized the process, offering athletes and parents unprecedented access to resources and networks. By leveraging platforms like Hudl, NCSA, and FieldLevel, and maintaining a strong social media presence, athletes can significantly increase their visibility and chances of securing a college scholarship.

Start early, stay proactive, and remain focused on both athletic and academic excellence. With the right tools and strategies, your dream of playing college basketball can become a reality.

Ares & Stockton Soldiers Partnership

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Coach Kosta during game action in Pismo Beach, CA

First stage of the Ares and Stockton Soldiers partnership

As pert of the partnership between the two basketball organization, Coach Kosta Goumenidis was named Stockton Soldiers’ Middle School Director where he will be transforming and growing the elite middle school program.

Over the last decade, Goumenidis has coached in the local Tracy and Mountain House area helping players tap into their full potential. He believes in solid fundamental training, teaching discipline, court IQ, and conditioning your body to be able to perform at your peak the entire game.

“You have to believe in the process and believe in your self. Support has to come from within to not allow others to tear you down. If you believe in your self and know what you are doing, there is no stoping you from what you can achieve.” – Coach Kosta

Ares and Stockton Soldiers Logo

About the partnership

With Coach Kosta taking on the responsibility of being Stockton Soldiers Middle School Director, both him and owner of the Stockton program, Anthony Bell, agreed that Ares & Soldiers organizations need to co-exist for the success of our local youth. The Ares program was created to give opportunities to kids 14 & under who may not have a place to test their skills. With a lot of organization only taking kids they recruit, Ares was structured to accept new and advanced AAU players to work on improving their skills and understanding the type of work needed to play on an elite organization such as the Soldiers. Ares is also a great place for advanced/elite players who don’t have the means to travel several times a season.

The vision in appointing Coach Kosta as Stockton Soldiers Middle School Director has a ton of perks for both programs, athletes, and families. Some perks include:

  • No scheduling conflicts allowing players to play in both organizations if they choose to.
  • Access for athletes to current and future partnerships (trainers, events, etc.)
  • Similar program styles allowing flexibility to the athletes and parents depending on the situation.
  • Opportunities for higher level play current and future.

Interested in trying out for one of the programs?

Tryouts happen through out the year. To stay up to date with upcoming opportunities, visit our tryout page.

Learn more

About Stockton Soldiers

Stockton Soldiers point guard Alex Goumenidis during game action

Stockton Soldiers is a branch of the EYBL Oakland Soldiers brand. The Soldiers success in the basketball community is known for producing some of the top talent in the NCAA, Euro, G-league, and NBA. Players such as LeBron James, Matt Barnes, and Jalen Green are just some examples of athletes that have participated in their program. The program is set up to display division 1 athletes who want to take basketball seriously.

About Ares Basketball

Ares Basketball girl athlete Leah during game action.

Ares Basketball was founded in the summer of 2019. The program provides advanced AAU level opportunities as well as entry AAU level opportunities for both boys and girls ages 9-17yo (when staffing and space allows). The program is structured to where it allows opportunities to more than just the elite or inner network which allows the player to grow in a safe environment without the worry of favoritism or judgment. Aside from regular practices and tournaments, the program opens up a network of strength training, personal basketball development coaches, training, and more on a regular basis as tools for athletes who are ready to take the sport seriously.

Have questions about the partnership or want to find out more?

Fill out our online survey to help us gather questions for us to answer!

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