Our program is committed to making sure parents are well informed and understand what to expect when their child participates in AAU club basketball. We want you to know the philosophy of the Rise as One program and what sets us apart. We take great pride in including our players’ parents and recognizing the important role they play in their children’s’ success. Rise as One is committed to ensuring your child’s experience in AAU Basketball is both positive and rewarding.
TIER 1 TOURNAMENTS
TIER 2 TOURNAMENTS
TIER 3 TOURNAMENTS
LEAGUES
TIER 1 TOURNAMENTS
Our first-tier level is for our most committed athletes and parents because it requires more time and travel than our lower tiers. This is because our first-tier tournaments involve playing on a national level against some of the best teams and players in the country.
This is extremely valuable as it allows players to gain experience competing on a high level of play. Through this, they will be able to develop their skills and improve their game-time decision making. Not only will players gain valuable basketball experience, they will learn dedication, hard work, and commitment. Ultimately, our first-tier tournaments prepare athletes for college basketball, because these characteristics are essential for becoming a successful college athlete. The amount of time and commitment required for our tier one tournaments allows players to bond and form lasting relationships with their teammates and coaches. Since these tournaments involve the highest level of competition, they allow for the greatest amount of college exposure. The tournaments with the most prestige and the best reputation attract the most college coaches.
RA1 TEAM RED
TIER 2 TOURNAMENTS
Our tier two consists of a combination of both regional and college exposure tournaments. This allows teams to play at competitive level without committing as much time as the first tier. Athletes in this tier still have opportunities to travel the country and compete against the best players, but travel is less frequent. By competing in college-exposure tournaments, players still have the opportunity for improvement that only comes from playing better opponents.
Playing at this higher level ultimately boosts an individual and team’s level of play. Therefore, tier two is very beneficial for our players and teams. In this tier, athletes are still able to gain exposure and have opportunities to play in front of college coaches. Players and parents who need a lower level of commitment benefit from the second-tier because of the increased number of regional tournaments. Regional tournaments allow parents to save time and money while their children still benefit.
RA1 TEAM BLACK
TIER 3 TOURNAMENTS
Our third tier consist of tournaments and competition on a local and regional level. The New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania areas are very competitive and there are still tough opponents that will challenge our teams in our own backyard.
These tournaments are also a great prerequisite for players who want to advance in our organization. They provide opportunities for both players and teams to improve and develop. Quite often, local competition allows teams to win more games and experience a greater level of success than they would competing at larger tournaments, where they will face tougher opponents and have a greater number of losses. Local play allows for development and increased confidence which elevates an individual and team’s level of play. Tier three is also beneficial for those who do not have the time, money, or means to travel to larger tournaments. While local tournaments aren’t as notable as national tournaments, they still provide the chance for exposure to coaches from local and community colleges.
RA1 TEAM GREY
LEAGUES
There are also league play opportunities for teams who are not yet ready for tournaments. These leagues are beneficial for players who are not skilled enough to compete on a high level. Playing the best competition is good, but playing equal competitors provides other opportunities for individual and team improvement.
League play allows players to focus more on fundamentals and skills. Teams can concentrate more on their plays, defense, and continuity as a team. Athletes will also be able to learn the game better because the pace is slower and less intense than a large tournament game would be. League play requires less commitment than our higher tiers, but athletes are still able to learn discipline, hard work, and teamwork. Athletes will also learn how to compete and win, which is extremely important for confidence and success.