How to Join Basketball Academies in South Dakota from Nigeria

If you’re dreaming of joining a top basketball academy in South Dakota, USA, this guide is for you. In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know, including the prices, application processes, and coaches. By the end, you’ll have a clear path to turn your dream into reality. So, let’s discover the ways you can join top basketball academies in South Dakota from Nigeria.

Introduction

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is home to two of the most reputable basketball programs: Sanford POWER Basketball Academy and South Dakota Attack Basketball. Recently, these two organizations merged to offer even more opportunities for young athletes. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or gain exposure, this collaboration is designed to support your development as a basketball player.

The Sanford POWER Basketball Academy operates out of the Sanford Pentagon, a world-class facility. Here, young athletes benefit from strength training, sports science, physical therapy, and access to sports medicine. South Dakota Attack Basketball, founded by Bill Cartwright, has been a breeding ground for top players for over a decade.

Together, these two programs create an unmatched environment for aspiring basketball players. The combination of experienced coaches, elite facilities, and exposure to national competitions make these academies the ideal place for young athletes. Also, read this article to learn how you can join basketball academies in South Dakota from Nigeria.

Why the Merger Is Important

Freddy Coleman, Director of Sanford POWER Basketball Academy, believes this merger will significantly impact South Dakota’s basketball landscape. By bringing together the state’s two best programs, athletes will have access to opportunities that aren’t available elsewhere. Coleman noted that players will compete in AAU basketball, one of the biggest platforms in the country, helping them gain national recognition.

Bill Cartwright also praised the merger, expressing gratitude to Freddy Coleman and Todd Kolb, who have been instrumental in leading the new organization. This collaboration promises to offer young players a chance to work with highly qualified coaches, compete at the highest level, and receive exposure to college scouts.

Tryouts for 2025 Teams

If you’re interested in joining one of the basketball teams, tryouts are held annually. The tryouts for 2025 boys’ teams (ages 14U-17U) will take place on August 2, while the girls’ teams will have their tryouts on August 3 at the Sanford Pentagon. If you’ve already participated in previous tryouts, there’s no need to sign up again—coaches will keep track of your performance. Continue reading this article to learn how to join basketball academies in South Dakota from Nigeria.

Youth Tryouts for Sanford Sports Academy

Sanford Sports Academy holds tryouts for both boys and girls aged 10-13 every August. Boys will have their tryouts on August 7, while girls will have theirs on August 8. The tryout times are as follows:

10U: 12-1:30 PM
11U: 2-3:30 PM
12U: 4-5:30 PM
13U: 6-7:30 PM

Eligibility and Competition

The academy accepts boys and girls from 4th to 11th grade for its spring and summer teams. Practices are held once or twice a week, and players compete in local, regional, and national tournaments. In addition to competitive play, athletes receive a gear kit and a discount on individual and small-group training. The spring season also includes a 3-on-3 academy for ages 10U-14U.

For the fall and winter teams, the tryouts are open to boys and girls in 4th to 8th grade. Similar to the spring teams, players practice twice a week and participate in a variety of tournaments. A discount on small-group training is also available during these seasons.

Advanced High School Group Training

For high school athletes looking to sharpen their skills before the next basketball season, Sanford Sports Academy offers fall group training sessions. The training focuses on dribbling, shooting, footwork, and 1-on-1 scoring techniques. Athletes will participate in competitive drills to apply their skills in real-game scenarios.

Training Dates and Prices

The fall high school training sessions are held on Wednesdays in August, September, and October. The training schedule is as follows:

August/September: Wednesdays, August 31 to September 28
October: Wednesdays, October 5 to October 19

Each session runs from 7-8 PM for athletes in grades 9-12.

The cost for the training is:

$125 (5 sessions in August/September)
$75 (3 sessions in October)
$180 (all 8 fall sessions, including a Sanford POWER Basketball Academy t-shirt)

Summer Advanced Group Training

In the summer, Sanford Sports Academy offers advanced group training to prepare athletes for the upcoming season. The training sessions cover essential skills like shooting, footwork, and ball handling. These sessions are designed for players from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Summer Training Schedule

The summer training sessions take place in June and July. The training times are divided by age group:

Grades K-4: 9-10 AM
Grades 5-8: 10-11 AM
Grades 9-12: 11 AM-12 PM

Prices for the summer training sessions are:

$240 for all 12 sessions
$120 for 6 sessions on either Monday or Wednesday

Position-Specific Training

Sanford Sports Academy also offers position-specific training for athletes who want to improve in a particular role. Whether you’re a point guard, wing player, or big man, there’s a specialized program to help you refine your skills.

Training Schedule and Prices

Position-specific training is available in June and July, with separate sessions for middle school and high school athletes. The training times are:

Middle School (Grades 5-8):
Point Guard Academy: 9-10 AM
Wing Academy: 10-11 AM
Big Man Academy: 11 AM-12 PM
High School (Grades 9-12):
Point Guard Academy: 1-2 PM
Wing Academy: 2-3 PM
Big Man Academy: 3-4 PM

The cost for the training is:

$120 for all 6 sessions
$75 for 3 June sessions or 3 July sessions

Private and Small Group Training

If you prefer more personalized attention, Sanford Sports Academy offers private and small-group training sessions. These sessions focus on overall skill development or specific areas like shooting. Private 1-on-1 sessions cost $50 plus tax, while small group sessions range from $20 to $40 per athlete, depending on the group size.

Key Points of Skill Development

The academy emphasizes five main areas of skill development:

Footwork: Master the basics of movement and positioning.
Shooting Motion: Improve your shooting technique for better accuracy.
Ball Handling: Learn how to handle the ball under pressure.
Change of Pace: Develop strategies for shifting speed and direction during play.
Finishing: Practice finishing techniques around the basket.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about basketball and want to take your game to the next level, joining a basketball academy in South Dakota could be your next big step. These academies offer top-notch training, competitive experiences, and exposure to college scouts. Keep an eye on tryout dates and get ready to pursue your dreams!

By following this guide and preparing ahead, you’ll have everything you need to successfully join a basketball academy in South Dakota. Good luck!