How to Join the Connecticut Basketball School from Nigeria

Connecticut Basketball School (CBS) is one of the top basketball institutions in the U.S. It offers young basketball enthusiasts, like you, an excellent opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the sport. Discover how you can join the Connecticut basketball school from Nigeria here.

About the School

Connecticut Basketball School is the country’s first-ever basketball camp, having been in existence for 60 years. The camp is open to boys aged 9 to 18, offering them a chance to improve their basketball skills while staying in a residential setting. The coaching staff includes local coaches, as well as college and professional basketball players who bring valuable experience to the camp. The camp is held at St. Thomas More School, located between Norwich and Colchester in Connecticut, making it easily accessible. Learn how you can join the Connecticut basketball school from Nigeria by reading this article.

The facility boasts six outdoor courts (four of which are available for nighttime play) and an indoor gym with eight baskets. To ensure the safety of the participants, the camp employs a resident lifeguard during the optional swimming sessions, which occur twice daily. In addition, a resident trainer is always on hand to provide any needed medical attention.

Meet the Coaching Staff

Coach Johnny Kidd

Coach Johnny Kidd is one of the top coaches at CBS. He brings 24 years of college coaching experience to the table. He has spent 21 of those years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Sacred Heart University, a Division 1 school. Over the years, Coach Kidd has played a key role in improving his teams’ defense and developing their guards. Before joining Sacred Heart, he worked for four years at Western Connecticut, helping the school earn two NCAA tournament appearances. He also had a successful college basketball career at Central Connecticut State University, where he was a four-year starter, three-time team captain, and ended his career as the all-time leader in assists.

Nick Macarchuk

Nick Macarchuk, another respected coach at CBS, has also had an illustrious career. He previously served as the head coach for Canisius College, Fordham University, and Stony Brook University. His coaching accomplishments have earned him a number of honors, including:

Inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004
The 1999 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
USBWA District 1 Coach of the Year in 1991
The 1986 Coach of the Year in New York State
North Atlantic Coach of the Year in 1984
Inductee into multiple Hall of Fames: Fairfield University, Canisius College, and Norwich Free Academy

John Reiser

John Reiser, another coach at CBS, has over 30 years of experience coaching basketball at both high school and college levels. Since 1988, he has served as the head coach at several high schools in Connecticut, leading them to multiple league, conference, and state championships. His 2005 team set a record in Connecticut with a perfect 28-0 season, and he was named Connecticut’s Coach of the Year in the same year. He has also achieved the rare feat of coaching both the boys’ and girls’ Connecticut Players of the Year. Currently, he serves as the head coach at Manchester High School, where he recently celebrated his 500th win. Interested in learning how to join the Connecticut basketball school from Nigeria, read this article.

How to Join

To join Connecticut Basketball School from Nigeria, it’s essential to consider a few steps. First, make sure you have the right visa to travel to the United States. You would likely need a student or visitor visa since the camp is short-term and focuses on education and sports. Secondly, register early to secure your spot. The registration process usually opens months in advance, and it’s crucial to apply before the camp reaches its capacity. You can access more information on the camp’s official website or by contacting their administrative office. Also, read this article to learn how to join the Connecticut basketball academy from Nigeria.

Once your application is approved, prepare for the trip. This includes arranging flights, accommodation if necessary, and ensuring you meet the camp’s health and safety requirements. Being a part of this camp would expose you to a high level of basketball coaching and potentially help you network with scouts, college recruiters, and other basketball professionals.

Tuition Fees

Connecticut Basketball School offers a comprehensive package that includes food, accommodation, and high-level basketball training. The standard fee for attending the camp is $530. However, if you make full payment by June 1st, you qualify for a discount, and the fee drops to $500. For campers who plan to attend for two weeks, the cost is $1000. If two brothers attend the camp together, they can also benefit from the two-week rate. The fee covers meals, lodging, one-on-one coaching, group instruction, prizes, and a camp T-shirt.

Recent Updates and Changes

In 2022, Connecticut Basketball School had to cancel its camp sessions. Unfortunately, there were not enough registered participants, which would have made it difficult to balance instruction and competition across the different age groups. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact, particularly on younger campers, which further contributed to the camp’s cancellation. The camp directors released a letter expressing their regret and explaining the situation. They also thanked the campers, parents, and staff for their continuous support.

In August 2021, the school was forced to cancel its camp due to safety concerns related to COVID-19. The directors of CBS expressed their disappointment but emphasized that the health and safety of the campers and staff were their top priorities. Despite the setbacks, they remained hopeful for a return to normal operations in 2022. In the meantime, they encouraged everyone to stay active, keep practicing basketball, and stay in touch via social media.

Conclusion

Connecticut Basketball School offers a fantastic opportunity for young basketball players to hone their skills under the guidance of some of the best coaches in the sport. Though the camp has faced some challenges due to COVID-19, the directors remain hopeful about the future and look forward to welcoming new campers. For aspiring basketball players in Nigeria, this camp could be a stepping stone to greater heights in your basketball career. Stay informed about registration dates and prepare to make the most of this opportunity when it becomes available again.