Jr. NBA Program of the Year

CONGRATS TO LOUISIANA BALLERS BASKETBALL FOR BEING NAMED THE 2023 JR. NBA PROGRAM OF THE YEAR POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR!

The Jr. NBA and Under Armour are proud to announce Louisiana Ballers Basketball as the winner for the 2023 Jr. NBA Program of the Year award due to their outstanding dedication to developing boys and girls on and off the court in their local communities.

Louisiana Ballers Basketball teaches and develops the entire player to become successful citizens through programming, resources, and coaching. They embrace players who want to learn and grow as well as place an emphasis on fun while building a sense of community, fostering relationships, and developing character. To learn more about Louisiana Ballers Basketball, click here.

To learn more about the other finalists, see below:

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County-Southwest Club:

  • Create a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment to players of all skill levels and ages.
  • Asset-based coaching emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork while celebrating mistakes.
  • Promote community and connection through co-ed and mixed level drills and games to develop relationships both on and off the court.

Boys & Girls Club of North San Mateo Country:

  • Passion for providing athletes with the resources needed to be successful in their communities, relationships and on the court.
  • Use basketball to teach social and life skills, including confidence, leadership and teamwork.
  • Emphasis on the importance of overall mental health and wellness to help foster healthier and happier lives.

Emerald Kidsports:

  • Motto is “All Kids Play”: create an inclusive space where all kids have the chance to play.
  • Use basketball and other sports to grow & develop well-rounded student athletes through relationship and skill set building.
  • Promote respect, leadership and community through strategic programming, clinics and practices.

PeacePlayers Los Angeles:

  • Organizational core values are 1) Seeing People as People, 2) Inside Out Transformation, and 3) Culture of Collaboration.
  • Use basketball to bridge divides, change perceptions, and develop leaders among youth from divided communities.
  • Uses the power of sport to unite, educate and inspire young people to create a more peaceful and equitable world.

The Keys Foundation: 

  • Use the sport to educate, promote, empower, and cultivate awareness of girls and womens sports and to fight for equality.
  • Three pillars of focus include resilience, empowerment, and passion.
  •  For us by us: recognize the need for girls to have female coaches and mentors.

The six (6) finalist organizations were selected based on the following criteria:

  • How does your organization embody the core values of the Jr. NBA?
    • Jr. NBA Core Values: Teamwork, Respect, Determination, Community
    • Demonstrate how your organization focuses on the holistic development of all participants (e.g., focusing on developing healthy, well-rounded, confident individuals)
    • Share examples of how your organization incorporates core values into your programming
  • How has your organization positively impacted youth athletes and your wider community?
    • Illustrate programs and opportunities your organization has provided for the community
    • Provide examples of positive experiences created for youth, parents, and families during the pandemic (e.g., virtual programs, scholarships or additional assistance offered)
    • Demonstrate how your organization caters to the mental well-being of its athletes

Prize Details

Finalist Prize

Each finalist will receive the following:

  • $1,000 Under Armour digital gift card
  • Automatic entry for the chance to win Jr. NBA Program of the Year
  • Free Positive Coaching Alliance Zoom Workshop for your coaches
  • Free USA Basketball Coach License for select number of coaches in your organization (to be determined by the Jr. NBA)
  • Recognition across Jr. NBA digital and social media platforms, including during the Jr. NBA Conference powered by Under Armour in May 2023

Jr. NBA Program of the Year Prize

  • $5,000 grant to your youth basketball organization
  • $1,000 Under Armour gift card
  • Jr. NBA Program of the Year winner plaque

View contest rules here. You must be registered for the Jr. NBA to apply. If your organization is not a registered Jr. NBA member organization, click here to register.