Caron Butler needs no introduction. The basketball world is well aware of his high school, college, and respectable NBA career. What many may not know is that Butler has been just as active off the court in his hometown community of Racine, WI as he was on the court during his playing days. He has been a part of a number of community outreach programs that have left lasting positive effects in the city from in which he was raised. Caron Butler Elite is another of Butler's brain child's and is rapidly becoming an AAU powerhouse in the Wisconsin area. The team's 2021 squad is poised to make some noise on the AAU circuit next season. This week we had the chance to speak with Head Coach Justin Cobb about his team's prospects on taking home some hardware next season.
HWI: What separates your organization from the myriad of other AAU programs across the country?
Coach Cobb: Education [comes] first; we believe in student athletes, we also believe in giving back to the community and doing that starts from our organization established by Caron Butler.
HWI: What is the back story on how your organization was created?
Coach Cobb: Caron Butler wanted to give opportunity for kids in the community to play top level competition and get exposure so they have an opportunity to attend college
HWI: Who are some notable players who have worn your organizations uniform?
Coach Cobb: Nobal Days (2019), JC Butler (2018), Larry Canady (2019); [just to name a few] our organization is fairly new
HWI: For your 2021 team, do you expect to have much of your roster in tact from last year, what if any gaps are you looking to fill before next summer?
Coach Cobb: We added a couple key pieces this year, those pieces have made us a lot stronger. As far as the gaps we are looking to fill; we want to add another big or two.
HWI: Describe the team's 2016 summer season and point out any significant tournament victories or games that stand out in your mind.
Coach Cobb: We faired very well, especially in the NY2LA events and that was just in our first year together.
HWI: What is your team's philosophy on offense and defense?
Coach Cobb: Our team's philosophy on offense is ball movement and passing to the open man. In any given game, we can have a different leading scorer each game. On defense, we are a pressure in your face team which in turn helps our offense.
HWI: Who are some players to watch from your team next season?
Coach Cobb: Antuan Nesbitt, Jakobe Thompson, Kamari McGee, Tyresse Hunter, Demarion Cobb, Logan landers, Jameer Barker, and Keyaun Johnson
HWI: How many opportunities has your squad had to play west coast teams? How did you fair against those teams?
Coach Cobb: We haven't played any [west coast teams] as of yet.
HWI: What was your record last year?
Coach Cobb: Not sure about our exact record, but we didn't lose many games
HWI: Who are the top teams in your area for 2021 and in general?
Coach Cobb: Ray Allen select, Playground Elite, Wisconsin Playground Warriors
HWI: What style of play is your team known for?
Coach Cobb: We play Uptempo
HWI: What would it mean for your team to compete for a national championship next Summer?
Coach Cobb: That would be huge not only for our team but for the organization as a whole and for the city of Racine.
HWI: What tournaments do you plan on participating in this year?
Every NY2LA event, Nike Spring Showdown, and a national tournament to be announced at a later date
A special thanks for Coach Justin Cobb for taking the time to interview with us.
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Coach Justin is doing a phenomenal job with Caron Butler Elite class of 2021. I thank him for his hard work and dedication toward the development of not only my son but every kid that comes through the program.