DC Premier’s 2021 Team is Going to Be Special

HWI: What separates your organization from the myriad of other AAU programs across the country?

 

DC Premier 2021: What separates or organization from the myriad of other AAU programs across the country is our high percentage of Div I college basketball scholarship attainment. Between 2015-2016, our organization had 25 Div I commits and 5 Div II commits (100% college scholarships for both 17u teams).

 

HWI: What is the back story on how your organization was created?

 

DC Premier 2021: We were afforded the opportunity through a grassroots contract with Under Armour Association in 2014. Notable players on the roster such as Joseph Hampton, Alani Moore, and AJ Wilson played on the 16u (#2) nationally ranked team.

 

HWI: Who are some notable players who have worn your organizations uniform?

 

DC Premier 2021: Jon Davis(UNCC), Alani Moore (Temple), Charlie Thomas (Wisconsin), Ed Polite (Radford), AJ Wilson (George Mason), Naji Marshall (2017 Commit Xavier), Nate Watson (2017 Commit Providence)

 

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?

 

DC Premier 2021: Yes we expect to keep our roster in tact while adding some highly recruited pieces. In particular, Jalen Miller 6’0 PG currently ranked 20 in DMV class 2021, fierce competitor, with a high IQ and unselfish mentality on the court.

 

HWI: Describe the team’s 2016 summer season and point out any significant tournament victories or games that stand out in your mind.

 

DC Premier 2021:  As 7th grade, some notable victories were against Philly Triple Threat in the Elevate Hoops Proving Ground (ranked 5th out of 14 teams). Hoop Group Jam we “played up” 15u bracket against high school players as an 8th grade team and won the championship. DMV Fall JV Fall league (as 8th grade we played up in JV bracket (9th/10th) defeating New World in championship game.

HWI: What is your team’s philosophy on offense and defense? 

 

DC Premier 2021: Offensively we believe in sharing the ball, trusting your teammates, and keeping the ball on a string to keep the defense confused and working, i.e., San Antonio (Gregg Popovich)  Defensively, we consider ourselves DOGS that are hungry and the ball is food, so we go after it. While limiting the opposing team to one shot attempt.

 

HWI: Who are some players to watch from your team next season? 

 

DC Premier 2021: 

• Antoine Jacks, PG, scholar/athlete 4.1 academic GPA, true floor general.
• Zion Russell, CG, student/athlete averg. 25pts for the entire year career high 36 pts light outs shooter from anywhere in the building.
• James Gross. SF/SG student/athlete avg double double in pts & rbs, with limitless upside due to his athleticism and great attitude.
• Wesley Peterson SF/SG student/athlete multi purpose player that can play and guard all 5 positions.
• Terrence Butler PF/SF scholar/athlete highly skilled with a high IQ to match his 6’5″ frame 4.1 academic GPA he plays inside out, with the ability to shoot the long ball.

 

HWI: How many opportunities has your squad had to play west coast teams? How did you fair against those teams?

DC Premier 2021:  Only team we played west was the Houston Defenders in Atlanta (Middle School Invitational), where we won by 25pts. Our 8th grade team will have opportunity to play against more west coast teams as we compete in Fab 48 this year in Las Vegas, NV.

HWI: What was your record last year?

DC Premier 2021: 43-10

HWI: Who are the top teams in your area for 2021 and in general?

DC Premier 2021: Team Takeover 

HWI: What style of play is your team known for? 

DC Premier 2021: Our style of play mirrors HAVOC (Shaka Smart).

HWI: What would it mean for your team to compete for a national championship next Summer?

DC Premier 2021: It would be a great organizational accomplishment in particular to the continuing growth of our youth divisions, however our main goal is to allow the boys to showcase their talents, and assist with high school placement, then college recruitment.

HWI: What tournaments do you plan on participating in this year?

DC Premier 2021: Proving Ground League (Elevate Hoops), Fab 48 Las Vegas, Hoop Group Junior Jam, UA Middle School Invitational, and Boo Williams Invitational among others