Interview of Arizona Power Coach John Ortega

Got a chance to catch up with the 16U Head Coach John Ortega from Arizona Power, 16U Power ended the season in the honorable mention of our rankings.  They were runner up for best new program in 2013 Indihoops AAU Awards.  The program has the potential to be one of the top teams in the country at the 17U level next year and can make some noise.

  1. What are the philosophies of the program?

Our main objective is stay true to your journey, everyone’s journey is different and we want them to embrace that.

     2. How do you feel July went for the program?

Really well, we had a couple players that were invited to the Nike All American Camp. Our 16s and 17s team made the final four in the Las Vegas Classic.

     3. Best game your team played in this year?

Without question the game against Utah Pump N Run in thechampionship game of the Double Pump Las Vegas Spring Event. It came down to last second.  We were down two with 14 seconds left. We ran a set to get Dane Kuiper open for a three in the corner which he makes to put us up 1 to win the game.

     4. Who was the toughest team you played this year?

California Supreme, Ramsey is tough and their frontline is 6’8 6’9 and 6’10 so they were able to dominate in paint.

     5. Who are the key players and the x factor?

Key players are Kenzo Nudo, Dane Kuiper, and 2018 Marvin Bagley. The x-factor would be 2017 Markus Howard if he heats up he is another scoring punch of the bench.

      6. How do you feel about the possibilities for next year?

I think we will be one of the best teams in the country next year with all our guys coming back.  A lot of the older kids will bring experience to our younger players that are playing up. The talents of Markus and Marvin coming back as youngers and their chemistry, the 17U team could be very special.