The Illinois Truth Basketball Program is a registered Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), basketball program for boys in third through eighth grade and girls in fifth through eighth grades with additional grade levels being added each season. We offer a higher level of competition than local recreational basketball programs and we have longer seasons, which help to prepare youth in our community for competitive middle and high school basketball.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which relies solely on the individual player’s financial contributions & contributions from local businesses and organizations, when available. The Illinois Truth Basketball Program is made up of 100% Volunteer coaches & staff who love the game of basketball. None of our coaches are paid or benefit financially from this basketball program. We are not a division of any governmental body or park district. Therefore, the entire operational budget is generated from registration fees, fundraising and private donations. All funds are spent on our programs and various operating expenses, such as equipment, uniforms, insurance, gym rental fees and tournament fees.

All coaches receive training on positive coaching and have passed criminal background checks. Many receive additional training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Concussions and more. We commit our time and expenses to help make better athletes & young people in our community. Our volunteer coaches and mentors are committed to fostering an environment that emphasizes character, respect, discipline, athletic excellence, physical & mental discipline, self-esteem, leadership and good sportsmanship. This commitment is essential to reach our mission of empowering our youth to become productive contributors to society, socially, mentally and physically through basketball while competing at the Local, State, Regional and National Level.

Illinois Truth Basketball Program has several goals that we work to accomplish each year, with each player. Our goals are:

Providing quality instruction that builds skills, self-discipline, dedication and confidence in each athlete.
Educating both on and off the court, including stressing and expecting success at school and respect at home;
Encouraging the pursuit of achieving both individual and team goals;
Promoting good sportsmanship and providing a fun environment for players;
Showing respect for individuals, including teammates, coaches, officials and competitors alike;
Developing core offensive and defensive fundamentals;
Preparing players that have the desire, athletic ability and academic standing to play at middle school, high school and at the collegiate level.
We believe that a competitive athletic experience can enhance social development, contribute to mental and physical health and teach the values of teamwork and responsibility. We are proud of the opportunity that we offer, and we feel the players involved will receive a positive experience.

Our program is dedicated to providing all athletes with the opportunity to be successful. Playing basketball with Illinois Truth requires a strong commitment to the game, the team, and your teammates. It is important that everyone involved understands that each coach is willing to make this commitment in order for our athletes to become the best basketball players they can be.

What's behind the name?

The name Illinois Truth came from Parent, Joe Cross. The coaches and staff looked at a lot of different names and this one really just seemed to stick and be fitting for us. Parents and players voted on our new colors for the year: Orange and Silver/Grey. The color orange was very fitting as our main color. Parent, Misty Gouard found that the color orange is a mix of red and yellow, and represents the energy that comes with red, and the happiness that comes with yellow. It also represents enthusiasm, creativity, and determination.. Orange is fitting for the new direction. Coaches Marcus Johnson and Assistant Program Director, Carolyn Hughes, added in slogans: "You can't handle the truth" and "The truth shall set you free". We are all very excited about this new season of basketball! GO TEAM TRUTH!