New Providence PAL Basketball would like to thank everyone that attended the evaluations over the past two weeks.  We received many positive comments from the evaluators regarding the play of our boys and girls on the floor, as well for their positivity in supporting one another throughout the process.  We are especially proud of the kids’ support of one another.

Unfortunately, winter gym space is limited and while we would like to have a spot for everyone who wants to play travel basketball, we simply do not have the gym space.  This year we had a record number of kids try out (218).  As a result, we’re fielding a record number of teams (16).  Based on the number of kids trying out in each group and the results of the evaluations, the decision was made to field one boys and one girls “gold” team in each age group (4^th-8^th grade), and six “green” teams.  Overall, this represents a 15% increase in the number of teams and a 16% increase in the number of players from our last pre-Covid season.  Rosters will be posted on the New Providence PAL basketball website tomorrow at: https://newprovidencepal.org/basketball/

You’ve made the team, now what:

1. Consider the level of commitment expected. New Providence PAL Basketball expects all players accepting roster invitations to prioritize basketball over other sports during the winter season.  This is especially true of players committing to Gold teams.  There are many other local options for basketball with lower expectations regarding commitment (see # 4 below under you didn’t make the team).
2. If accepting your roster invitation, register for the season through Community Pass by 10/20/21. The quick turnaround is necessitated by the need to finalize teams, submit league rosters, and order uniforms. You will notice 3 separate registrations.
   • The main registration ($300) is for the season and includes the costs for league fees, referees, gym space, equipment, and a shooting shirt (there is an option to indicate the size).
   • The practice jersey registration ($20) is for anyone that needs/wants a new practice jersey. These are a necessity in practice as coaches will flip kids from green to white as needed.  If you already have a practice jersey, there is no need to order a new one; however, if you are a new player or have lost or grown out of your previous jersey you should “register” for a new jersey, and we will purchase one in the size indicated.
   • The uniform registration ($90) is for anyone that needs a new uniform. We will be using the same uniform style as in previous years.  While we will attempt to order everyone the same Under Armour uniform, the supplier has indicated that due to supply chain shortages, we may need to substitute a custom uniform in certain sizes that is a very close match to our current uniforms.  Please try on last year’s uniform to be sure it still fits as ordering uniforms after the fact is difficult and costly due to the printing process.
3. Parents interested in coaching, please indicate your interest by registering through community pass. The coach’s registration is embedded in the 2021/22 basketball tryout registration.  The coaching link is still active.  Registration is necessary for insurance purposes and must be completed by both new and returning coaches before we can allow a team to practice.
4. We are asking all new and returning players to fill out a quick uniform survey to help us avoid overlapping numbers and to ensure we have the correct spelling for the names on the backs of the jerseys https://forms.gle/mLKxLBjuuSjaKnc67 (Players ordering new uniforms will also be able to indicate a size preference for shorts and jerseys separately through this form)
5. If declining your roster invitation, please let us know (email to NPPALHoops@gmail.com) ASAP so that we can offer the declined spot to the next highest ranked player.
6. Pre-season practices will begin over the next several weeks. Practices will begin in earnest in November.

You didn’t make a team, now what:

1. DO NOT STOP PLAYING! One of the greatest players ever, Michael Jordan was not selected for the Laney High basketball team his sophomore year.  He used the experience to fuel a competitive fire that propelled him to become one of the greatest players ever.
2. There is an outside chance a roster spot may open up (see #1 in section above). In the event a roster spot is turned down and your child is next in line, you will be notified immediately.
3. DO NOT STOP PLAYING!
4. Other options for playing this winter include, New Providence Recreation (https://www.newprov.org/recreation/youth-sports-leagues/) which offer opportunities all the way through 8^th In addition, there are many local CYO and AAU programs.  These options provide a great opportunity for improving skills and playing in a fun and competitive atmosphere.
5. DO NOT STOP PLAYING!

Key Contact

Nick Naik
Basketball Commissioner
basketball@newprovidencepal.org