If you aren't sure if you want to play travel (Elite) or non-travel (NXT), attend the travel tryout** NEPA Elite Travel Players play at the highest levels with 2-3 practices per week in which practice days can vary. Tournaments are in Scranton and other locations in the Northeast - Fridays through Sundays. Players and families are responsible for all travel expenses including transportation, lodging, meals and admission. Player’s tuition includes coaching fees, practice time and uniforms. TUITION COST: $900-$1,600 (does not include travel expenses.) NEPA NXT Non-Travel Players practice 2 times per week, in which practice days can vary. Tournaments are in Scranton, but the program has traveled to Allentown or Binghamton for one-day tournaments, which are on Saturday or Sunday. Players must be available tournament weekends as the games can be any time on the weekend.Player’s tuition includes coaching fees, practice time and uniforms.COST: $495-$595 FAQ -Does every player make a team? No. Only if you reach a certain skill level that qualifies you to make a team. As players get older, the threshold increases to get on an NEPA Elite team. NEPA NXT teams still offer opportunities for players to improve their skill set and development. -What if I try out for a Travel team and don't make it, am I automatically added to a Non-Travel team? No spot is guaranteed, but a player could be offered aNon-Travel team roster spot if they qualify. The player might also beasked to attend a Non-Travel tryout at no charge.
-What's the difference in the playing level of a Travel and Non-Travel team? The more serious players tend to play Travel because the competition is higher. However, there is more of a time commitment at this level. Not all the best players play Travel. We have had Non-Travel teams that were better than the Travel team as the same grade level. Some players opt to play Non-Travel because of less commitment on weekends, tuition costs or they play another spring sport. However, no matter what team you playf or, you will still be expected to commit your time by attending practices andgames. If you miss them, it will hinder your development. -Do I have to pay the whole tuition up front? No. There are payment plans for each level. However, you must submit a non-refundable deposit when accepting an invitation to ateam. Once you commit, you are taking up a roster spot. No refunds will be offered unless there are extenuating circumstances.
-Where are my practices and who is my coach? Practice can be any day of the week and at several different locations in the Scranton area. Our coaches all have experience in youth coaching with men and women who coached or played collegiately, or coached and played at the high school level. Many of the coaches played Club basketball during their career.
-For tryouts, there are two dates. Do I need to attend both? It isn't mandatory but it is highly recommended you attend both. One bad tryout could keep you from making a team. If you aren't going to make one of the tryouts, please notify our staff.
-How many players are on a team and can I request my son or daughter to be on their friends' team? The roster can be anywhere from 8 to 10 players. We prefer to have 10, but there are exceptions for an 11th player. As far as playing with a friend, part of the club basketball experienceis making new friends, and unlike a recreational or school team, your son ordaughter will be placed on a team that best suits their skill level anddevelopmental needs.
-How much emphasis is put on individual skills compared to team skills? It's a balance of both. Players need to work on the basics - dribbling, passing, shooting, but knowing how to play with teammates and accepting roles is just as important. If you are worried about how many points your child scores or how many games your team wins, you are trying outfor the wrong program. Our coaches will emphasize trying to be competitive with the goal of winning every game, but they will not sacrifice the philosophy and principles we will instill to become better overall players and playing thegame the proper way.
