FAQs & More Information Understanding Us

We emphasize development because it’s our core mission. If your son is with us, it's because we see potential for him to become an elite player. Our program offers a way to showcase his skills and measure his growth. Achieving this requires dedication and hard work, ensuring that college recruiters take notice. We are confident our program plays a vital role in this journey.

We aim to highlight the top talent in the U.S. for 12u-15u, creating the most competitive and thrilling basketball showcase where the best face off. Such competition helps maintain the U.S.'s position as the leader in producing the top basketball players in the world. However with other countries rapidly improving and fast on our heals. Many experts believe the U.S. youth basketball system is flawed.

Consider how many top-ranked young players truly belong there. Misleading marketing has turned some into social media stars, often from showcases that feature little to no passing or defense. While some players deserve their rankings, others may not have truly earned it against top talent in a competitive . NLS provides the ideal platform for participants to prove their worth, as detailed in our ranking system.

A significant issue is the practice of reclassifying players—sometimes even double reclassifying. But can you truly claim to be the best if you’re a year or two older than your competitors?

Other countries are seeing more players drafted into the NBA because young players in Europe, for instance, often compete against adults in lower-level professional leagues. This approach pushes them to improve. In contrast, many top U.S. players play down in age groups just to achieve rankings, leading to a system where they can be in high school until 19 or 20 and college until they’re 25. This not only throws off the basketball side but also impacts our educational system which is still the key as only a few will be able to make a living playing basketball.

At NLS, we encourage our players to face competition at their own age level or even take the initiative to compete against older players when they can excel.

We believe that improvement comes from facing the best. We are committed to facilitating this at our showcases, which create genuine challenges that identifies who truly wants the smoke. We want reclasses to accept the challenge and prove they can still succeed against their own age. We believe they can and it creates great matchups we’ve never seen before. NLS is dedicated to ensuring players reach their highest potential.

Participants must be NSID certified. NSID like us are committed to excellence and preventing older players from gaining unfair advantages over younger ones. This is a unique chance for your athlete to compete within their true age group. We follow the same age guidelines as USA Basketball, aiming to identify top talent for future 16u and 17u USA Basketball FIBA Americas teams. This system assures credibility and our event is AAU sanctioned, requiring an AAU membership.

12u can’t be born before 5/1/2012

13u can’t be born before 5/1/2011

14u can’t be born before 5/1/2010

15u can’t be born before 5/1/2009

Basketball purists value fundamental play just as we do. Our showcases encourages team play and sound basketball. Players are ranked based on their contributions to winning, not just scoring points. Poor decisions, selfish play and lack of defense are noted. Earning a spot on our all-tournament teams and other award reflects true skill and merit.

We have an excellent ranking system, but our primary mission is to develop the best basketball players. Rankings come strictly from performance on the court during our events.

We focus on three major regions for top players. The first being Florida & Georgia. Where they will face the US in the Orlando area on 2/22-2/23/2025. After this and each event, up to 25 players per age group will be invited to our All-Star Event in Orlando at the end of summer or early fall.

Our next event will likely be in Texas in late spring pitting Texas vs. the US. Team FL and GA will be invited and again, top players from each age group will be invited to the All-Star Event.

Our next event is tentatively scheduled for Las Vegas during the summer, featuring California vs. the U.S. Could we also see team Texas and Team FL & GA who will also be invited. Once again, top performers will be invited to the All-Star Event in Orlando in late summer or early fall.

At the conclusion of our events, we select the "NLS Great 48," recognizing the top 48 players based on their on-court performances Ranking as many as the top 25 in order.

In a few years, we expect USA Basketball 16U and 17U teams to include NLS All-Star Elite players. We also anticipate forming multiple shoe company teams for players transitioning to 16U and beyond. Joining NLS means becoming part of our basketball family, where we strive to make your aspirations a reality. We plan to provide assistance with NIL deals and guidance from former Division 1 players on school selection, as well as possible post-grad programs for those needing further development.

Our games are competitive and played to win. If the score is within 10 points in the last two minutes, the clock stops on dead balls. Each player plays four games, and teams consist of no more than eight players for increased playtime. Games are structured to promote team success over individual glory, ensuring a minimum of a 40-minute running clock.