Boerum Hill hoops hub helps young players build confidence on and off the court
Since opening in September, the facility has become the official youth basketball hub for the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty.
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Young athletes at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center are learning far more than just how to shoot and score. Coaches say the program is helping kids grow their confidence while giving them a safe place to learn, compete, and connect with teammates.
“I think the biggest thing we're seeing is confidence. the kids are three inches taller when they walking out of the building - That's really important to us,” said Michael Collins.
Since opening in September, the facility has become the official youth basketball hub for the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty. The center offers training sessions, school partnerships, leagues, and clinics for players between the ages of 6 and 17.
Program leaders say they’ve already connected with more than 23,000 students at over 170 schools - and they’re hoping to reach even more young people this year.
“Our goal this year is just there is to reach 35,000 kids. It's our responsibility to meet them where they're at when they walk in the building. That they feel safe, they feel seen - they're heard,” Collins said.
From all-girls programs to after-school basketball clubs, the center focuses on creating opportunities for players of all skill levels while helping them develop teamwork and discipline.
“I get to meet more friends and also, dribbling too. They don't only tell us the skills - they help us to learn them too,” said Evelyse.
Players can also practice inside interactive Shot360 skill cages, where technology tracks shooting and drills in real time to help athletes improve their game.
“We're giving them the best possible experience to learn leadership, team building skills to help them perform better in school, and also just to have fun,” said Marissa Shorenstein.
