FAQs

Is MN Elite an official AAU team?

Yes, MN Elite is registered as an AAU basketball team.

 

What can I expect with regards to traveling for the AAU tournaments?

For the younger age brackets (i.e. 4th and 5th grade), most of the tournaments will be within the metro area.  For the older age brackets, there may be a few tournaments which require some additional travel to ensure that we're continuing to compete at the highest level.

 

Do you allow for walk-ups at the try-outs?

No, you do need to have purchased try-out registration ahead of time and have completed the form after purchase so that we have all of the necessary information on hand prior to try-outs.

 

Do you screen your coaches ahead of time?

Absolutely!  All of our head coaches on staff will have a completed third-party background check so that we ensure the safety of our athletes.  They also will demonstrate a thorough understanding and passion for the game as well as desire to develop every single athlete on their team.

 

Will it be possible for my child to play another sport during the MN Elite season?

Yes, it is possible.  However, in fairness to your teammates, we expect that AAU basketball is your primary sport during the season.  When basketball comes second, that results in players oftentimes missing practices and games for other sports tournaments and occasionally you may not have enough players to play in a tournament and certainly wouldn't be as competitive.  Therefore we do ask that MN Elite athletes make AAU basketball their priority during the AAU season.  MN Elite is a program for athletes who are highly competitive in basketball and have the drive and desire to truly be elite in the sport.

 

What is the typical AAU season?

Try-outs for the AAU basketball season are in January and practices will start in late March.  Most teams will typically practice twice a week.  Tournaments will begin in early to mid-April and will run through early-mid June.

 

Where do MN Elite teams practice?

Practices will typically be held in the Prior Lake/Savage area.  We try to keep practice days and times consistent each week whenever possible for all of the teams.

 

How often do teams practice?

You can expect two practices a week.

 

Where do MN Elite try-outs take place?

Try-outs are typically in the Prior Lake/Savage area and dates and times will be communicated to you once you register.  We won't be able to accommodate any walk-ups.

 

How many teams will there be for each grade and how many players per team?

There could be up to two teams per grade.  We aim to place between 7-10 players on each team depending upon a variety of circumstances.

 

If my child is in 3rd grade, could they try-out for the 4th grade team?

There is no restriction on a younger player trying out for a MN Elite 4th Grade team as a 3rd grader.  Team selection will be based on skill and fit evaluation at the try-outs.

 

What is the estimated cost to be a part of a MN Elite team?

The cost varies depending upon the team and age bracket.  Variables that go into the cost include gym time, tournament fees for participation in the top tournaments in the state and country, coaches fees, travel fees for independent coaches, equipment, uniforms (players keep at end of each season), insurance, number of tournaments (older teams participate in more tournaments than the younger teams), and other costs.  Feel free to reach out to Vince Fowler at vincefowler@me.com with any specific questions.