THE ACADEMY AAU
AAU Programs for Boys and Girls of all skill levels
Our Mission
At the Academy, we are committed to fostering a competitive tradition of excellence. We believe that creating an environment with high standards will instill a sense of pride in our players every time they step onto the court. This commitment to excellence will lead to success both on and off the court.
The Competitive Edge
Many parents often look to larger cities like Coeur d’Alene or Spokane for AAU programs that offer greater exposure or tougher competition for their athletes. At Adams Sports Academy, we believe those same opportunities can—and should—be built right here on the Palouse.
Our facility, coaching staff, and training resources are designed to develop high-level, competitive teams composed of hardworking, disciplined athletes from our own community. Academy players benefit from access to a full basketball court for practices throughout the season, as well as open gym hours during the week to continue honing their skills.
To give our athletes a true competitive edge, we utilize advanced training tools such as customized Dr. Dish Shooting Machines for high-volume shooting reps and BlazePod reactionary cones to sharpen ball-handling, decision-making, and agility.
Ultimately, our players have a home they can call their own—a place where team pride, chemistry, and long-term success are built from the ground up, together.
Philosophy
Develop the Whole Athlete—Skill, Mindset, and Character
At ASA, AAU is not just about tournaments or weekend travel; it’s about a complete developmental pathway designed to elevate young athletes year after year. Our philosophy blends:
1. Skill Mastery
We believe in teaching the game the right way. From advanced footwork to high-level decision-making, every training session is built on repetition, attention to detail, and a system created to produce long-term growth—not short-term wins.
2. Basketball IQ Development
Our athletes learn why they do what they do. Spacing, timing, reading defenders, creating advantages, and understanding the pace of the game are emphasized daily. Players become students of the game.
3. Mental Toughness and Confidence Training
We help athletes overcome fear, build resilience, and learn how to push through adversity. Our program includes mindset sessions, positive reinforcement, and confidence-building tools that carry into academics, friendships, and family life.
4. Character and Leadership
We lead with love, firm standards, and accountability. Athletes are taught discipline, humility, responsibility, communication, and what it truly means to be a great teammate. AAU should shape great people—not just great players.
The Difference…
We Don’t Just Form Teams—We Build Basketball Families
ASA separates itself in several key ways that are rarely seen in AAU programs today:
Year-Round Development, Not Just Seasonal Teams
Our athletes are developed through a complete academy system that offers:
1-on-1 training
Semi-private training
Group skill development
Specialty clinics
Monthly tests and evaluations
Confidence Zoom calls
Strength, conditioning, and footwork development
Shooting form breakdowns and film study
Our AAU teams are built from within—which means our players already have chemistry, shared standards, and a solid developmental foundation.
2. Professional Coaching Staff With Collegiate and Elite-Level Backgrounds
Our coaches are teachers first. They come from high-level playing backgrounds, college programs, elite camps, and coaching roles throughout the Northwest. Every coach is trained in the ASA system, ensuring consistency, structure, and intentional development for all athletes.
3. A Culture That Prioritizes Accountability and Growth
We are not a “show up and roll the balls out” AAU program.
We hold athletes to:
Effort standards
Body language expectations
Memorization of plays
Team roles
Skill benchmarks
Communication habits
Weekly improvement targets
This level of structure is rare, and it’s why our program continues to grow rapidly each year.
4. Family Connection and Community Involvement
Parents are an integral part of our program. We intentionally create a warm, family-centered environment that encourages communication, transparency, and trust. Athletes and parents feel connected—to the staff, to each other, and to the mission of raising strong young people.
5. A Teaching Environment, Not a “Pressured” Environment
ASA exists to develop all around players.
Every athlete earns:
Their minutes
Their opportunities
Their role
Their growth
We take pride in coaching every player with respect, honesty, and fairness.
