Since its founding in 2005, Hoop City BC has been at the heart of Memphis grassroots basketball, molding young athletes into well-rounded individuals on and off the court. Established through the vision of Mike Miller and now led by Ernie Kuyper, the program has evolved into a premier training ground for talent, emphasizing development, discipline, and determination. With a guiding philosophy centered around the "three C’s"—community, classroom, and court—Hoop City BC has built a legacy that extends far beyond the game itself.

Now, the program is entering an exciting new era, joining the prestigious New Balance P32 circuit, a move that will provide even greater opportunities for its athletes and further solidify its standing in the national grassroots basketball scene.

Hoop City BC’s decision to join the New Balance circuit marks an important milestone in its journey. The partnership brings greater national exposure, more competitive opportunities, and access to elite resources for player development. New Balance, a brand renowned for its commitment to performance, innovation, and grassroots sports development, is dedicated to empowering athletes at every level. This collaboration aligns with Hoop City BC's mission to cultivate talent and elevate the game.

As part of the New Balance Circuit, Hoop City BC will compete in the P32 league, which features a diverse roster of teams from across the country. The P32 league is designed to showcase emerging talent and provide players with high-level competition, preparing them for future success in collegiate and professional basketball. This platform not only enhances player visibility but also offers invaluable training and development resources, such as specialized coaching, skill development clinics, and exposure to college scouts and recruiters.

"The right time, the right place to make a move and go over to New Balance," says Kuyper. "We’re excited to see how this goes for us." With the backing of New Balance and the opportunities provided by the P32 league, Hoop City BC is poised to unlock new heights of achievement and continue its legacy of excellence in youth basketball.

At its core, Hoop City BC is about more than basketball—it’s about shaping young men to excel in life. The program prides itself on fostering an environment where players develop not just athletically but also academically and personally.

"Our biggest thing is what we always talk about—the three C’s: community, classroom, and on the court," Kuyper explains. "We try to carry that over as we go into tryouts and recruit kids. Over the past 20 years, we’ve had hundreds of college basketball players come through the program. We’re making sure we’re teaching them right in those three areas—how to give back to the community, how to be the best they can be in the classroom, and how to develop on the court. At the end of the day, it’s all about commitment and hard work."

That work ethic is instilled in every player, regardless of talent level. Unlike programs that prioritize flashiness or quick success, Hoop City BC stays grounded in fundamentals, teamwork, and personal growth.

Hoop City BC has produced a long list of elite-level players, many of whom have gone on to play Division I basketball and beyond. Notable alumni include James Wiseman, Skal Labissière, Elliott Williams, Trendon Watford, Kira Lewis Jr., and more. The program has also been highly competitive in major tournaments, with a historic Final Four appearance in the Adidas Gold circuit, and key victories over top-tier programs like D1 Minnesota.

"We’ve had plenty of battles with D1 Minnesota over the years," Kuyper recalls. "When they had Matthew Hurt, and we had Trendon Watford and Kira Lewis, we beat them in Vegas in the championship game. That was a great win for our program."

Beyond individual success, the program has also seen its alumni transition into coaching and leadership roles within basketball. Former players like Scott Cherry (Central Michigan), Erik Buggs (Tennessee State), and Mardracus Wade (Alabama State) now coach at the collegiate level, further strengthening the program’s legacy.

One of the hallmarks of Hoop City BC is its emphasis on rigorous player development. With access to NBA-level strength and conditioning resources, cutting-edge analytics, and elite coaching, athletes are given every tool to reach their full potential.

"When we get into the summer, Drew (Graham), who will do the weight-training side at Accel - he’s got three or four trainers in there that specify with them on different things they need to work on, because everybody’s different," says Zach Lucchesi, Director of Basketball Operations. "You’ve got a guy who needs to improve his vertical jump, or his side-to-side speed, or you’ve got a guy that needs to put on weight. It’s all about giving them an edge."

Hoop City BC also utilizes Synergy, an advanced film analysis tool that allows players to receive individualized breakdowns of their performance.

"I’m big on using Synergy and breaking down different kinds of things with them individually and then as a group," Lucchesi adds. "We go over how each player can get better in the game and how we can have the best success as a team."

As Hoop City BC embarks on this exciting new chapter, its leadership remains focused on long-term goals—expanding opportunities, strengthening community ties, and continuing to develop top-tier talent.

"We just want to keep doing what we’re doing—helping kids get the opportunity to play college basketball and better their lives," Kuyper says. "Whether they go on to play professionally, coach, or succeed in another field, we want to prepare them for whatever comes next."

With the backing of New Balance, the program is set to reach even greater heights. This partnership not only provides elite competition and national exposure but also aligns Hoop City BC with a brand that values hard work, innovation, and development. Looking ahead, the team is poised to make an even bigger impact in grassroots basketball, ensuring that Memphis remains a powerhouse for young talent.

With a track record of excellence, an unwavering commitment to player development, and a new chapter with New Balance, Hoop City BC is more than just a basketball program—it’s a movement, shaping the next generation of athletes and leaders in Memphis and beyond.