🏀 Top AAU Basketball Teams in Raleigh, NC (2025 Guide)

Raleigh Basketball | Raleigh AAU Basketball| Raleigh Basketball Training
May 26, 2025•4 min read

🏀 Top AAU Basketball Teams in Raleigh, NC (2025 Guide)

Find the Right Team. Get the Right Exposure. Build the Right Future.

Why Choosing the Right AAU Team Matters More Than Ever

If you’re serious about playing college basketball, there’s a good chance you’ve heard:
“You need to be on the right AAU team.”

But what does that actually mean?

AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball is more than just summer tournaments — it’s a proving ground. College scouts watch AAU events to find players who can perform under pressure, adapt to competition, and bring consistent effort against elite talent.

In a city like Raleigh, NC, where the basketball culture runs deep and the competition is fierce, choosing the right AAU program can make or break your recruiting journey.

Let’s break down the top AAU programs in Raleigh for 2025 — and how to choose the right one for your goals.

🔥 1. IV Greatness Academy – Raleigh NC

Director: Coach Kevin Gibbs, Kyle Solomon
Age Groups: 10U–17U
Focus: Skill-first development, recruiting exposure, 3-level scoring, and character building
What Sets It Apart:

  • Led by a college recruiting expert and trainer who’s helped 200+ athletes earn scholarships

  • Focus on player development, not just exposure

  • Integrated mentorship, mental training, and leadership workshops

  • National tournament schedule + highlight reel support

“We don’t just play games — we develop complete, recruitable players who win in life.” — Coach Kevin

Best For: Players serious about college ball, who want to get better, not just busy.

đź’Ş 2. Garner Road Basketball Club

Director: Donyell Bryant (Former D1 Coach)
Affiliation: Nike EYBL Circuit
Known For: High-level national exposure, consistent college commits
Standout Feature: EYBL platform brings massive recruiting visibility
Player Fit: High-performance players competing for Power 5 looks

Best For: Advanced players already performing at a high level who want national exposure.

🔥 3. Team Wall (formerly Team Felton)

Founder: John Wall (NBA All-Star, Raleigh native)
Platform: Adidas Gold
Program Style: High-energy, athletic, fast-paced team ball
Recruiting Record: Multiple D1 athletes per year

Best For: Players who are fast, athletic, and thrive in high-pressure systems.

đź’ˇ 4. Raleigh Raiders

Platform: Independent
Focus: Local development, structured skill work, competitive regional play
Advantage: Smaller team size = more playing time and personal development
Recruiting Help: Good for mid-major recruiting exposure

Best For: Underrated players who need structure, reps, and mentorship to elevate their profile.

🔍 5. Carolina Stars (Triangle Area)

Location: Raleigh / Durham
Style: Balanced system with team fundamentals and exposure events
Known For: Strong teaching culture, multiple alumni at D2/D3 levels
Tournaments: Plays in major showcase events across the Southeast

Best For: Balanced athletes who are coachable and eager to develop in all areas.

🧠 How to Choose the Right AAU Team in Raleigh

It’s not about picking the most popular team — it’s about choosing the best fit for your game, mindset, and goals.

Ask yourself:

✅ Does the program actually develop players — or just run plays?

âś… Will I get real playing time, or ride the bench?

✅ Is there a recruiting plan beyond “just show up”?

âś… Does the coaching staff know how to communicate with college coaches?

✅ Do they teach game IQ, mindset, and team concepts — or just run ISO highlights?

Pro Tip: Choose a program that makes you a better player, not just a better “prospect.”

đź‘€ What College Scouts Are Really Looking For at AAU Games

  • 3-Level Scoring Ability

  • Basketball IQ under pressure

  • Communication and body language

  • Effort on defense and off-ball movement

  • Leadership — not just points

At IV Greatness, we teach athletes how to perform in front of coaches, film, and scouts. That’s why our players don’t just get noticed — they get recruited.

đź“Ť Want to Join IV Greatness AAU in 2025?

We're building teams that travel, compete, and grow together. Spots are limited and evaluations begin soon.

Ages: 11U,12U,13U 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U
Location: Raleigh, NC – Training weekly across Wake and Durham County
Includes:

  • Skill development with Coach Kevin

  • Game film breakdown and recruiting strategy

  • Tournaments in NC, SC, GA, and VA

  • Highlight reel + coach outreach plan

🎯 Schedule a Tryout or Info Call Today

đź“ž (984-409-9021)
📧 [email protected]
đź”— [https://ivgreatnessacademy.com/]

Final Takeaway

AAU isn’t about the brand. It’s about your growth, exposure, and fit.

Choose a program that teaches you how to win games, win minutes, and win scholarships.

If you're in Raleigh and want to be part of a system that truly develops your game...

👉 Start with IVGreatness.
Because every level of basketball starts with building greatness — from the inside out.

Raleigh AAU basketballAAU tryouts Raleigh NC
Kevin Gibbs is a professional skills developer, college recruiter, and basketball mentor & consultant committed to developing student-athletes on and off the court. With over a decade of experience in player development, Kevin has helped more than 200 athletes earn college scholarships and has impacted thousands of players across 10 countries and 30 states through his IVGreatness Training System — a model rooted in faith, fundamentals, and long-term development. Kevin’s basketball journey began as a standout player in Westchester County, where he averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds and earned All-County honors. He went on to play collegiate basketball at the NJCAA, Division II, and Division III levels, gaining invaluable experience under a variety of coaching styles. His college career highlights include: • Monroe College (JUCO) – Played for a nationally ranked Top 10 program (Ranked #8 in the country) • Saint Augustine’s University (D2) – All-CIAA Academic Team • Guilford College (D3) – Starter for a nationally ranked Top 25 team under Hall of Fame Coach Tom Palombo After college, Kevin launched his coaching career under the leadership of Coach Solomon at S4G Academy, where he served as a player development specialist and strength & conditioning coach. Over the past 12 years, he has worked with NBA, WNBA, Division I, II, III, and junior college athletes, helping them translate their on-court skills into real-life success. Kevin’s expertise includes: • Ball-handling and scoring moves • Shooting mechanics and footwork • Team building and leadership concepts • Mental performance and character development More than just technical training, Kevin is known for his ability to mentor athletes through the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges of becoming their best selves. His proudest accomplishment isn’t just in the stats — it’s in the lives changed: athletes who’ve become coaches, trainers, business owners, financial advisors, and leaders in their communities. Under his leadership, IVGreatness has produced: • 200+ college scholarship athletes • 1,000+ middle and high school team placements • 30+ professional athletes around the world • $150M+ in scholarship and NIL opportunities Kevin’s mission is simple yet powerful: To inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of athletes — because he knows what it’s like to fall short of your dreams when no one shows you the way. He’s turned pain into passion, and passion into purpose — using basketball as the vehicle to shape lives far beyond the game.

Coach Kevin Gibbs

Kevin Gibbs is a professional skills developer, college recruiter, and basketball mentor & consultant committed to developing student-athletes on and off the court. With over a decade of experience in player development, Kevin has helped more than 200 athletes earn college scholarships and has impacted thousands of players across 10 countries and 30 states through his IVGreatness Training System — a model rooted in faith, fundamentals, and long-term development. Kevin’s basketball journey began as a standout player in Westchester County, where he averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds and earned All-County honors. He went on to play collegiate basketball at the NJCAA, Division II, and Division III levels, gaining invaluable experience under a variety of coaching styles. His college career highlights include: • Monroe College (JUCO) – Played for a nationally ranked Top 10 program (Ranked #8 in the country) • Saint Augustine’s University (D2) – All-CIAA Academic Team • Guilford College (D3) – Starter for a nationally ranked Top 25 team under Hall of Fame Coach Tom Palombo After college, Kevin launched his coaching career under the leadership of Coach Solomon at S4G Academy, where he served as a player development specialist and strength & conditioning coach. Over the past 12 years, he has worked with NBA, WNBA, Division I, II, III, and junior college athletes, helping them translate their on-court skills into real-life success. Kevin’s expertise includes: • Ball-handling and scoring moves • Shooting mechanics and footwork • Team building and leadership concepts • Mental performance and character development More than just technical training, Kevin is known for his ability to mentor athletes through the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges of becoming their best selves. His proudest accomplishment isn’t just in the stats — it’s in the lives changed: athletes who’ve become coaches, trainers, business owners, financial advisors, and leaders in their communities. Under his leadership, IVGreatness has produced: • 200+ college scholarship athletes • 1,000+ middle and high school team placements • 30+ professional athletes around the world • $150M+ in scholarship and NIL opportunities Kevin’s mission is simple yet powerful: To inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of athletes — because he knows what it’s like to fall short of your dreams when no one shows you the way. He’s turned pain into passion, and passion into purpose — using basketball as the vehicle to shape lives far beyond the game.

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