San Marcos Basketball Opens Doors to High-Level AAU Tournaments for Local Young Hoopers

San Marcos Basketball is transforming the landscape for countless young athletes in North County San Diego. It now provides exciting opportunities to compete at an elite level, particularly in Adidas 3SSB and Nike-approved AAU tournaments. This nonprofit organization has recently earned the prestigious designation to participate in these nationally recognized circuits, which offer players unique experiences that are typically not found in standard youth leagues. By participating in these events, they not only access excellent coaching and year-round training but also enter a highly competitive arena that attracts the finest talents from different regions—from San Marcos, Carlsbad, Vista, Encinitas, Escondido, and beyond. This gathering of local and regional players ensures that every game is a rigorous challenge, pushing participants to bolster their skills and elevate their game.

Over the years, partaking in these renowned tournaments has given players a vital chance to be noticed by college coaches, who actively scout Adidas and Nike-backed circuits in search of proficient young hoopers. However, since only a limited number of athletes are selected to join, earning a spot on San Marcos Basketball’s teams is already a significant achievement that can lead to future scholarships and recruitment prospects.

Beyond college exposure, participation in AAU tournaments likewise promotes comprehensive athlete development. Traveling to numerous locations and encountering a variety of opponents helps players build resilience, adaptability, and confidence. In addition, the organization’s intentionally small team sizes guarantee individualized coaching and meaningful court time to truly refine each player’s capabilities.

“San Marcos Basketball is committed to cultivating athletic excellence and personal growth. We strongly believe that by pushing our young athletes to compete in Adidas and Nike 3SSB tournaments, they can experience high-level competition that motivates them to develop their skills, be confident, and gain visibility to college recruiters—an opportunity typically unavailable in standard youth leagues,” said Hilda Mateiu, one of the organization’s founders.

While San Marcos Basketball offers valuable experiences, its nonprofit structure assures that everything is accessible without the high costs often associated with travel basketball programs. This elevates the level of play and creates a supportive environment where families witness their children learning teamwork, versatility, and leadership—lessons that extend far beyond the court.

“Our goal at San Marcos Basketball is to make elite-level games affordable while still being able to provide an environment where young athletes can grow. This approach allows parents to see firsthand how their children develop important values on the court, which they can then apply in their families and communities,” said Mateiu.

For the 2025 to 2026 season, San Marcos Basketball is fielding two teams—12U and 13U—each limited to eight players to participate in several high-profile Adidas and Nike-supported tournaments. Weekly practices are held on Mondays from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at San Elijo Middle School, with a season fee of $300 per player. If the teams prosper well throughout the period, the organization may consider expanding its schedule to include additional premier competitions.

San Marcos Basketball is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in San Marcos, California. Its competitive AAU travel teams reflect a unique blend of international and American coaching philosophies, offering players a well-rounded foundation both on and off the court.