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About Alabama Basketball Institute
4th Grade Boys-Project 2034
The Alabama Basketball Institute is continuing something unique.
This summer we will follow the development of our group of third graders, who are now fourth-grade athletes, as part of the ABI Team/Player Development Project.
These players have trained together for over a year and already have early success: 7–3 record last season, and the Port City Classic Tournament Champions
This year we are expanding the roster and beginning a long-term study tracking player development from 4th grade through high school.
Project 2034 -Development Model Evaluation
The Alabama Basketball Institute (ABI) is a player development organization, not simply a summer travel team. Our mission is to prepare young athletes to help their middle school and high school teams succeed in the future. Along with building strong individual skills, ABI teaches players to be coachable, understand basketball terminology, and execute a variety of game actions so they can adapt to different coaching styles and team systems.
A key part of our philosophy is ensuring that players can succeed outside the ABI environment. In 2026, Conner, Finn, Jonny, and Skylar competed in the Foley, Orange Beach, and Robertsdale city leagues, each helping lead their teams to championships. Cade and Deacon also contributed to strong playoff runs, reaching the semifinals and quarterfinals in the Spanish Fort and Foley leagues. Javon chose to focus on training this season rather than league play.
These results serve as an independent evaluation of ABI’s development model, confirming that our players are learning skills that translate to success wherever they play.
Project 2034 -2026 Summer Team
Project 2034 is ABI’s long-term development initiative. Our goal is to measure how consistent training, mentorship, and game experience translate into success across different teams, coaches, and competitive environments; including ABI summer games, city recreation leagues, middle school and eventually high school basketball.
The athletes pictured here—Finn, Conner, Jonny, Memphis, Leon, Javon, and Skylar (with Alexis, Cade, Deacon, and Andre not pictured)—represent Baldwin and Mobile county elementary schools including Saraland, Foley, Mathis, Robertsdale, Orange Beach, Rockwell, and Spanish Fort.
Their journey tips off March 27 in Gulf Shores. Follow their progress as they grow as players, teammates, and young leaders. It is not too late for your son to join ABI’s Project 2034.
ABI 12-Month Training & Competition Cycle
Program Overview
The Alabama Basketball Institute operates on a year-round development program divided into two semesters. Semester One (August–January) focuses on individual skill development and foundational habits. Semester Two (February–July) emphasizes team concepts, competition, and refinement. Player evaluations and certifications occur in August and December to guide development and placement.
PHASE 1
The cycle begins in August with player assessments and program orientation. From September through October, Phase One establishes fundamental skills and team identity, emphasizing ball handling, shooting form, finishing, defense, spacing, effort, and coachability. Competition is limited to controlled scrimmages.
PHASE 2
In November and early December, Phase Two teaches players to apply skills under pressure, including shooting off the catch, finishing through contact, defensive positioning, and basic team offense. Controlled action competitions are introduced, and parents receive the first progress update. December concludes with mid-year evaluations and program adjustments.
January serves as an early refinement period, reinforcing individual strengths and basketball IQ while preparing players for team roles!
PHASE 3
Semester Two-Phase 3 begins in February with team tactics and strategies, focusing on spacing, communication, and two and three player actions. In March, Phase 1 is revisited to reinforce fundamentals at game speed through controlled pressure competition. April continues Phase Two with increased game application and regular local play.
PHASE 4
Phase 4 takes place in May, emphasizing team concepts, decision-making, communication, and leadership, supported by tournament or league play. June enters Phase Four, where competition intensity increases and players focus on execution, situational basketball, and confidence, accompanied by a mid-season evaluation.
PHASE 5
Second semester concludes at the end of July with Phase Five, refining individual roles, basketball IQ, and confidence under pressure. Final summer tournaments measure growth, followed by end-of-season evaluations and recommendations for the next level of development