Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Donalsonville, GA (Future150) -- The Georgia Renegades program is off to a fast start this AAU season, winning three championships to date, including Rock The Court, The Gulf Coast Hoop Fest, and the Future150 Main Event Atlanta.
Along the way, the 15U team has compiled a 17-1 record and beaten quality opponents such as Team Thad, Team Forrest, and the Georgia Stars.
The success of the program leads back to the formation of the Renegades, and the goal and vision of the mentors at the top.
"The primary focus was, and is, to change the kid’s expectations. I wanted to change their dreams, perceptions and develop their ability to believe," Renegades founder Juwan Hopkins told me recently.
Based out of rural Georgia near the Florida border, the Renegades have seemingly risen from nowhere, and it's a testament to the hard work, beliefs, and values their coaches have instilled in them.
"Honestly, it’s all about the kids. It’s their stage to dance, laugh, cry, fall, and stand up. It’s all about giving them an opportunity to be great. The sole purpose is to put these kids on a stage and let the world see that just because they don’t have the same luxuries or opportunities as others doesn’t mean that they should be overlooked. They have the will and talent to be just as successful," Juwan stated.
It certainly helps that their roster is stockpiled with talent. Led by Jordan Harris, Trey Clemons, and Herman Williams, all three nationally ranked prospects in the class of 2016, the Renegades are rolling along this spring.
Add in point guards Anfernee King and Shaquarious Baker, shooting guard Spencer Newman, and big man Josh Hill, and there's no surprise as to why college programs have been in contact with the southern program.
Michigan State, Mississippi State, Clemson, Alabama, George Mason, Virginia Tech, South Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia have all been monitoring the loaded program, and more schools will follow suit.
For now though, the Renegades are focused on the business at hand, according to Hopkins.
"Right now, we are just trying to wrap our heads around the summer. It’s going to be crazy busy and a lot of traveling. However, I know the boys are really focused on ending the summer on a championship run. They want championships. Championships. Championships. Championships. It seems nobody respects us right now, but put us on the big stage and watch us perform, and we’ll change that."
It looks like they are already changing perceptions throughout the southeast.
Comments:
We (Auburn Raptors blue) loss to the Renegades in the championship of the Gulf Coast Hoop Fest. They have a really good team.