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Ready to take basketball to the next level? Join Chelsea Piers Evolution Travel Basketball team in NYC and train to your potential in a positive and supportive environment.
NYC's Premier Youth & AAU Basketball Program for Grades 3–8
Chelsea Piers Evolution is one of New York City's most respected travel and AAU basketball organizations for players ages 8–14. Our multi-year program meets players where they are — matching each athlete with the right level of development, competition, and commitment from third grade through eighth. With a team-first approach and supportive community, we teach the game the right way, equipping players with the skills, habits, and mindset to excel on any court.
Players step into real team basketball for the first time and apply their skills in a structured, competitive environment with two practices and one PDT session per week. The standard is set here.
Players know the program and the standard — now they grow into their full potential. Basketball IQ deepens, individual skills sharpen and competitive experience builds the complete player.
These are the players who set the tone for the entire program. They lead in cross-grade PDT, set the standard for younger players and carry the identity of Evolution Basketball on and off the court.
Training Structure
How we train
How It Works
Players develop faster when they understand exactly where they stand.
Parents are partners in that process — not bystanders. Communication isn't a checkbox in Evolution Basketball. It's the foundation.
Initial Evaluation: Every player receives a first-impression baseline at the start of the season.
Three Formal Written Evaluations: Winter, spring and end of season — each with a Skills Report and a Player Profile.
Coach Conferences & Player Sessions: One to two formal parent-coach conferences per year, plus twice-yearly one-on-one coach conversations with each player.
Video Review: Practices and games are filmed and shared with families to break down performance and accelerate development.
More than a team, this is a community.
Request an Evaluation
The Evolution Team Program
Two teams per grade
Our standards that shape every practice, every game and every player in the program
Community First
Three days a week. No exceptions.
Every Evolution Basketball player trains 3 days per week — two team practices and one PDT session. This is the standard across all grades.
Team Practices
Grade specific and curriculum driven. Every practice has a purpose.
Formal tryouts happen in September, November, February but you can request an evaluation at any time. Every player tries out and teams are formed. Players are assessed on skills, basketball IQ, coachability, competitiveness and fit. Winter and spring windows fill open roster spots from outside players only.
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Make the team
Returning players who make the team in the fall do not re-tryout. We don't believe in cuts. Players who don't make the team are offered a clear pathway — development classes, camps and the opportunity to tryout again.
Begin the season with two practices, one PDT session, and a full competitive calendar — fall tournaments, a winter league with playoffs and a spring tournament schedule across the tri-state area.
The relationships built here, the families that show up for each other and the culture we create together are what make this program unlike anything else in New York City.
Thank you for your interest in the Chelsea Piers Evolution Team.
Evolution Basketball fields two teams per grade from 3rd through 8th grade, with approximately 9 players per team. Teams are constructed entirely by our coaching staff — built to ensure the right balance of players, the right development environment and the best fit for each individual to grow.
There are no A teams and no B teams — no labels, no tiers, no rankings between teams within the same grade. Both teams are real, distinct and competitive.
Teams start at a level where they can succeed and earn their way to higher levels through performance and development over the season.
Three Ways In
Through Evolution Academy (K–2), through open tryouts, or by being identified through our development classes and camps.
Each team builds its own competitive identity — including choosing their own team name — earned through the work they put in together.
This program is bigger than basketball. Parents are involved, families support each other and every player belongs.
Commitment to Teammates
Showing up matters. Your child's teammates are counting on them every single week.
Long term, curriculum driven and purposeful. We are building the player they will become, not just the player they are today.
Growth Through Competition
We play to win. But the player your child becomes through competition matters more than any score.
Team play
Player Development Training (PDT)
Where individual players are built. Cross-grade and ability based — players are grouped by development level, not age.
NYU Game Experience: Players experience college basketball up close in one of New York City's premier venues.
Please complete the form and someone from our team will contact you shortly to answer any questions you have.
Note: Please give us 24-48 hours to return your request.
Small groups
Northwell Health Seminar: Nutrition, recovery and performance — giving players the knowledge to take care of their bodies the right way.
Holiday & Spring Team Events: Celebrating the community, the season and the players who make it all possible.
Move-Up Opportunities: Players who earn it get the chance to compete at the next level.
Player of the Week: Consistent recognition for players who set the standard on and off the court.
Program Highlights: Your child's hard work and big moments shared with the Evolution community and beyond.
