The purpose –  of the Macomb County Cougars Basketball Travel Club is to train and develop comprehensive basketball fundamentals that will embrace, and encourage our young student athletes looking to maximize his or her potential.

Our difference is the combination: nearly 30 years of history, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) foundation, and a proven commitment to developing student-athletes into college-bound young men. We’re not just chasing trophies—we’re building a pipeline for education, exposure, and life outcomes, with a culture rooted in accountability and community (#TheCougarWay).

We’ve been serving Metro Detroit since 1995 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a long track record of developing student-athletes on and off the court. Our focus is development, accountability, and helping players become college-bound and community-minded—not selling hype. We’re transparent about costs, expectations, and what families get from the program.

The Macomb County Cougars Basketball Travel Club is a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) which is the governed body that sanctioned travel teams for boys’ and girls’ grades 4th thru 11th. 2025 season will run March through May and some events in July, based on the age group, (Usually our 17 Under has 1 or 2 Tournaments in July) teams will participate in 5 – 7 tournaments within the Tri-State area; MI, OH, IL, PA, WI, KY and IN. Game days are usually Saturday and Sunday with some tournaments starting on Friday evenings (usually for high school teams only), although there have been exceptions (these will be communicated in advance).

(NOTE due to COVID all schedules fluid and subject to change)

Practices are could be held at one of the following sites, Clintondale High School Clintondale Middle School, Cairns Community Center. Practice dates and times will be 2 nights per week usually Tuesday & Thursday or Friday; each team practice will be 2 hours. Practices times are usually: 4th – 8th grade 5:30 to 7:30pm, all High school levels 7:30-9:30pm.

Yes, you can, but please look over both your schedules and make sure you do not spread yourself too thin. We encourage multi-sport athletes and participation with your high school teams and teammates. NOTE: if on occasion you must have to miss a practice or a game, with advanced notice we will excuse you, just be aware if it’s quite frequent playing time may be affected.

We set clear communication expectations for logistics, schedule updates, and concerns. Team updates go through group communication, while sensitive issues (playing time, discipline, academics, injuries) should be handled privately. We also set boundaries so conversations stay productive and respectful.
All staff contact information is listed on the website

We respect multi-sport athletes as we don’t know where a athletes true blessings and gifts will lie however we’ll work with families on scheduling as long as communication is proactive and the player stays committed to growth and accountability in our sport which is basketball. We’ll be clear about what’s required so expectations are fair for everyone.

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It means we care about grades, eligibility, and long-term outcomes not just playing basketball. We have alumni who are in some of the most diverse career fields from doctors to CIA, to pilots, to skilled tradesmen. Families can expect a culture that checks in on school performance (if needed), reinforces responsibility, and supports the bigger goal: college and life readiness. We can outline what academic check-ins look like during the season so it’s not vague (at your request).

Your personal commitment to The Macomb County Cougars Basketball Travel Club is vital to the success of the program. Each team member needs to attend all practices and games, exhibit, and be an advocate of sportsmanship during practice, tournaments, and overnight stay. As the parent, in addition to financial support; we need your support at tournaments; your presence is important as it helps to motivate the team and shows that you are supporting and encouraging their participation in the club. Each Coach, Player and Parent will be required to commit to the Macomb County Cougars Code of Conduct which clearly defines the programs expectations and consequences as it relates to how we present and represent the program. We need your assistance with transportation and your active participation in fundraising activities which facilitates the success of the club. In addition to that working the scoring table or video camera is a huge plus. The Cougars may host 1 to 2 Fundraising Events in 2027. We are asking that all parents and players participate and also extended family members are encouraged to participate in some way to make the fundraising events a success.

Player health comes first. If an injury happens, we communicate with the family and follow a safety-first approach. Return-to-play decisions should be guided by medical professionals and the family not pressure.

Open registration begins in October of the previous year, with tryouts taking place in March. Registration will remain open until March or until tryout numbers are reached for that particular age group! When in doubt, look for postings or a registration tab on the main page. If there is no tab or posting, registration has not started yet.

Sure if we still have spots available

Usually 30 minutes before tipoff, sometimes special requirements are need during the NCAA certified events. 15u-17u must check in their team and during the evaluation periods they have to watch a NCAA video, sometimes pick up t-shirts, etc, so the coach usually assigns a specific time and location for everyone to meet prior to the event.

ALL teams are required to check in at the tournament Headquarters which will be posted on our website. Map is available on our website under the “Venues” section.

We usually don’t find out what time everyone plays until late in the week prior to the event, 90% of the times schedules are posted by the Thursday before the event, if changes are made refer to our website for updates unless a tournament app has been provided!

No. Your 1st game could be 4pm,2pm, 5pm….. we have no idea until the schedule is given to us. Good rule of thumb If it is a weekend tournament expect to be busy the whole weekend

Some tournaments guaranteed a minimum of 3 games, some 4 or even 5 and we could play as many as 8-10 games in a given weekend just depending on how good your team is, how many total teams in that age group and the structure of the tournament.

This is not entry level basketball the level of competition we will be playing against will require our athletes to be above average players however we coach to develop players and to compete the right way. Playing time can vary by tournament, role, practice habits, and team needs. What we will do is communicate expectations clearly, give players a role, and hold them accountable. Families should expect honest feedback and a culture where effort, attitude, and growth matter.

We aim to build rosters that allow development and competitive success without setting kids up for frustration. We’re intentional about roster decisions, and we don’t operate with a revolving-door mindset. If guest players are ever used for a specific need, we communicate that clearly so families aren’t surprised

No, we no longer have girl teams

Yes and No some kids we recruit, some kids get recommended, and some kids just want to play and come to tryouts everyone will get evaluated on the strength of team and their own ability at the time of tryouts!

We reserve the right as to what team we put your son on as well as what level we put the team in. We have had kids play up and down, the key is to find the right fit for continued development 

We base it on skill level, team history together and the strength of the ROSTER, how well you played in the winter/spring (with your school team), who you played against, we try to get out and watch as many games possible throughout the season.

Yes and No. Even Kentucky must prove themselves every year to get into the NCAA Tournament, all athletes that we select to return will be contacted prior to the next season, if your athlete did not get a call they will have to tryout again.

Your season fee covers core program operations (coaching, gym time, practices, tournament planning, and program support). Uniform packages are separate, and travel costs (hotels, meals, transportation) are typically handled by families unless a player is sponsored through our scholarship tier. We can provide a simple season cost checklist so families can budget clearly before committing.

Cost for the 2027 season is $980.00 per player and $180-250.00 dollars for uniform package. Payment plans are available. Please note that this does not include travel and lodging expenses.

All travel, hotel and food expense is covered by the parent or guardian of the athlete

See below Refund Policy

Refunds are available prior to the first event, due to the nature of the sport we are unable to give refunds after the season has started