By NanaimoBulletin.com -- For any youngsters with hoop dreams, year-round basketball is a must.

A new spring basketball program, 3D Basketball Academy, is hoping to extend the season for some of the area’s b-ball prospects.

“When you take time off from practice you can definitely see it in your performance,” said Jeff Anderson, a 3D coach who was an assistant with the Vancouver Island University men’s team this past season.

“Basketball is becoming so competitive, kids need to do the periodization where they’re training, taking a little time off and getting back to training so their skills stay sharp.”

The 3D academy will consist of training for boys and girls in Grade 4-7, plus U14, U15 and U17 boys’ select teams that will compete in tournaments.

Assisting Anderson will be current and former Mariners Patrick McCarthy, Maria Kirkbride, Steph Chow and a host of others.

“We feel that there’s a niche out there for developing basketball skills. We’re looking for future basketball athletes.”

Select tryouts are April 5 at the Oliver Woods Community Centre. To learn more, visit www.3dbasketball.net.

View Nanaimo Bulletin article here.