By: Nailah Thomas
Next Level Prospects Basketball, also known as NLPB, is a travel basketball team from all over including players from Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Initiated by Jake Senyo several years ago, he “formed a program that has a bigger goal. The more kids you can get together and help, that’s what it’s all about,” Coach Joe Cassell said from NLPB Team Select.
This program has a bigger focus than just on the court. They focus on individual success and make sure to include the “student” in student-athlete. Speaking with Coach Cassell, we got to hear more about the program and growth.
“Jake approached me about getting a team from east Tennessee and as our name and program grew, I started having kids contact me about wanting to play. Coming from Western NC, Charlotte, High Point, and Georgia, we’re getting to where it’s growing. It’s in the program’s name, “Next Level”. We’re just good players, next-level players.”
NLPB Team Select has been playing together since March. “We don’t practice because we’re so scattered. A lot of kids throw the word family around pretty loosely. This team I have, we are a family; I have several kids on the way home on a Sunday texting me I love you coach,” Cassell said.
Being a part of such a scattered team, a family connection is a must and this team works together on the floor with no practice. The coach also gives credit to the parents that this team has.
“We don’t win every game, but they play extremely hard. I’ve never had to ask them for something, and they try their best.”
Cassell also gave some spotlight to the players. Brendan Bailey, a 6’4 prospect is this team’s glue. “It all starts with Bailey,” Coach Cassell says. “He’s very humble and always gives credit to his teammates. And that’s why all the kids will go to war with them; they respect him, and he lives it on the floor. Jordan Dixon is super athletic. I hate to single certain kids out because all of them do certain things. Charlie McCue knows everything, he’ll rebound and pass. My son Logan (Cassell) is one of the best three-point shooters; he’s shooting 60% from three right now. “
NLPB Team Select has a little bit of everything on its team, and the NLPB program in general certainly has carved out its place in AAU basketball and should only continue to build even bigger.