What is AAU Basketball?
AAU Basketball, which is short for Amateur Athletic Union Basketball, is competitive basketball for boys players ages 5-18. AAU Basketball was originally created to help get players exposure to colleges and to give younger players a more competitive environment than the typical high school, town travel, or recreational programs.
STACK AAU Basketball has quickly been recognized as one of the premier AAU basketball programs in Bergen, Passaic, and Rockland Counties because of our philosophy and state-of-the-art training facility. Our 15,000 square foot basketball and sports performance training facility provide an incredible basketball experience for its players for games, practices, and training.
AAU Basketball is about Learning!
At STACK Sports in Mahwah, New Jersey, we believe and understand that basketball is a team sport and it is meant to be played that way. Our philosophy is much more than just playing basketball, as we put an extreme emphasis on players learning and understanding the responsibilities of being a part of a legitimate AAU basketball program.
The STACK AAU Basketball Coaching Staff is filled with very successful x-basketball players as well as some of the best high school coaches around. All of our coaches have bought into the STACK AAU Basketball philosophy and we do our best to instill it into our young players.
The STACK AAU Program has teams at all levels and we try to have spots on teams for all players who want to learn from us. We even have Elite AAU Basketball Teams for the player who wants to be completely committed to playing at the highest level possible.
If you are a basketball player who is willing to listen, learn, work hard, and be a part of a program that is all about its athletes then the STACK AAU Basketball Program is for you. If you want to see what really separates the STACK AAU Basketball Program from other click here: 10 Reasons why STACK Basketball is the best AAU Program in Bergen, Passaic, and Rockland Counties.
STACK TEACHES STUDENT-ATHLETES
TEAMWORK, SPORTSMANSHIP & BASKETBALL
STACK AAU BASKETBALL VIDEO!
“I THINK STACK DOES A GREAT JOB OF LETTING HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES KNOW THEY CAN MAKE IT AND GIVING THEM ROUTINES GUYS LIKE US DO EVERY DAY”
– KEVIN DURANT
2x NBA CHAMP, 2013-14 NBA MVP, 5-TIME NBA ALL STAR, 4-TIME NBA SCORING CHAMP
STACK BASKETBALL PHOTOS
WHY PLAY FOR STACK BASKETBALL?
- STACK Basketball is run by Coach Williams.
- 15,000 sq ft basketball training facility for games, practices and training.
- We teach basketball player to be team players on and off the court.
- Our teaching is consistent so players can come to additional practices.
- We teach a pass first offense so all players are involved during the games.
- We teach Man to Man defensive principals and zone strategies.
- We help players become calm, composed confident teammates on the court.
- STACK players will become students of the game and thinkers on the court.
- Our players conduct themselves as representatives of the STACK Program.
A STACK BASKETBALL SEASON INCLUDES
- Spring, Fall, and Winter 3 Months Each – Summer 2 Months.
- Minimum 10 games, 2 practices per week, skills classes offered 5 times a week.
- We schedule around other sports and potential conflicts, as best as possible.
- Email/Text alerts and 24-hour online access to your team schedule.
- Players can now attend unlimited, skills classes in our Elite Package.
STACK DEVELOPS TEAM PLAYERS!
Owner of STACK Basketball
Paul Anthony WilliamsProfessional Basketball Career: Player Accomplishments in Spain
Player Accomplishments in England
Player Accomplishments in Asia
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St. Bonaventure University:
St. Patrick’s High School:
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Coach Paul Williams
Coach Paul Williams brings more than 30 years of basketball experience to STACK Basketball. A former 1st Team All-State selection and New Jersey’s Best Big Man (2002), Coach Williams played Division I basketball before enjoying a 10+ year professional career overseas. He learned the game’s finer points under legendary coach Kevin Boyle—now the head coach at Montverde Academy (FL)—an influence that still shapes his teaching, team standards, and player development philosophy today.
Coaching Focus & Background
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Player Development Specialist: Emphasizes footwork, finishing, guard/wing skills for all positions, and translating drills into game situations.
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All-Levels Experience: Has trained beginners, rising AAU athletes, and varsity/college-bound players—tailoring plans to each athlete’s needs.
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Culture Builder: Sets clear standards for effort, communication, and accountability so practices stay competitive and purposeful.
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Game Teacher: Breaks down reads (screen/roll, drive-and-kick, spacing), defensive principles (stance, angles, rotations), and situational IQ (end-of-game, time/score).
Program Philosophy
STACK isn’t a “two-practices-a-week” stop—it’s a development home. Coach Williams believes the fastest growth happens when athletes have consistent access to coaching, gym time, and feedback.
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Seven-Day Access Mindset: Players are encouraged to train up to 7 days per week through practices, skills clinics, small-group workouts, film, and open gym.
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Reps with Purpose: Every drill connects to real game reads—no empty reps.
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Opportunity on Request: If a player asks for extra work, the answer is YES. Coach Williams finds a way.
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Comfort-Zone Stretch: Growth requires challenge; practices include competitive segments that demand focus, communication, and effort.
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Character First: The goal is a better player and a respectful, dependable teammate.
What Players Can Expect at STACK
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Skill Blocks: Ball handling under pressure, finishing package (inside/outside hand, contact finishes), footwork, shot prep & release, and in-rhythm shooting.
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IQ & Spacing: How to move without the ball, create advantages, and punish closeouts.
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Defense & Toughness: Stance, slides, contesting without fouling, rebounding habits, and transition defense.
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Film & Feedback: Short film breakdowns to connect habits with outcomes.
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Positionless Development: Bigs learn guard skills; guards learn how to finish and play strong in the paint.
Training Pathways
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Team Practices: System concepts, special situations, and competitive scrimmage segments.
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Small-Group Workouts: Position and skill-specific reps with high coach engagement.
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Private Training: Customized plans with measurable goals and check-ins.
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In-Season Tune-Ups: Short, precise sessions to keep mechanics and confidence sharp during busy schedules.
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Off-Season Build: Progressive programs focusing on strength, skill upgrades, and expanding offensive packages.
Competitive Standards
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Effort & Energy: Sprint to spots, talk on defense, and compete every rep.
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Coachability: Listen, learn, and work hard—the three non-negotiables.
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Consistency: Show up, stack good days, and trust the process.
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Team Over Self: Share the ball, defend together, celebrate teammates.
Parent Partnership
Coach Williams values clear communication with families. Parents can expect:
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Transparent Goals: What we’re working on and why.
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Progress Touchpoints: Practical feedback tied to measurable habits.
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Role of Home Support: Simple at-home routines (ball-handling, form shooting, footwork) that accelerate growth—without over-coaching from the sidelines.
College & Next-Level Guidance (When Applicable)
For athletes aiming beyond high school, Coach Williams helps with:
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Realistic Pathways: Honest evaluation and step-by-step development plans.
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Film & Showcases: How to build clips that reflect real strengths.
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Communication: Guidance on outreach etiquette and staying ready when opportunities arise.
Results You’ll See
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Cleaner Footwork & Shot Prep → better rhythm and confidence under pressure.
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Smarter Reads → fewer turnovers, more efficient possessions.
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Defensive Impact → better positioning, communication, and toughness.
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Leadership Growth → athletes who model effort, accountability, and respect.
Player Expectations
Coach Williams keeps it simple. To thrive at STACK, players must:
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Listen
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Learn
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Work hard
Master these three, and improvement follows.
Curious what families think? Visit STACK Sports Reviews to see what parents and players are saying. If you’re ready to train, join us at STACK—where consistent work turns potential into performance.
USA Basketball Certified
AAU Basketball Certified
STACK Basketball Certified
HOW STACK CHOOSES TEAMS
Our tryouts help organize our teams based on the things below.
We make sure all players get the most out of their STACK Basketball experience.
- Commitment Level – The amount of time a player has to commit to STACK.
- Opportunity – Giving players the best opportunity to develop.
- Skill Level – To help all players and teams get competitive games.
- Car Pooling – We try to meet requests to keep friends together on teams.
WE OFFER MORE BASKETBALL THAN ANY OTHER PROGRAM, JUST COMPARE AND SEE!
Winter Tryouts
Session 1 & 2
(Session 1) Boys 3rd-8th Grade – 11/24 / 9th-12th Grade – 12/1
(Session 2) Boys 3rd-8th Grade – 11/25 / 9th-12th Grade – 12/2
STACK Basketball
101 Corporate Drive Suite G
Mahwah, NJ 07430
$25.00 covers all tryouts.
Boys ages 7-18.
Players are only required to attend 1 tryout.
Winter Season runs early December through late February.
If you can’t make tryouts call 201-684-9190.
Tryout Schedule
SESSION 1 | HS |
Monday – Nov 24th (BOYS) |
Monday – Dec 1st (BOYS) |
5:30pm – 6:30pm 3rd/4th Boys |
7:30pm – 8:30pm 9th-12th Boys |
6:30pm – 7:30pm 5th/6th Boys |
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7:30pm – 8:30pm 7th/8th Boys |
SESSION 2 | HS |
Tuesday – Nov 25th (BOYS) |
Tuesday – 2nd (BOYS) |
5:30pm – 6:30pm 3rd-4th Boys |
7:30pm – 8:30pm 9th-12th Boys |
6:30pm – 7:30pm 5th-6th Boys |
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7:30pm – 8:30pm 7th-8th Boys |
Players should try out for the grade he/she is in as of 9/1/2025
If you have missed the tryout dates and still want to play we may have a spot for you. Please contact us
MAKEUP TRYOUTS
Monday – December 1st Makeup Session |
5:30pm – 6:30pm 3rd-8th Boys |
For More Info
coach@stacknj.com
or
201-684-9190