FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your class fee breakdown?
Classes are organized by 1 hour and 2 hour classes. Class fees are based on $300/hour.
What are your academy hours?
On the weekdays our group programs run from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. On the weekends our programs run from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Our 1-on-1 programs runs upon a flexible schedule seven days a week.
What days do you offer classes?
We offer classes from Monday to Sunday.
Where are you venue locations?
Our venues are located in the south side of Hong Kong Island (Stanley Market), Wong Chuk Hung (Aberdeen), Sai Ying Pun, Central.
What are your class sizes?
Classes range from 1 to 16 players.
How many coaches are on-site?
We deploy 2 coaches for most courses.
Do you wear uniforms?
Yes. All our players are required to be prepared with their uniforms at all times. This includes shirt and shorts.
What kind of shoes should be worn?
All players are required to wear proper basketball shoes for ankle support and overall safety.
How can players recover faster and avoid injury?
The follow steps will significantly reduce body recovery time and reduce any potential injury risks:
- Minimum 9 hours sleep
- Drink water throughout the day
- Stretch during allocated period during class and after
- Compression pants
- Ice problem areas (15 minutes on problem areas)
- Massage
- Foam Roll
- Cold / Hot Shower (Begin with cold water, alternate between the two temperatures and end with cold water)
Is a trial class mandatory for new players?
Trial classes are mandatory for new players registering for term courses. Not mandatory for camps.
What happens on the first day of training?
On the first day of the new season we bring all of our players together for an orientation of what they can expect for the entire term/season. For players joining us after start dates we provide them an orientation of what to expect before practice and include them right away with the rest of the players.
How do you select my coach for 1-to-1 lessons?
The coach that works with you is dependent on the area(s) you wish to develop. When the development area changes we can assign you a different coach that has expertise in the area. Coaches are also deployed dependent on availability.
What supplies do I need to bring?
You should bring your HKBA uniform, basketball shoes and water.
What is the "Updated Class Schedule?
HKBA utilizes the Hong Kong Government (LCSD) facilities to administer our programs. Theses facilities can become unavailable due to being open to the public, other organizations and reserved for government activities (recently - covid vaccination facilities). As a result, changes may occur to the originally scheduled class posted on our programs page (i.e. Fall Term, Holiday Camps, Summer Camp, etc.).
HKBA makes every effort to avoid schedule changes where possible; however, they can occur and may have an impact on student-athletes regular scheduled classes. In the event of a schedule change, we will provide other class options for the day in mind to ensure our student-athlete’s have an opportunity to receive their basketball class. For any subsequent changes made to the class schedule, we will use our Class Update Notification System (by e-mail and SMS) to update parents and student-athletes. Updates are sent on the Friday prior to the class/camp week in mind. However, updates are available to view as early as 6 days in advance of the class/camp in mind. We recommend parents and student-athletes to check the HKBA schedule regularly for any changes.
Are parents involved with the academy?
Parents are encouraged to support their child at practice and during any competitions. We do ask parents to remain composed during these times.
Where are your coaches from?
Our coaches are from the United States, Canada and Hong Kong. The coaches we employ are required to have valid coaching qualifications. We prioritize our hiring process with coaches that have high-level playing experience on the NCAA level, university, professional or semi-professional and national experience.
How can we know if our child is improving?
We encourage parents to contact coaches to receive updates. We ask to be considerate and not overwhelm coaches with frequent update requests. We can provide feedback before and or after practice by simply being present without prior notice.
Is there a league we can join?
Yes. We offer Premier Basketball League. Which is a high-level organized league that players are selected through a tryout can join. This is available for U14, U16, U19 years old boys intermediate to advanced.
Can my child join after the start dates?
Yes. It is dependent on available space.
My child is a beginner to basketball; is that okay?
Yes. It does help if your child has tried at least one other sport before.
What happens if my child arrives late to the group program and needs to catch up?
If parents and players feel the need to catch up with the rest of the group, 1-1 classes can be arranged at an additional cost.
How will you help my child with the transition from being new to Hong Kong and HKBA?
Our coaches have a lot of personality and charisma and they are great at making your child feel right at home. Our existing players are considerate with new players since they were once in the same position.
What language are classes conducted in?
English is the only language offered.
What schools do HKBA players usually attend?
Players are all from international schools across Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories.
What universities and colleges do the majority of HKBA players attend?
Our players are considered student-athletes and we support the academic endeavors set by families. Players attend world-class universities and colleges in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
What are some notable achievements that HKBA players have achieved?
HKBA players have played NCAA-level basketball, junior national level basketball in Hong Kong and have won championships at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity high school level.
What is the difference between a school practice and HKBA?
The focus in a school practice is mainly on team strategy. This is due to limited practice time and a short few months in a typical school season. HKBA focuses mainly on player development with strong elements of team strategy. We run our activities year round which provides players with the opportunity to prepare for their school season, maintain skills during the school season, and improve steadily thereafter. This makes us a popular choice among school coaches who trust in our ability to help their players.
Besides in basketball, what else can my child improve in?
HKBA players improve in their overall health and fitness, working well with others, developing self-motivated skills, the ability to be successful in a competitive environment, responding positively to criticism and so much more!
Are players and coaches protected by accidents?
At HKBA, we take the necessary precautions to protect all our players and coaching staff from injuries. However, accidents can happen. For peace of mind, we provide accident insurance for our players and coaching staff.
PREMIER LEAGUE FAQ
How are players chosen for the teams?
Players are chosen through a tryout process lead by HKBA.
Where is the tryout location and what time is the tryouts?
Tryout location and time will be announced 3-4 weeks in advance of the tryout date.
Is there a fee to tryout?
No tryout fee is required.
Do I have to be a part of HKBA to tryout?
No.
Do I have to pre sign-up to tryout?
Yes. All players trying out are required to submit a tryout registration form in advance.
How will I know if I have made a team?
You will be notified after the tryout period in person and by email.
Will there be another opportunity to tryout if I don't make it?
Yes. We host tryouts for future seasons.
When does the league begin and end?
Typically the Fall season begins in August and ends in December. The Spring season typically begins in March and ends in June.
How many games are in a season?
The regular season includes 9 games each team.
The playoffs includes 2 games each team.
Do all teams make the playoffs?
Yes.
What days are the games played?
Friday evenings.
What times are the games played?
U14 game times begin at 5:00pm
U16 game times begin at 6:40pm
U19 game times begin at 8:20pm
Who will we play against?
Games will be against other Premier League teams. This applies to all divisions.
How many players are on a team?
Eight to ten players make up each team.
What are the practice requirements in order to play?
One mandatory practice held on a weekday.
Practices are conducted by HKBA and require an additional fee.
What are the team practice schedules?
U14 - U19 Practice Details:
Mondays
(Central / Western)
U14: B Army 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
U16 - U19: Blue Army 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday
(Central / Western)
U14: White Army 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
U16 - U19: White Army 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
(South Side / Central & Western)
U14: Black Army 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
U16 - U19: Black Army 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday
(South Side)
U14: Red Army 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
U16 - U19: Red Army 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
What is the game format like?
Games are two twenty minute halves - run time.
Last two minutes of the second half is stop time.
Who will coach the teams?
Each team will be lead by a Hong Kong Basketball Academy coach.
Will there be referees?
Yes. Premier League will deploy two professional referees for each game.
Will stats be taken?
Yes. Stats will be recorded and posted on the league homepage.
Are there fees required to participate?
Yes. League fees covers referees, court bookings, statisticians, photos, highlight videos, and medals.
When are league fees due?
Player league fee is due upon receiving our email confirmation after being selected for a team.
Is there a uniform fee?
Yes. The uniform fee is due upon receiving our email confirmation after being selected for a team.
Uniforms are customized for a player's surname and number.
What happens when a player misses a practice?
A player that misses a practice for any reason will not play in the first half of the upcoming game.
Should a team not have enough players to start a game, the player who has missed practice is allowed to start the game. The following game, the player must sit out the first half of the game.
HKBA Elite Travel Team
How are players chosen for the teams?
Players are invited by HKBA coaches and chosen through a tryout process lead by HKBA.
When and where are tryouts?
Tryout location and times run injunction with Premier League tryouts - see Premier League tryouts details.
Is there a fee to tryout?
No tryout fee is required.
Do I have to be a part of HKBA-Premier League to tryout?
Yes. Selected players must be a part of HKBA-Premier League.
How will I know if I have made a team?
You will be notified after the tryout period in by email and posted on the acceptance page.
Will there be another opportunity to tryout if I don't make it?
Yes. We host tryouts for future seasons.
When does the season begin and end?
The Fall season begins in September and ends in October.
How many games are in a season?
The HKBA Elite team enters into tournaments whereby the amount of games is dependent on the success of the team.
What days are the practices?
Practices are on Wednesday evening.
What times are the practices?
Wednesday from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Who will we play against?
Teams from across Asia-Pacific in the 9th Annual Asia Pacific Youth Basketball Cup in Singapore.
How many players are on a team?
Eight to ten players make up each team.
What are the practice requirements in order to play?
Two mandatory practice held on Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Practices are conducted by HKBA and fees are sponsored by HKBA.
Who will coach the teams?
The team will be coached by Richard Bradstreet and Justin Lo.
Are there fees required to participate?
Practice does not require a fee.
Flight travel and hotel accommodations does not require a fee.
Travel "per diem" not provided.
Scholarship/Underprivileged player fees supported by donations & HKBA.
Do I need a passport to participate?
Yes. All players must hold a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
What age group is the Elite team for?
Boys age U18 (15, 16, 17 years old) & U15 (13, 14 years old).