OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – The NCAA’s First Team program, which helps inform high-level men’s basketball prospects about NCAA eligibility and recruiting rules and prepares them for life in college and beyond, is running its first annual seminar under the iHoops umbrella this weekend.

First Team, previously administered through the NCAA’s educational affairs group, became affiliated with iHoops this spring. iHoops is a joint youth basketball initiative between the NCAA and the NBA that provides structure and programming to enhance the athletics, educational and social experience of young basketball players. Former Big 12 Conference Commissioner Kevin Weiberg is the organization’s chief executive.

The First Team program began as a recommendation from a subcommittee of the NCAA Basketball Study Group, later named the NCAA Basketball Issues Committee. The subcommittee, created in 1998, asked that education initiatives be developed to address negative influences impacting the game, including a year-round mentoring and educational program.

The original First Team class in 2001 included 57 athletes from six states. The program now includes more than 200 young men from all over the country.

First Team participants are nominated by coaches and administrators. A selection committee then reviews the applicants to decide who will participate. Nine first-round NBA draft picks have emerged from the First Team program.

Some things don’t change

Greg Turner, who heads First Team, said those participating in the program expect stability.

“The kids who attend know they are going to have a good time at First Team, and that we are people who genuinely care about them,” said Turner.

The participants, freshmen though seniors, participate in daily sessions that focus on eligibility, recruiting practices, and basics such as etiquette and manners. Coaches, former and current athletes, as well as basketball officials and “etiquette coaches” lead the sessions.

“First Team allows these elite athletes just to be kids,” Turner said.

During the event, the athletes participate in several team-building activities, including a basketball game Saturday afternoon. The event culminates with a Saturday night banquet that honors the seniors who graduate from the program.

First Team leaders also bring their men’s basketball experience the event. Turner, Duke Pryor and Jason Singleton have all played college basketball and relate their experiences to the group.

First Team conferences have been conducted in Tucson, Arizona (2008); Portsmouth, Virginia (2006); Colorado Springs, Colorado (2005); Charlotte, North Carolina (2004); Tampa, Florida (2003, 2007); and Indianapolis (2002).