RI Elite Joins the PUMA PRO16 circuit
Today, we are pleased to announce that Rhode Island Elite has entered into a multi-year agreement with the PUMA PRO16 Circuit for the upcoming grassroots seasons.
For those who may not have already been familiar, Rhode Island Elite is true to their name, providing high-level basketball experience to the greater Providence area and beyond.
RI Elite also places an emphasis on academic development, offering a unique experience to help tutor, train, and mentor underserved Rhode Islanders.
Even prior to the partnership with PUMA, the PRO16 Circuit was still a league in which plenty of elite prospects participated. Just last year, 19 of the 247Sports Top 150 competed for a PRO16 team. Plenty of PUMA Hoops athletes will have their teams competing in this league, including some big names.
We were fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with PRO16 League Owner Matt Reynolds, who shared his excitement. He explained that the big difference this year will be the sheer amount of support the PRO16 Circuit receives from their new sponsor PUMA. The league will also now be able to offer exposure for recruits at a higher level.
“With RI Elite…they’re going to be the only team from the northeast in the PRO16,” said Reynolds. This is exciting news for the region as a whole, as only 16 teams are being selected to participate in the league.
“We are excited to join the PUMA PRO16,” said Rhode Island Elite Founder/Co-Director Nick Light, who we were also pleased to get the chance to speak with about the big news. “When you combine the support of PUMA and the support of some of those athletes, we are very excited about the future of the league.”
Heading into year nine for the program, this is a huge step for any AAU organization. We are excited to see Rhode Island Elite represent New England in this high-level, high-exposure grassroots league.
The circuit is already set to have events beginning in Indianapolis, then Memphis, then Wichita, then Phoenix, and then back to Indianapolis to finish everything off.