Team Nikos Basketball Academy

At The Ladera Sports Center

by Veronica Bradzey

Steve Williams moved from Wyoming to California to play Division I basketball at UC Riverside, then stayed to develop one of the most comprehensive youth basketball programs in the state. The ball is now in his court to elevate the sport he loves to a new level for student athletes in Orange County.

Steve’s passion for the game started as a young boy, “Growing up, basketball was a family thing,” says Williams, “Everyone played — cousins, uncles, my mom. I’ve always loved it.” It comes as no surprise then that his club team shares a name with his five-year-old son — Nikos, meaning “victory,” in Greek.

With six national youth Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships under its belt, Team Nikos Basketball Academy stands poised to achieve even greater success with the Grand Opening of the Ladera Sports Center on August 6th, which will serve as its new permanent home. Most teams are forced to travel from school to school to practice, competing for limited courts — often at the mercy of last minute schedule changes and school events. “No one else has this,” Williams states. “It makes a huge difference in our ability to offer quality programs in one single location, as well as the convenience and consistency we can provide to our players and their families.”

The architecturally stunning and state-of-the-art complex is an undeniable game-changer for Team Nikos and Orange County athletics. The 60,000 square foot gymnasium boasts 48,750 square feet of court space with noise decibel reduction systems, beautiful maple flooring, and ceiling-mounted basketball hoops and volleyball nets. The fully air conditioned facility offers ample spectator seats at all 8 courts, large screen TVs, and an all-star cafe, making it an ideal venue for hosting tournaments with 24 already scheduled in the first year. Among its most impressive amenities is the center’s ability to live stream high definition content so that parents can watch games and practices on their choice of devices without having to miss a moment. The Sports Center also features a study room where players can catch up on homework or watch game films in between practices.

Members of Team Nikos will benefit from a fantastic new home, as well as a top-notch program, including two dedicated coaches for every practice, two 90-minute practices per week, two tournaments per month, and travel to out-of-state tournaments three times a year. Skill levels among the 200, second grade to high school-aged players range from beginners to the most highly competitive, and all have access to two group training sessions per week at Team Nikos Basketball Academy. Academy sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., focusing on drills and fundamentals to increase agility, speed, and stamina.

Unlike similar programs, Team Nikos has adopted an inclusive policy that welcomes multi-sport athletes, and is flexible when it comes to accommodating conflicting schedules. The club believes in giving equal time to boys and girls, and is holding tryouts for its first all-girls club team on September 1. Open tryouts for the Academy take place on August 30 at 6 p.m.

With a degree in Education and experience as a teacher and coach at Saddleback Valley Christian Schools and Saddleback College, Coach Steve is uniquely suited to run Team Nikos. He employs an individualized, hands-on approach, and hires coaches not just for their skills and experience, but also for their integrity, loyalty, and passion for teaching. “Kids learn about so much more than basketball,” says Steve. “That’s just the fun part. They also learn life-long lessons about commitment, teamwork, and the value of community.”

In addition to Team Nikos, Steve and his partner Jameel Mahmud run recreational National Junior Basketball (NJB) leagues that serve over 1,500 kids year-round in South OC and Long Beach. Both chapters are open to boys and girls from 2nd grade through high school, with an open draft process and volunteer coaches. Participants have the option to attend Monday sessions at the Basketball Academy as part of the league program.

For more information on team tryouts and season schedules, visit TeamNikos.com