Founded in 2023, the Ocean State Kraken AAU Basketball Program is the formulation of Brendan Smith, a devoted coach with over a decade of experience in multiple youth sports. At the heart of the Ocean State Kraken is our unwavering mission to foster a nurturing and uplifting environment for our young athletes, both male and female. We are dedicated to honing their basketball prowess and propelling
them into higher echelons of competitive play. Our program is built upon the foundational pillars of hard work, dedication, and confidence, which we instill in each of our players. Coach Brendan is the epitome of basketball dedication—always strategizing the next practice, game day, or tournament weekend. His passion is not only for the game but for the comprehensive engagement with the athletes, focusing on teaching advanced fundamentals and meticulously refining each player's unique skill set. This personalized approach to coaching underscores the core values he cherishes and imparts joyfully. The inception of the Ocean State Kraken was driven by a desire to offer a constructive and challenging outlet for youth athletes who possess innate talent and the eagerness to excel in basketball. Our program welcomes those who have a passion for the game, providing them a platform to grow and compete at a formidable level. As part of the Kraken coaching team, we are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that every athlete enjoys a fruitful, enlightening, and triumphant season. We take immense pride in our team, advocating for respect, discipline, and the achievement of our collective goals. At OSK, we recognize that mental fortitude is as crucial as physical ability in basketball. Our program places a strong emphasis on developing basketball IQ, enhancing focus, building confidence, and fostering emotional control. We equip our athletes with resilience to overcome setbacks, communication skills for effective teamwork, and mental toughness to endure the rigors of competition. Through visualization techniques and strategic decision-making exercises, we prepare our players to think quickly and stay one step ahead of the game. Our holistic approach ensures each player not only masters the fundamentals of basketball but also develops the mental acuity needed to excel both on and off the court. Furthermore, we maintain a strong ethos of clear, direct communication to keep our families well-informed of news, schedules, and updates throughout the season. In an area rich with AAU options, the Ocean State Kraken stands out by guaranteeing a transformative experience where athletes will not only improve their basketball skills but also develop mentally, forge lasting friendships, and embody the spirit of teamwork. We champion the philosophy that "Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the 'ME' for 'WE'" — a sentiment famously expressed by Phil Jackson. We invite you to join the Ocean State Kraken, confident that once you do, you'll remain a valued member of the OSK family for many seasons to come! Thank you,
Brendan Smith
OSK Founder & Director
AAU Club Code: W3CYAW
