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Testimonials

PARENTS

“The Virginia Basketball Academy emphasizes the fundamentals, pure and simple. Players come to work hard, learn, and improve their game - and the extremely dedicated staff is right there to help every step of the way. Our son had a fantastic experience at the camp, and looks forward to attending next year. - Chris Lehmbeck (Crozet, VA)

“Ben, wanted to give you an update on some of the things [my daughter] is pursuing. Over the summer she joined an elite travel team and they traveled to 3 major AAU events with college recruiters and coaches in attendance. They played some of the best teams on the east coast and she had good success. They traveled to Greensboro, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC and to the Commonwealth Games in Roanoke, where they won the silver metal in their age group (16U). Lost in OT in the championship game...a real heartbreaker. Last week she received a questionnaire from UNC. As you can imagine she was real excited. She listed you as one of the most influential people in her life which I thought was real cool. Thought you should know. You make a difference in these kids lives and I thank you for that. Will see you soon. Best regards." - Anonymous Parent

We wanted our son to be the best basketball player he could be, but more than that, the best person he could be. During several very rewarding years working with Coach D’Alessandro, our son experienced great success on the court. Today, our son still views Coach D’Alessandro as a role model for character andintegrity, as a teacher of how to play great basketball. We could not be happier with the role model he has chosen.” - Larry & Annette Wilson (Charlottesville, VA)

“The Virginia Basketball Academy was perfect for my son, Marcus. It taught him much more than basketball. He learned the importance of having a good work ethic, being respectful of others, as well as having good discipline. Having worked with Youth Basketball in Northern Virginia (Fairfax County) as a Coach and Commissioner for over ten years, I know what it takes to communicate effectively with young men. It takes someone who can not only talk basketball, but someone who can also lead by example - by walking like he talks. Coach D'Alessandro impressed me from the very onset. You can just see that he's full of genuine character and his basketball camp has only one purpose - to teach young men how to be better people. ” - Marcus H. England (Fairfax, VA)

“This is the best camp my son has ever attended. Coach D and his staff are excellent teachers and wonderful people. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate this camp a 10+. If you have a child who is serious about basketball, this is the camp for you. You won't be disappointed.” - Brian T. Cunliffe (Rochester, NY)

"If your son is passionate about playing basketball, then this is the camp for you! We have known Ben as a person and coach for years and he truly cares for each and every camper and provides the best atmosphere possible for growing as a person as well as a basketball player." - Steven Powell (Charlottesville, VA)

I met Coach D'Alessandro ("Coach D") when I took my son, Joe Posey, to basketball camp at James Madison University in July, 2001. From first impression I knew that there was something special about Coach D. Joe confirmed how special Coach D was when he talked about Coach D constantly after returning from camp. I learned from Joe that Coach D is: (1) a man who loves the Lord, (2) an excellent basketball coach, (3) a coach who coaches from the heart, (4) a coach who works his players hard but allows them to have fun too, and (5) a mentor, role model and a sincere friend. After many conversations with Coach D, I can truly say that he just a wonderful humanitarian. - Deborah Cooper (Washington, D.C.)

“My son, Stephen, attended the Virginia Basketball Academy in 2002. At first, Stephen was surprised by the demanding workout schedule that the camp offered, but he soon accepted the challenges and improved as a player in those few short days. I was impressed with Ben D'Alessandro as a person and as a coach. Coach D'Alessandro has a strong work ethic, he seems to relate to players of all ages and abilities, and he possesses an unusual ability to translate the game of basketball to others in a teachable and uplifting fashion.” - Dave Kendall (Charlottesville, VA)

“As summer rolls around our son Ryan gets excited about sports camps. His favorite is always the Virginia Basketball Academy. Ryan has been attending the camp in Charlottesville for the past four years. He loves the intense, no goofing around, basketball instruction, which focuses on individual skills and then are applied to team play. Ryan appreciates the positive feedback and recognition he gets for hard work, hustle and leadership almost as much as he treasures his Team's Skills and Championship trophies. As parents we are thrilled to have found a camp that teaches our son the game of basketball, improves his fundamental skills and emphasizes positive character and leadership traits.” - Dave & Ann Crawford (Staunton, VA)

“Dear Coach D, Thank you SO much for your personal note. Thanks for all you do to help these young men achieve more than just dribbling the ball and making three point shots! It's people like you that help make a difference in our son's lives...as Andrew said, these are things he will carry with him thro' life. And, the spiritual aspect is ALWAYS a plus! :) Blessings...” - Sandy Wynne (Fairport, NY)

“Many people including me were really amazed at the difference from last year. Ben I would really like to thank you for all your help with Andrew. Working with him it has made a world of difference. Andrew tells me he learned so much during the eight Sundays you worked with him that it has really helped him know he can do many things on the court he could never have done before. As much as anything I think it has improved his confidence in himself. I really believe your coaching helped make that happen so again ”Thanks.” - Don Kibler (Strasburg, VA)

“When friends ask us to recommend basketball camps we always tell them the Virginia Basketball Academy is for serious basketball instruction and hardwork. This is not “Basketball Day Care.”- Dan & Katie Fellows (Charlottesville, Virginia)

“My son attended your camp in Charlottesville this year for the first time. As I mentioned to you at the camp, he thoroughly enjoyed it, and I was very impressed. He has attended a number of camps, but yours is head and shoulders above the others. I appreciate not only the skill lessons you taught, but also the lessons in character that you imparted. Thank you again for giving him the opportunity to learn from you and your assistant coaches. Alex is eager to attend next year. I will certainly be recommending the camp to any serious basketball players who have not yet had the privilege of attending.” - Jeff Boecker (Charlottesville, VA)

“My son had a pivotal time (no pun intended) at the Virginia Basketball Academy. He is virtually recommitted to basketball again after wondering if he really wanted to do it seriously. Thanks for providing him and all the kids with a great basketball experience. We will definitely be there next year.” - Don Nidiffer (Charlottesville, VA)

“My two high school boys have been repeat participants at the Virginia Basketball Academy, on one occasion repeating a 14 hour round trip bus trip for the privilege. They have attended a number of camps over the years and never have I felt moved to advocate a camp as I do this one. If you have a son who is interested in improving and moving ahead in the sport of basketball look no further, I can't recommend it strongly enough.” - Tim Riley (Webster, NY)

“My boys attended the Virginia Basketball Academy. When they were at camp, it was clear they were having a tremendous experience. They learned so much about basketball, and also about how to focus and refine their skills, evaluating their own progress as they go along. Since that camp, I've seen the benefits. They went on to other camps that they'd attended in previous years. Coaches and players alike commented on how much they'd progressed in terms of individual and team basketball skills, as well as work ethic. The work ethic is really where the camp has paid off. Those boys know how to focus and use their time well now. I am very grateful to Ben D'Alessandro and all his coaches for everything they have done for my sons.” - Pati Christian (Rochester, NY)

“You're the BEST coach!!! Justin is really on fire for B-ball. He looks forward to the lessons with you too, and I'm so pleased that he's talking more with you as well, because he is usually shy with adults. I've noticed him being more self-confident around his friends' parents as well, speaking and making eye contact.” - Heather Welch (Gordonsville, VA)

“By the way - Jared is in 7th grade, but his JV coach asked him to practice with the team. he said that he said that he has great fundamentals (thanks to you Coach D) and would like to get him started in the program even if he isn’t eligible to play. They can make him a Manager so that it is legal for him to be on the court and travel with the team. He can do everything but the offense and defense then in 8th grade when he is eligible to play he will already be familiar with the system. We are pretty lucky to have you in our area – thanks for all that you do! One grateful mom...” - Shari Arehart (Weyers Cave, VA)

“Ben, RJ made the boys JV team!!!! I really appreciate all you have done to prepare him. Also as a FYI...Troy, Ethan, Jeremy and AJ made the teams as well. Thanks again and see you soon.” - Ron Smith (Barboursville)

“Hi Ben, I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that Katie made the Varisty BB team. We believe that this is in part to all the help she rec’d from you this past year. She is very excited. Thanks so much for all your help.” - Lori Mastropaolo (Charlottesville, VA)

“Thanks for everything you have done for Tyler! You have a gift and Tyler benefited from your gift.” - Alicia Weaver (Harrisonburg, VA)

“Ben, I just wanted to write you a quick note to say thank-you for working with the boys on our team. Your enthusiasm, knowledge, skill, and dedication really can inspire folks. Thanks for the work you do.” - Mike Mangrum (Charlottesville, VA)

COACHES

”Ben D’Alessandro is a man of honesty and integrity. He has been successful in the world of basketball at all levels by doing things the right way. His message to kids is exactly what you want to instill in your own children. His basketball knowledge base and attention to the details of the game make his instruction perfect for the Division I prospect down to the beginning-level player. I try and have my players work with him as much as possible.”- Fred Wawner, Head Coach, Miller School (Charlottesville, VA)

"The Virginia Basketball Academy is the most motivational and energy driven organization I have been a part of during my coaching career. Ben has a true passion for coaching and has a vested interest in the basketball development and more importantly the lives and character of the players he works with. Ben also has a unique ability to motivate and inspire the coaches that he hires, which results in a spirited and driven coaching staff for his camps, leading to a productive and rewarding experience for both coaches and players." -Bethany Dannelly, Colby College Women's Basketball (Waterville, Maine)

“The Virginia Basketball Academy is one of the premier camps for young men to develop individual skills, knowledge of the game, and learn self-discipline. I would highly recommend this camp to any players serious about developing their skills and improving their ability to ‘see the game.’ The highest compliment I could make would be that I would send my own son to this camp, but he is only 21 month old!”- Troy Prince, Head Coach, Hilton HS (Hilton, NY)

"In my over thirty years of basketball I have NEVER seen a basketball camp that produces as much positive energy as the Virginia Basketball Academy....Simply put: In a one week span these young athletes get a full year's worth of basketball coaching......" - Dr. Bob Martin, Assistant Coach, Pomona-Pitzer College (Claremont, CA)

“Ben is a powerful, inventive teacher who one day will be one of America’s best coaches!!” - Howard Garfinkel, Founder of Five-Star Basketball Camp (Summer 1999)

“As a college basketball coach, I highly recommended the Virginia Basketball Academy to any young man who is SERIOUS about learning how the game of basketball should be played. Speaking from my experience of working with the Virginia Basketball Academy, many of the drills and techniques taught during camp are very similar to the drills done every day in our college basketball program. In addition, Coach D'Alessandro's passion for teaching the game and his rapport with the campers is incredible! Campers and parents alike would be hard-pressed to find a better camp!” - PW Weller, Head Assistant Basketball Coach, Bridgewater College (Bridgewater, VA)

“Ben, I just wanted to thank you for your time and expertise with our clinic today. Your patience, love for the game and teaching ability was a joy to see. Myself and the coaching staff at Wayne can not thank you enough for all you do for this great game. I am looking forward to seeing you again soon.” - John Cotsonas, Head Coach, Wayne Central HS (Ontario, NY)

“I really appreciate the work and instruction you have provided to both of my kids. I believe you have really opened their eyes to how basketball should be played. They both work on your skills during the week to improve themselves. Last practice you were stressing patience, movement and spacing and I just shook my head and chuckled as this is something I have always stressed and it was great for someone else (with great knowledge of the game) to stress! Please keep me in the loop to any programs for the kids or coaches you may have this coming year.”- Ron Smith, Head AAU Coach (Barboursville, VA)

“The Virginia Basketball Academy....it’s about TIME! Teaching. Integrity. Motivation. Evaluation. This school of basketball will help you understand how to maximize your potential.”- Tyler Roberts, Freshman Coach, Victor HS (Victor, NY)

ATHLETES

"You will find no other camp in the country that will get this much instruction. There is no other camp in the country where your life will be impacted, where your skills will be improved, where you will have these coaches! Not one camp will you find!" -Tarik Thompson

" It's hard, but it's fun!" - Andrew Shobe

“This camp is so good. You learn a ton and it's so much fun too!" - Scottie Chambers

"This is a wonderful camp. You learn tons. Just be prepared to work." - Chase Stokes

“I just wanted to thank you for running such an intense and competitive basketball camp over the summer. That camp was the only basketball camp I've ever been to where I feel I've actually gotten better. You did an excellent job and helped me become a better basketball player.” - Yoshua Arsenault (Charlottesville, VA)

“Dear Coach D, I just wanted to write you and let you know how much I learned at camp this year and how much I enjoyed it. I seriously feel every year, after I come back, that I have become a much better player and learned an extraordinary amount. Your camp teaches hard work and perseverance, qualities which are not only needed to succeed on the court, but also in life. I believe to be a good basketball player you have to work in possessing those characteristics so they become instinct - and your camp motivates and helps me do that. Well, I will continue to work hard and try to always maximize that.” - Jordan Hardy (Elkton, VA)

“Coach D, I just wanted to thank you for the pre-season clinic you did this past Friday. I really felt that I got a lot out of it (especially with all of my notes!) and I hope that the rest of my team did as well. Also, I can already see a difference in my attitude regarding the entire game. I am typically a player who gets frustrated when I make a mistake or a referee makes a bad call, but now I feel that my attitude has changed tremendously based on some of the things that you talked about. Again, thanks a lot and maybe we will see you at a game up here this year! - Andrew Wynne (Fairport, NY)

“Hey Coach...I just wanted to give you a quick hello, and thanks for all of your help throughout the clinics, I felt like I learned a lot. I also wanted to just let you know that I made the JV team at my school. I was very excited...to use some of that stuff you taught me. Thanks again.” - Eryn Rothenberg (Charlottesville, VA)

“This camp showed me a new side of basketball. It showed me that with hard work anything is possible.” - Tyler Viterise (Hilton, NY)

“This camp pushed me as hard as possible and it gave me a better love for the game.” - Sarah Hasenauer (Shortsville, NY)

“This is the best camp I have ever been to and I have gotten better by leaps and bounds directly from this camp. When I play in college it will be a direct result of this.” - Greg Miller (Rochester, NY)

“I never knew I would larn so much in five days. I encourage this camp to anyone who wants to be a ‘player.’” - Keri Soppe (Rochester, NY)

“This is one of the best camps I have ever been to. Each coach has helped me improve as a individual player - helping on my ball-handling skills, offensive and defensive aspect of the game and my mental toughness.” - Brittany Greco (Pittsford, NY)

“This has been the best baketball camp I’ve ever been to. I think that I have gotten better at defense and I also think that it is more important than i thought it was at the beginning. I will do my ball-handling drills every day. I will also put in more time for basketball and less time for television. At other camps, the coaches have no idea what they’re talking about. But at this camp every coach knows what he is doing. I will definitely be back next year.” - Kayli O’Keefe (Pittsford, NY)

“I played for Coach D’Alessandro at James Madison University for three years. He is intense, very hard-working, and driven to help his players reach their potential. Most importantly, Coach D’Alessandro sincerely cared about me as a person.” - Tim Lyle (Poca, WV)

“Coach D'Alessandro is a jovial, spirited person who puts others concerns in front of his own. He always carries himself in a professional manner, and is very passionate about developing players of all ages into superstars of the future. What truly impresses me about Coach D is that he is not only concerned with making a kid a better basketball player but a better person as well." - Daniel Freeman (Waynesboro, VA)

“I very much hope I can return to this camp again. I have had the most fun at a bball camp ever. This camp has taught me to be more of a team player and hard worker and how to be a great teammate to others. I will come back for sure. I love this camp. I was doubtful at first, but now I am glad I did it. Thank you, staff! Oh, I couldn’t have asked for a better coach.” - Anonymous (2006 camper)

“What stands this camp out from the rest is this camp is not a ”cool” camp. People don’t come to this camp to play pick-up basketball and play video games in their dorms for four hours. But being cool doesn’t get you far. Coach D teaches me all the time that what will get you ahead in life is your work ethic and attitude. It is bad to be normal or average. Average people lead average lives, but above-average people with extraordinary work ethic and concentration can get as far as they want.” - Anonymous (2006 camper)

“My experience at the Virginia Basketball Academy was challenging but rewarding. I feel like my jump-shooting and defense has improved. The thing I liked about camp is that I was always challengegd and was always learning. I’m going to play better defense next season and shoot better shots. I’m glad and thankful that I went to this camp.” - Anonymous (2006 camper)

“I’ve learned so much at this camp, about technical stuff, and about heart and work ethic. I feel like I am ready to reach a new level with my self-discipline and that will improve my game. I have even more drive and desire after this camp. I want to go further in basketball than I did before. Coach D is really inspiring to me with his speeches and knowledge. I’ve always liked defense - but I learned to love it the last week. I plan to do more and more drills, especially ball-handling and defense. I have seem more of my potential. The camp is, by far, the best I’ve been to, and I can’t wait to come back. Thank you.” - Anonymous (2006 camper)