About Us

If you are in a gym during the weekend competing in a basketball tournament or league you will usually find that little guy with the big smile standing in the gym – Justin Peterson

Driven by his passion for basketball, Justin founded Just4hoopin, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in 2004 with a small group of individuals who had a shared commitment to serve the best interests of underprivileged children in Arizona.

Mr. Peterson was an instrumental part of Basketball Congress International (BCI’s) success back in the early 1990’s. When, BCI, sponsors of the nation’s premier youth basketball tournaments, moved to Dallas, Texas, Justin wanted to keep youth basketball going in Arizona. His extensive background and interest in both sports and nonprofit volunteerism, led to the creation of Just4hoopin.

Just4hoopin is dedicated to helping promote basketball and (other sports) as an outlet for youth athletes, both boys and girls, to build self-confidence and self-esteem both on and off the court.

2011 will be an exciting year for Just4hoopin as it has expanded its programs from basketball tournaments to other youth serving programs related to health, sports, exercise and life skills initiatives.

Just4hoopin (Drilz & Skilz) provides an avenue for all interested youth to utilize sports as a means to keeping kids off the streets, staying healthy and finding their passion. Play safe. Be safe. Have fun and make it home safe.

Just4hoopin tournaments have a tremendous following as teams travel from Flagstaff, Yuma and Tucson to compete against the top teams in Arizona. Teams such as Team AZ/Stars, AZ Gym Rats, Team Bibby, AZ Bulldogs, AZ All-Stars are just a few of the organizations that support Just4hoopin.

Just4hoopin is a community leader when it comes to basketball. Justin has been involved with the growth of the Mesa Family YMCA youth basketball program, the Desert Duel Memorial tournament, Summer Sizzle Tournaments and the newly formed Invitational Basketball Series in Mesa, Arizona.

If you are in a gym during the weekend competing in a basketball tournament or league you will usually find that little guy with the big smile standing in the gym – Smile back!

Program Goals, Objectives and Outcomes

Working in collaboration with youth serving organizations and community volunteers, our transformational mission will help each child engage in positive development and discover their passion. Our programs will encourage an active lifestyle focused on health, sports, exercise, and life skills initiatives; they will facilitate opportunities for youth to build character, increase their knowledge of sports and nutrition, avoid childhood obesity, and enjoy the benefits of safe, comfortable and appropriate athletic apparel.

The following chart illustrates the progression in youth skills as they move through our programs. Our goal is to help youth understand the basics of sports, teach them basic skills, provide them with appropriate sports attire and involve them in youth tournaments.