ROOTS & RIMS

SUMMER 2026 EDITION

The Official Newsletter of Just Us Basketball & Barkada BASKETBALL

THE Roots & Rims Bulletin is where it all comes together. Inside, you’ll meet our players—athletes chasing dreams, growing in confidence, and representing their families with heart. You’ll hear from our community sponsors and local businesses whose support fuels every practice, every tournament. You’ll also find reflections on heritage: the flavors, stories, and traditions that make Filipino culture inseparable from the game we love.

A black outline of a world map with tree roots extending downward from its bottom, set against a black background.

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK

Summer Is Here. Time To Grow.

Summer basketball is different.

The gym gets hotter. The days get longer. The competition gets tougher.

For our players, summer isn't just about tournaments and trophies. It's about preparing for the next chapter. Whether you're entering middle school, high school, varsity basketball, or chasing national competition, this is the season where habits are built.

Our mission remains simple:

Develop great basketball players.
Develop even better people.

This summer, our athletes will travel throughout California, compete on the adidas Jr. 3SSB Circuit, represent Filipino-American basketball through Barkada, and continue building a culture centered on discipline, accountability, service, and family.

Thank you for trusting us with your children.

— Marius Avilla
Executive Director
Just Us Basketball

SUMMER TRAVEL GUIDE

Preparing For Tournament Travel

Travel basketball is about much more than showing up for games.

The best teams prepare before they leave home.

Player Travel Checklist

✓ Basketball shoes (broken in)
✓ Uniforms and practice gear
✓ Refillable water bottle
✓ Healthy snacks
✓ Recovery tools (foam roller, bands)
✓ Extra socks
✓ Chargers
✓ Team itinerary

Sleep Wins Championships

The most overlooked performance enhancer isn't a supplement.

It's sleep.

Athletes should aim for:

• Ages 10–13: 9–11 hours
• Ages 14–18: 8–10 hours

The players who recover the best often perform the best.

Travel Nutrition Rules

Hydrate before you are thirsty.
Eat protein at every meal.
Avoid energy drinks.
Choose whole foods whenever possible.
Recovery starts immediately after the final buzzer.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Barkada Summer Basketball

Basketball has always been about community.

Barkada, meaning "a close group of friends and family," continues to bring together athletes from across Northern California who want to compete while celebrating culture and connection.

This summer, Barkada teams will participate in local tournaments, community events, and the USFBA West Tournament in Southern California.

Players represent more than themselves.

They represent their families, culture, and community.

The jersey matters.

The name on the front matters.

The people behind it matter even more.

Barkada Girls

The future is bright.

The Barkada Girls Program continues to grow with young athletes who compete with confidence, toughness, and joy.

What makes this group special isn't just basketball talent.

It's their willingness to support one another.

Whether it's helping younger players, celebrating teammates, or learning through adversity, these athletes are helping create the foundation for future generations.

The goal is bigger than wins.

The goal is building leaders.