The 5 Must-Attend AAU Basketball Tournaments In North Carolina For The 2026 Season: Dates, Venues, And College Exposure
The North Carolina AAU basketball circuit is one of the most competitive and high-stakes grassroots landscapes in the United States, serving as a critical pipeline for high school and college prospects. As of December 2025, the schedule for the 2026 season is solidifying, revealing key dates and locations that players, parents, and college recruiters must mark on their calendars.
This guide provides the most up-to-date and essential information on the premier AAU tournaments in North Carolina for the 2026 season, focusing on events that offer maximum competition, high-level organization, and critical college exposure. From the state championships to national qualifiers, understanding this schedule is the first step toward a successful travel basketball season.
The 2026 North Carolina AAU Basketball Tournament Calendar: The Premier Events
The 2026 season is packed with high-profile tournaments that attract top talent from across the Southeast and beyond. These events are crucial for teams looking to test their mettle, improve their standing in the NCAAU Boys Basketball Power Rankings, and gain valuable college exposure.
1. Phenom Rise Showcase (Exposure Certified)
- Dates: March 28-29, 2026
- Location: RISE Indoor Sports, Bermuda Run, NC
- Why It Matters: Organized by Phenom Hoops, one of the most respected scouting services in the region, this event kicks off the season with a high-exposure format. It draws attention from college scouts looking for early evaluations, particularly since it is held at one of North Carolina's premier indoor basketball facilities.
2. NCAAU State Championship
- Dates: May 2-3, 2026
- Location: Greensboro, NC
- Why It Matters: This is the official state championship tournament sanctioned by the North Carolina AAU (NCAAU). Winning this event is essential for any team aiming for a top ranking in the state and securing a favorable seed in national AAU events. The NCAAU State Championship is a key benchmark for all age groups, from 9U/3rd Grade up to 18U.
3. USA Basketball Youth Tournaments East Championships
- Dates: June 5-7, 2026
- Location: Bermuda Run, North Carolina
- Why It Matters: This event is unique as it utilizes USA Basketball-modified NFHS regulations and serves as a major regional championship. It brings together top travel basketball teams and is a direct pathway to the U.S. Open Basketball Championships, offering a national stage for elite North Carolina AAU teams like NC Team Xpress or Chair City.
4. Big Shots North Carolina Jam
- Dates: June 27-28, 2026
- Location: Rocky Mount, NC (Likely at the Rocky Mount Event Center)
- Why It Matters: Big Shots is a nationally recognized brand for college exposure events. The North Carolina Jam is specifically highlighted as an event where college coaches are encouraged to register and attend, making it a critical stop for players seeking Division I, II, and III recruitment. The Rocky Mount Event Center, with its eight basketball courts, is a prime venue for hosting this massive tournament.
5. Big Shots North Carolina Tip-Off
- Dates: March 28-29, 2026
- Location: TBD (Often in the Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte area)
- Why It Matters: As a "Tip-Off" event, this Big Shots tournament is an early-season opportunity to gain exposure and set the tone for the rest of the spring and summer. It's an excellent chance for teams, including those from organizations like Pro Skills Basketball in Charlotte, to get on the radar of scouts before the July live periods begin.
Maximizing College Exposure: The NC Grassroots Advantage
North Carolina's AAU circuit is a hotbed for college recruitment, thanks to the presence of elite talent and major organizing bodies. The key to maximizing exposure is understanding which tournaments are "live periods" and which venues are preferred by recruiters.
The Importance of Exposure Certified Events
Tournaments run by organizations like Big Shots and Phenom Hoops are specifically designed as college exposure events. They actively communicate with Division I, Division II, and Division III coaches, providing them with schedules, rosters, and player information. For players, this means every game is an audition. Attending events like the Big Shots North Carolina Jam is non-negotiable for serious high school prospects.
The Rise of Premier Venues
The quality of the venue directly impacts the tournament's prestige and the comfort of attending college coaches. Two facilities stand out in North Carolina: RISE Indoor Sports in Bermuda Run (near Winston-Salem) is a massive, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2021. Its size and modern amenities make it a favorite for major grassroots basketball tournaments, including the USA Basketball East Championships. The Rocky Mount Event Center is another multi-court facility that frequently hosts large-scale AAU events.
Key Organizers and Entities Driving NC AAU Basketball
The North Carolina AAU landscape is shaped by several powerful organizations, each contributing to the competitive atmosphere of youth travel teams. Understanding these entities is crucial for navigating the season.
- North Carolina AAU (NCAAU): The official state chapter of the Amateur Athletic Union. They sanction the State Championship and provide the framework for local teams and leagues.
- Big Shots Basketball: A national tournament organizer specializing in college exposure and scouting. Their events are a staple of the spring and summer circuit.
- Phenom Hoops Report: Known for their comprehensive player rankings and scouting services. Their showcases, like the Phenom Rise Showcase, are highly respected by college coaches.
- Pro Skills Basketball (PSB): A major AAU club based in Charlotte, NC, that also runs its own non-live grassroots events, such as the "Battle for North Carolina" at RISE Indoor Sports, emphasizing a development-first approach.
- Basketball of the Carolinas: An event operator that runs tournaments for boys and girls across various age groups in the Carolinas and neighboring states.
- USA Basketball Youth Tournaments: Governs the national championships and regional qualifiers, focusing on developmental standards and fair play.
The 2026 AAU basketball schedule in North Carolina is designed to provide a competitive pathway for every player. Whether you are a rising star on a top-ranked squad like Fayetteville Academy or North Mecklenburg, or a player on a developing team, these tournaments offer the stage to prove your talent. The focus should be on consistent performance at these key events, particularly those in Greensboro, Rocky Mount, and Bermuda Run, to maximize your visibility and take the next step in your basketball journey.
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