AAU PROGRAM
A local legacy with a national reputation.
TRYOUTS FOR THE 2025 SEASON HAVE BEEN COMPLETED
If you have additional questions about our AAU program or need more information please contact our AAU Directors:
SOUTH/PITTSBURGH
Rob Shazer
AAU Director, DFS South
rshazer28@gmail.com
412.628.7591
NORTH/BEAVER
RJ Brown
AAU Director, DFS North/Beaver
drillforskillaau@gmail.com
724.622.1881
NORTH/BEAVER - BOYS
Brandon Ambrose
AAU Director, DFS North/Beaver
ambroseb@basd.k12.pa.us
AAU Directors
John Miller
Beaver Valley
Rob Shazer
South Hills, Girls & Boys
RJ Brown
DFS / THE COUNTY GIRLS
Brandon Ambrose & Mark Miller
DFS / THE COUNTY BOYS
DFS boasts a rich local legacy that’s acquired a national reputation through our unmatched training system and top-tier staff. Legendary Blackhawk Coach John Miller started our AAU program in 2008 and since that time many of the most recognizable college coaches across America have us on speed dial when they’re looking for an outstanding player.
And it makes perfect sense why. Not many AAU organizations feature a coaching staff that has earned 15 PIAA championships, more than 20 WPIAL titles, and thousands of victories.
While those numbers are quite impressive, the one we’re most proud of can’t be counted. Our players have received millions of dollars in scholarship money, fielding offers from the highest level of Division I to some of the top programs in NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III.
College coaches understand that our kids develop the character traits it takes to perform at a high level. They know our kids learn how to fall in love with the process of building their skill, bodies and minds. They see that our kids are taught how to become a great teammate, share the basketball, and play with discipline and passion from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
In short, our kids get better. Every day. In many different ways that translate to whatever career path they choose.
More than 40 boys and girls teams compete under the DFS banner each spring and summer, based in four locations — one in Beaver Valley, and three in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Our teams start in the fourth grade with local tournaments, and extend to national travel schedules at the high school level.
Developing outstanding young people. Mentoring high-level coaches. Growing the game.
That’s not just a dream at DFS. It’s why we can’t wait to get to the gym each day.
We hope you’ll take the floor with us.
How it Works
Petite to elite. Boys to men.
That’s the vision behind our regional and national AAU program. It’s all about developing strong teams and individuals from within our family. DFS has nearly 40 boys and girls squads teams at all levels — from recreation to high-level travel.
The majority of our players enter our system as beginners in elementary school. When they leave DFS eight years later, they are seasoned and skilled young men and women ready to compete in college.
**Grades 1-2** — We build a Fun Foundation through guided discovery, active games, and the introduction of proper skill and movement.
**Grade 3** — This is the AAU development stage. We assemble boys and girls of comparable ability and introduce our time-tested training system.
**Grades 4-5** — Heavy on individual skill development and basketball IQ. We typically offer eight practice sessions for every tournament our teams enter.
**Grades 6-8** — Continues with heavy skill development and the introduction of team tactics and strategy. We also begin to play in more regional tournaments.
**Grades 9-12** — Our focus is on continued growth and exposure for our athletes. We travel to many of the top tournaments around the nation where college coaches flock to see the best talent. This is the dream, and this is what our students work so hard to attain.