Long before players like Garrett Temple, Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Brandon Bass and Seimone Augustus became world-renowned professional athletes, they were among the youth developing their skills on BREC basketball courts.

BREC’s youth basketball leagues have a proud tradition of helping generations of local children discover their athletic abilities, build friendships and learn valuable life lessons. Now, a new group of local youth has the chance to follow in their footsteps.

Registration for BREC’s winter youth basketball leagues runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 8. Games will be played Jan. 9 through March 13 at various locations throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.

The leagues welcome boys and girls from pre-kindergarten through ninth grades. Entire teams may join, or individual kids may sign up as “free agents” and be assigned to an age-appropriate team.

Ed Robinson, BREC Recreation Manager for Athletics, said winter league teams and players receive access to local gyms and volunteer coaches who help them develop their skills.

“That’s what it all should be about,” he said. “Kids have fun in a safe environment. It’s very enjoyable. This gives teams an opportunity to play competitive ball. You can stay within the parish and play really good basketball.”

Other BREC winter basketball alums who went on to play professionally include Tyrus Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Langston Galloway and more. While that history is a key point of pride, Robinson emphasized that the program’s greatest impact extends beyond the court.

"Since opening in 1981, Lester Roberts Gymnasium and other BREC facilities have provided local kids with opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, discipline and confidence — skills that have served them well in a variety of fields.

“This place has produced thousands of professional individuals,” Robinson said.

To learn more or to register for BREC basketball winter leagues, visit www.brec.org/basketball.