MISSION STATEMENT

"Arizona Select is one of the top grassroots basketball programs in the Southwest, dedicated to enriching and changing lives. Founded in 2014 and based in Phoenix, Arizona, Arizona Select is a member of the Under Armour Association, competing at a national level while also building strong local and regional teams. Our mission is to help all student-athletes succeed both in life and on the court. We focus on recruiting high-character players and families, providing them with the guidance and support needed to achieve their dreams in basketball and beyond."
Arizona Select believes that the basketball journey will eventually come to an end for all student-athletes. With a long-term vision, we use basketball as a tool to prepare players for success in life beyond the court. Our program strives to send players to high academic DIII, DII, and DI universities, with over 300 student-athletes placed in colleges since 2014. We emphasize living each day with an attitude of gratitude, teaching players to appreciate every opportunity and be thankful for their journey.

Arizona Select has helped athletes and families pursue their dreams through scholarships and personal development. We have contributed to the success of players across the country, including 9 who have advanced to the NBA or NBA G-League. Our coaching staff includes experienced leaders who continue to build a comprehensive network that supports both player and coach development at the highest levels.

TESTIMONIALS

Super grateful for my experience with Arizona Select. The exposure, competition and resources were first class. I grew a lot and got a lot better during my time in the program.

Oso Ighodaro

Marquette/Phoenix Suns

“Over the last 10 years there has been a major track record of guys coming through the program to go on to play college basketball and ultimately, professionally. JO always pushes his guys and has been instrumental in helping AZ kids get to the next level!”

Casey Benson

University of Oregon / Overseas Professional

“I've been a part of the AZ Select program since I was a sophomore in high school and it has been nothing short of life-changing for me. Coach JO is a tremendous coach and a better person. His belief in me, investment in my growth, and the lessons he taught me both on and off the court gave me the confidence and foundation to pursue my dreams and become the professional player I am today.”

Nate Renfro

University of San Francisco / San Antonio Spurs / Overseas Professional

Az Select helped turn my basketball career with the coaches, players, and facilities I was able to have access to on a daily basis. The program is a legit professional organization that gives young basketball players the chance to compete with top players and get in front of scouts and college coaches at every event.

Noah Bauman

University of Georgia/ Overseas Professional

Playing for AZ Select brought about some of the greatest moments in my young formative years playing club basketball. I made friends for life and connections with coaches that have also been incredibly impactful. 

AZ select put me in front of media, scouts, and college coaches  which led me to the position I’m in today. Without Coach Ortegas help, it’s hard to say that I would had such a fruitful AAU basketball experience.

Evan Nelson

Harvard University

“AZ Select is an amazing program. I am forever grateful to coach Ortega and the whole AZ Select program for all the opportunities they've given me in my career.”

Bakari Evelyn

University of Iowa / Overseas Professional

As a former NBA draft pick, a current assistant coach at Grand Canyon University, and the father of three sons who all played for AZ Select, I am deeply grateful for the impact this program has had on our family.  AZ Select instilled the hard work, discipline, toughness, and competitive fire my sons needed for the next level. Two of my boys are now on full-ride scholarships at the Division 1 level, and my third son will join them next year. John Ortega is one of the best in the business, with an impressive track record of success. AZ Select fosters excellence on and off the court. Highly recommended!

Casey Shaw

Assistant Coach Grand Canyon University

ABOUT JOHN ORTEGA

John Ortega, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, has been a prominent figure in the local basketball scene since his high school days. A former player at Trevor G. Browne High School under Coach Mike Ellsworth, he continued his basketball journey at Dixie State and later earned a degree in Biology from the University of Arizona.

John began his coaching career at South Mountain High School, where he was mentored by Arizona coaching legend David Grace. His extensive coaching experience includes being a part of state championship teams at multiple Arizona high schools, including South Mountain, Desert Mountain, Gilbert Christian, and Rancho Solano.

John joined the South Mountain Community College coaching staff in 2014 and played a key role in their 2016 ACCAC Championship win, personally recruiting two Junior College All-Americans. His 24 seasons of AAU coaching have been instrumental in helping over 300 players secure college scholarships, with more than 60 players moving on to professional basketball careers, including 9 NBA players.

As the founder of PHHoenix Prep and the current head coach for the Overtime Elite Diamond Doves, John continues to shape the future of young athletes, using his expertise to provide top-tier development opportunities for players on and off the court.

5 Pillars

1. Passion

We are passionate about basketball and life.  We do everything with ultimate passion.

2. HARD WORK

We believe in hard work. We make no excuses and always work hard.

3. TEAM

We believe in teamwork in basketball and life. We do everything as a team.

4. FOURTY YEAR PLAN

We believe in planning for the future.  The ball will stop bouncing one day for everyone.

5. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

We are always appreciative and grateful for everything.