Jr. Jazz – A Legacy of Youth Basketball

Jr. Jazz, the longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, has been shaping the face of local amateur sports since 1983.  Beginning with only 7,133 participants, this popular program has grown to impact the lives of 50,000 to 60,000 youth annually.  First-graders through 12th-graders are eligible to participate, and individual programs are managed through recreation centers in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and Nevada.  Jr. Jazz emphasizes the development of teamwork and fundamental basketball skills, accompanied by positive adult participation. 

Meeting with a team member of the Utah Jazz is a yearly highlight for Jr. Jazz participants.  Each Jazz player participates in one to two Jr. Jazz clinics per year.  Players visit both local and outlying districts, where they speak to youth and conduct basketball clinics. 

In 2006, Jr. Jazz launched a sportsmanship initiative that recognizes and rewards kids, coaches and parents for being good sports.  Top-ranking sportsmanship winners will receive a party at EnergySolutions Arena where Jazz players will teach basketball skills and awards will be presented.