Playing AAU or summer basketball means participating in numerous tournaments each week. From a parent’s perspective, it can be challenging to discern the value of each tournament, but it’s important to note that not all tournaments are equal. The Doug’s Dozen tournament stands out for its reputation of hosting high-quality teams and providing top-notch competition.
“We’ve grown tremendously. This is our fifth year hosting the event,” said tournament director Doug Jones. “The Doug’s Dozen tournament is different because I focus on the competition aspect and want teams to compete against compatible teams. The focus of this tournament is competing, getting better and playing better teams.”
The name “Doug’s Dozen” was coined a few years ago when basketball enthusiast Doug Jones started highlighting the top 12 high school players each week during the season. His aim was to ensure the public recognized the hard work these young athletes were putting in on the basketball court.
The tournament began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas was one of the few states still allowing sports, so in August, with support from Jim Hicks and Rick Nelson, Jones organized an event featuring 30 teams.
Despite having high-level skills, athletes often struggle with gaining exposure. Their talents can go unnoticed without visibility, almost as if they don’t exist.
“I host these tournaments to give kids a platform to showcase their basketball abilities. I have a huge platform, and I want to share it with the student-athletes to get their names out to college coaches and the right people, which will benefit them going forward,” said Jones.
In this year’s Doug’s Dozen tournament, the Houston Hoops 2032 team claimed first place in the 10u division. The Shooting Stars (LA) won the 11u division, Da Underdawgz took first in the 12u division, and JL3 Gold secured the top spot in the 13u division. For the 14u-17u divisions, the tournament featured showcase games, giving athletes the opportunity to display their talent against high-level competition.
“The team that surprised me the most was a team from the valley named the STX Bandits, a 15u team. This team did not play like they were just off their freshman year. What impressed me the most was that their starting point guard was a year younger and played like a seasoned veteran,” said Jones.
The 2024 Doug’s Dozen tournament featured standout players including AJ Menchaca from Rowe High School, Brennan Webb from Klein Oak, and Brady Willis, a 6-foot-5 power forward who averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per game in his sophomore season at Katy High School.
“AJ Menchacha surprised me with how savvy he was as a young point guard,” said Jones. “Brennan Webb is always fun to watch score the ball, but I really enjoyed watching Brady Willis’s production and efficiency. He’s shown that he is going to do some good things at Katy High School. It’s always fun watching these young men work hard in the off-season. Winning is fun, but development is key in the off-season.”
The Doug’s Dozen tournament continues to make a significant impact, providing invaluable opportunities for the next generation of basketball stars. It has become a pivotal platform for young athletes to showcase their talents as this tournament isn’t just about winning; it’s about competition, growth and exposure.
