Wham! Jam! Slam!
Youth Basketball Association
Wham was organized in Gilbert, Arizona in 1989 when the town council allowed Wham to replace the Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Program. Wham began in Mesa, Arizona in 1993, in Chandler in 1995, and in Queen Creek and Higley in 2002. Wham has grown from 400 to 4500 participants; that is over 450 Wham teams playing in the East Valley.
Wham was organized for children in Kindergarten thru 12th grade. Having talked to many coaches we felt it very important that children learn to shoot a basketball properly at a young age. With this in mind we use adjustable baskets and a variation in ball sizes according to age. The free basketball that is given to all registered participants in grades K-12 is the correct size for each age group.
Wham is a non-profit organization functioning under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Kindergarten is played as coed, but grades 1st thru 12th are separated into teams by gender. There are approximately 60 girls teams. In a new organization/city it may take a year or two to acquire enough girls who show interest but knowing they don’t have to compete with boys makes a big difference.
Teams are formed by elementary school boundaries and by grade level. Teams based on elementary boundaries give youth who don’t play on a school team a chance to play.
Each participant receives a reversible jersey and basketball.
Our Motto:
I’d Rather Play and Lose… Than Sit on the Bench and Win!!!
Program Goals
Wham! Jam! Slam! is a grassroots basketball initiative that supports and empowers community and basketball organizations in the East Valley in their efforts to positively influence youth and promote the game of basketball. Wham provides boys and girls, ages 4-18, the chance to learn the important lessons in life, good sportsmanship along with the how-to of hoops.
The goals of the Wham league are to:
Our Philosophy
Wham! Jam! Slam! Youth Basketball Association is a non-profit program offered to the East Valley. Wham is dedicated to support, benefit, promote, supervise, and develop the interest of the sport.
