FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — It’s tryout day for the Wildcats Elite Basketball Program in Fresno.

“We will give them the energy they need and train them hard,” says director Michael Potts. “We will also love them. We will show them compassion.”

Potts founded the Wildcats in 2011 in hopes of getting his sons on the court.

“The ultimate goal was to just play and make the kids better,” he said.

Potts has partnered with the Zimmerman Boys and Girls Club in Fresno to provide a place for the boys to practice.

“It was really great working with him,” says Alicia Audelo. “I love seeing how much he works with the kids.”

As someone who grew up in the boys and girls system, Potts wanted to give back.

“They knew me, they knew what I was up to, they knew what I was trying to do and they knew I wanted to help kids,” he said.

“They are our future and so I believe giving them our time is a really good investment,” said Audelo.

New Sanger senior and Wildcats product Micah Cole is a prime example.

“I’m just going to help out and help the little ones today,” he said. “Taking advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given is going to be great.”

Like so many other athletes from small towns in the Valley, Cole wanted to compete against bigger competition from across the state and beyond.

“These tournaments in the Bay Area, in LA and in Vegas, these tournaments are what put us on the map,” he said.

You may also have seen some former Wildcats players on San Joaquin Memorial’s 2023 state championship team.

Michael’s son Abram as well as others such as Mike Davis, Dre Davis and Armari Carraway have Wildcat bloodlines.

The program is currently focusing on first-year graduates and is committed to obtaining offers for the next level.

“Make sure their education is paid for,” Potts said. “Not every child is a DI child, and we understand that. Our goal is to get them somewhere, get them a job.”

Some offers have already been received.

“(Potts) helped me get my first official offer. He opened so many doors for me, I can’t thank him enough,” Cole said.

But the Wildcats’ commitment doesn’t end here.

“We’re going to see them through high school and college,” Potts said. “We’re going to help them. We’re going to mentor them. It’s been a great time so far.”

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