Trials

YOUR FIRST STEP INTO THE PATHWAY.

Open Trials are where players enter the Next Play UK system.
They’re fast, competitive sessions designed to see who can rise in a high-pressure environment — the kind of moments that reveal confidence, composure and presence.

Trials are not the full story of a player, but they do show us a lot.

They’re the starting point, not the finish line.

Fast. Mixed. High intensity.

Trial environments move quickly:

• mixed pools
• shortened games
• limited possessions
• unfamiliar teammates
• competitive tempo
• pressure to make an impression

These sessions naturally favour players who can:

• impose themselves quickly
• handle the ball under pressure
• attack space
• create advantages
• show assertiveness and decision-making in tight windows

But not every player shines this way — and that’s important to us.

We understand that trials don’t highlight every type of player.

They often don’t reflect the strengths of:

• system players
• role players
• defensive specialists
• rebounders / rim protectors
• glue guys
• off-ball contributors
• quiet leaders
• late developers
• players returning from injury
• players who shine in full-team structures
• overseas players or those with scheduling conflicts

That’s why trials are only one part of the pathway.

We evaluate players through multiple routes, not just one session.

Players can progress in two ways:

1. KOTC REGIONAL TOURNAMENT SELECTION

For players who show tournament-ready qualities.

If you perform strongly in Trials, you may be invited to compete in a Kings of the Court (KOTC) Regional Tournament.

KOTC tournaments are fast, expressive, competitive environments where standout performers can earn Golden Tickets to the Final Assessment Day.

CTA: Learn About KOTC

2. VIDEO SUBMISSION CONSIDERATION

For players whose strengths aren’t shown in a trial — or who couldn’t attend.

If Trials didn’t reflect your full game, if you were unavailable, or if your strengths sit more in structured, full-game environments, you can submit:

• highlight reels
• full game footage
• club/academy season film
• overseas footage

If the evaluation team believes your film shows the required level, you may receive an invitation to the Final Assessment Day.

CTA: Submit Your Film

It’s not the end of your pathway.

Some players take longer to adjust.
Some players shine in different environments.
Some players are building consistency over time.
Some players are coming back from injury.

If you’re not selected after Trials:

• keep developing
• attend the next KOTC event
• submit updated film
• return for the next trial window

Our system is built to give players more than one opportunity.
Basketball development is not linear — and we recognise that.

Where the best of all routes come together.

The Final Assessment Day brings together:

• Golden Ticket athletes from KOTC
• Selected players from the video submission route
• Any additional pathway-identified players

This is the last step before the NXT U23 League — a high-performance evaluation combining gameplay, decision-making, testing and competitive matchups.

Trials open the door — but they’re not the only door.
Show up ready, compete hard, and keep building.

Your journey continues.