New Mexico Heat 2025

First, being part of a competitive basketball team is extremely demanding and time consuming for players, coaches, and parents. So, Thank You!

New Mexico Heat basketball team is made up of talented of players from the Albuquerque metro area. The New Mexico Heat is part of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).  New Mexico Heat will continue to compete in local and national basketball tournament(s) in the 2025 season.

Since we are playing at a high level of basketball, each player must be willing to work hard, want to improve, play aggressively and be ready to compete against the high-quality competition.

My primary goal for the season is for everyone to have fun and improve their skills. My basic philosophy is to foster a positive, supportive atmosphere so that every player has a great basketball experience. However, all players will be expected to hustle after each lose ball, play tough defense, play as a team, and compete every single time they are on the court. The only way to achieve these goals is for your player to attend practice. Again, Thank You! I am looking forward to a great season.

Sincerely,

Dennis R. Pyle

New Mexico Heat Basketball

Head Coach

Team Player Guidelines

A New Mexico Heat Basketball Team player is a good person, good student, and a dedicated player.

New Mexico Heat Basketball Team players play hard, play smart, and play together.

All New Mexico Heat Basketball Team players, regardless of ability and/or playing time are equal members of the team. We win as a team and lose as a team; each and every player will treat all teammates with acceptance, respect, and friendship.

All New Mexico Heat Basketball Team players will maintain positive attitudes toward each other- any player responsible for dissension, jealousy, individualism, or negative criticism, or anything that could destroy the morale of this team, will be dealt with immediately.

All New Mexico Heat Basketball Team players will keep the language clean both on and off the court. Cussing or swearing will not be tolerated in practices or the games. The penalty during practices will be running for the whole team; during games the player will sit on the bench.

Practice

Players are to bring the following items to each practice: 

      ♦ Water Bottle,

      ♦ 29.5 Basketball and their

      ♦ Team Bag with uniform/shoes 

Under no circumstances do you miss practice, with the exception of: family emergencies and illness. Even if you are unable to practice physically, you should still be there to observe. Attendance at all practices, team meetings, and games is mandatory. While injured players may be unable to play, they are still expected to arrive on time, listen to coaches, and encourage teammates and assist the team. They will also be given extra duties to help with practice. In very rare situations, players may be excused from practice. When this occurs, players are responsible for informing the coach verbally through a phone call or a text message. Take responsibility for your own circumstances; do not have your parents call (unless you are not able to talk for some reason). 

Be dressed and on the floor for the announced starting time of practice. Anyone not on the floor at the start of practice will be considered late.

Practices are to be taken very seriously. Every practice is a chance for you to learn and develop your game.

Proper practice attitude- be reachable, listen, concentrate, discipline yourself “to do the little things.”

If a player misses a practice for an excused reason, they will still be missing important practice time and playing time for the next game could be decreased.  If you are too sick or hurt to practice, you will (in most cases) be too sick or hurt to play in the next game. In extreme cases, there are possible exceptions. .

Practice at a level that will prepare the team to be successful in game situations. This means that everyone will be expected to practice with the same enthusiasm, intensity, and hard work that it will take to win games.

Playing Time

All players will receive playing time, however, some players may receive more playing time than others. The amount of time a player receives is determined by several factors such as having a "hot hand", matchups, foul trouble, attitude, attendance at practice sessions and work ethic. Although during any one game an individual may feel that they didn't receive appropriate court time, over the course of a season each player is provided adequate opportunities to display their talents.

Court time in Tournaments with excellent competition may be geared toward the best possible lineup. League play and other tournaments, play may be more evenly distributed. PLAYING TIME IS NOT GUARANTEED!!! Parents are always welcome and encouraged to watch practice sessions, however, we ask that they leave the training/development to the coaches and keep from "sideline coaching".

Uniform Guidelines 

Whenever a New Mexico Heat player is in uniform, they are representing the Club and should wear their  uniform properly and with pride. Each New Mexico team must wear the Club's official uniforms/gear as dictated by the Club. Please read and abide by the following guidelines:

• Bring all uniform equipment to every game. Your backpack should have the following: Team uniform jerseys/shorts (home and away), undershirts, socks, shoes and basketball.

• Players should be dressed before team warm-ups..

• Have your equipment bag/backpack with you at all practices and games.

• Players are not allow to wear anything but Club approved apparel