About
Monterey Bay Wizards Basketball Academy is a youth basketball academy that offers basketball training, league games, skills and fundamentals training, and team building. The program also includes coaching clinics for parents, referee training, volunteer opportunities, a Rising All-Star Game, and a Wizards Welcomes Showcase.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Season runs March 14–June 27, 2026, with games on Saturdays and practices on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Price: Early bird registration through March 1, 2026 is $195; regular registration after March 1, 2026 is $225
The academy serves boys and girls in grades 3–12 and has been supporting the basketball community since 1988, with over 38 years of experience and its 12th annual season. The leadership team includes Head Coach and Founder Jim Rimando, Assistant Coach Jeremy Salvejo, and Assistant Coach Mike “Tike” Turnan. Coach Jim Rimando has over 38 years of coaching experience at North Salinas High School, Seaside High School, and Hartnell College, has led teams to 21 CCS playoffs, is a 4-time Coach of the Year, and is a Vietnam veteran and community leader. Assistant Coach Jeremy Salvejo is a youth development specialist and skills training expert, and Assistant Coach Mike “Tike” Turnan is a fundamentals expert and team building specialist.
The program’s mission states that it is dedicated to developing young athletes into skilled basketball players and responsible citizens, with a focus on teaching basketball skills and life lessons. It emphasizes supporting the whole basketball community, including players, coaches, referees, and volunteers, and offers opportunities to play, coach, referee, or volunteer. Unique features include scholarships and fee reductions for volunteers, coaching clinics for parents, free referee training with the chance to get paid and earn certification along with community service hours, and volunteer opportunities with reduced registration fees. The academy highlights a focus on fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship, and academic excellence and describes itself as “building champions on and off the court” and “more than just basketball - we build character, community, and champions.”
The program is endorsed by the Santa Cruz Warriors Basketball Team. Community involvement includes free referee training, community service hours, and volunteer opportunities with reduced registration fees, and it states that everyone has a place in its family. Testimonials from parents and a former player describe improvements in basketball skills, teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and the impact of Coach Rimando’s dedication to developing young athletes.
Last updated July 23, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Season runs March 14–June 27, 2026, with games on Saturdays and practices on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Price: Early bird registration through March 1, 2026 is $195; regular registration after March 1, 2026 is $225
The academy serves boys and girls in grades 3–12 and has been supporting the basketball community since 1988, with over 38 years of experience and its 12th annual season. The leadership team includes Head Coach and Founder Jim Rimando, Assistant Coach Jeremy Salvejo, and Assistant Coach Mike “Tike” Turnan. Coach Jim Rimando has over 38 years of coaching experience at North Salinas High School, Seaside High School, and Hartnell College, has led teams to 21 CCS playoffs, is a 4-time Coach of the Year, and is a Vietnam veteran and community leader. Assistant Coach Jeremy Salvejo is a youth development specialist and skills training expert, and Assistant Coach Mike “Tike” Turnan is a fundamentals expert and team building specialist.
The program’s mission states that it is dedicated to developing young athletes into skilled basketball players and responsible citizens, with a focus on teaching basketball skills and life lessons. It emphasizes supporting the whole basketball community, including players, coaches, referees, and volunteers, and offers opportunities to play, coach, referee, or volunteer. Unique features include scholarships and fee reductions for volunteers, coaching clinics for parents, free referee training with the chance to get paid and earn certification along with community service hours, and volunteer opportunities with reduced registration fees. The academy highlights a focus on fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship, and academic excellence and describes itself as “building champions on and off the court” and “more than just basketball - we build character, community, and champions.”
The program is endorsed by the Santa Cruz Warriors Basketball Team. Community involvement includes free referee training, community service hours, and volunteer opportunities with reduced registration fees, and it states that everyone has a place in its family. Testimonials from parents and a former player describe improvements in basketball skills, teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and the impact of Coach Rimando’s dedication to developing young athletes.
Last updated July 23, 2026.
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