In just its second year, Bob Knight, then a young coach at West Point, introduced the concept of rotational teaching stations. That innovation quickly became synonymous with and the backbone of Five-Star. It has since been emulated across the basketball world. 

Equally iconic was the camp’s post-lunch “lecture series,” featuring Hall of Fame luminaries such as Mike Krzyzewski, Hubie Brown, George Raveling, Dean Smith, Rick Pitino, Chuck Daly and many more. The late, great high school talent scout Tom Konchalski captured it best when he called Five-Star “the preeminent think tank in the game of basketball.” 

Now, as Five-Star is celebrating its 60th anniversary, that description takes on greater meaning. Through a new partnership with AOG Events—recently acquired by Rocket Youth Brands—Five-Star is teaming up with the leader in the high academic showcase space.

The result: the inaugural High Academic Showcase: New York Powered by SLAM HS, taking place August 18-19, 2026 at the Major Owens Center (1561 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225).

Built for players pursuing Ivy League, Patriot League, NESCAC, Centennial Conference and other top academic programs, the event will bring together more than 200 campers and nearly 100 college coaches from some of the nation’s most respected academic institutions.

Founded in 2012 by Ryan Silver, AOG has developed a slate of marquee events, including its pinnacle High Academic Super Bowl, which connects student-athletes with strong academic profiles to Ivy League, Division III and other highly academic college programs. 

“Five-Star has always represented excellence, instruction and opportunity in basketball,” says Ryan Silver, Founder of AOG Events. “By combining our high academic platform with Five-Star’s legendary brand, we’re creating something truly special for student-athletes who want to excel both on the court and in the classroom.”

To enrich the experience, a panel of distinguished alumni and former players from these academically rigorous institutions who have gone on to leadership roles in business, politics, sports and entrepreneurship will share their journeys with participants.

Adding another dimension, SLAM HS will feature top performers across its social channels. The camp’s standout players will also be eligible for internships with SLAM, Rocket Youth Brands and JDS Sports—owners of both SLAM and Five-Star—offering a bridge between the game and future careers.

“For 60 years, Five-Star has shaped generations of players and coaches by pushing the game forward,” says Peter R. Casey, CEO of JDS Sports. “Partnering with AOG allows us to extend that legacy into the high academic space, ensuring the next wave of leaders are just as prepared for the classroom and boardroom as they are for the court.”

By joining forces with AOG Events, Five-Star is proving that elite academics and basketball don’t have to be separate paths. For the next generation of scholar-athletes, this is where the journey begins.