DETROIT – The Motor City Cruise is hosting its most popular youth initiatives this summer.
The NBA G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons announced the return of its Youth All-Star Draft initiative for the 2026-27 season.
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The program gives students in grades 1-8 an opportunity to earn exclusive basketball experiences through a series of skills competitions and camps.
How the program works
At the center of the initiative is the Motor City Skills Challenge, presented by the Michigan Beef Industry Commission.
Students can earn consideration for the 2026 Motor City Cruise Youth All-Star Draft by participating in the organization’s second annual Mini-Cruisers Pistons Academy Camp, select Pistons Academy camps and community events featuring the Skills Challenge.
Pistons Academy coaches will evaluate participants on basketball fundamentals, effort, teamwork, sportsmanship, and overall engagement.
The Skills Challenge itself includes basketball drills, skill competitions, interactive instruction, and player development activities.
Students selected through the draft will be placed on youth teams and invited to participate in Motor City Cruise Youth All-Star Draft events throughout the 2026-27 season.
Mini-Cruisers Camp returns in July
The second annual Mini-Cruisers Camp is set for July 15-17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit.
The three-day camp will feature basketball instruction led by Pistons Academy coaches, Motor City Cruise staff, and the team’s mascot, Nitro.
The camp is open only to registered participants.
Additional Pistons Academy camps featuring the 45-minute Motor City Skills Challenge will be held throughout the summer, with stops in Southfield, Sterling Heights, Brighton, Canton and Northville.
To sign up for the Motor City Cruise Mini-Cruisers Camp and other Pistons Academy Camps, click here.
Community events round out summer schedule
The Skills Challenge will also be featured at two community events this summer.
The NW Goldberg Cares HOOPFEST on July 18 in Detroit and the Detroit Youth Sports Showcase on Aug. 15 at Robert C. Valade Park will both offer students a chance to compete and potentially earn a spot in the draft.
Register here for the NW Goldberg Cares HOOPFEST, and register here for the Detroit Youth Sports Showcase.
The Motor City Cruise said the initiative is designed to encourage youth development both on and off the court and to create memorable experiences for young athletes and their families.
Additional summer camps
Upcoming Pistons Academy camps include:
- Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield on July 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
- An all-girls summer camp at The Compound Athletics in Sterling Heights on July 28 from 9 a.m. to noon ET.
- Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
- High Velocity Sports in Canton on Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
- Hillside Middle School in Northville on Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.