The Palace of Auburn Hills serves as the capital of Detroit basketball, hosting the three-time NBA champion Detroit Pistons in the winter and spring and the two-time WNBA champion Detroit Shock during the summer. The Pistons and Shock unite under the umbrella of the Year-Round Hoops Program (YRH), which brings a championship experience to fans across Michigan. There are three components to the YRH program: the Shock and Pistons Truck Tour, the "Homework Before Hoops" School Assembly Program and YRH Camps and Clinics.

September YRH Appearances:
September 5 - Rochester Arts and Apples Festival
September 5 - Shockfest - Shock vs. Fever
September 6 - Rochester Arts and Apples Festival
September 7 - Rochester Arts and Apples Festival
September 9 - Shockfest - Shock vs. Mercury
September 11 - Troy Daze Festival
September 11 - Shockfest - Shock vs. Mystics
September 12 - Troy Daze Festival
September 13 - Troy Daze Festival
September 14 - Troy Daze Festival
September 20 - Streak on the Creek Hydroplane Races
September 21 - Streak on the Creek Hydroplane Races
View the full schedule

Meet the Team

Aaron Smith Donease Smith Hooper

The Year-Round Hoops Truck brings the excitement of the Shock and Pistons to fairs and festivals throughout the state of Michigan. Kids can take their shot at four adjustable hoops on the side of the truck, which also has a display area featuring game-worn Shock and Pistons jerseys and other Palace memorabilia.

This mobile, interactive basketball experience visited more than 30 events over 76 days between May and September 2007. A staff of Truck Tour Ambassadors will install and host the YRH Truck experience on-site at many outdoor events.

To schedule a “truck stop” at your event, contact Aaron Smith at 248-377-0134 or email him at asmith@palacenet.com. All proceeds from the Year-Round Hoops Truck Tour will benefit the Pistons-Palace Foundation. View the full truck tour schedule

“School Comes First.” That’s the message delivered by Aaron Smith, the director of the Year-Round Hoops program, whether he’s visiting an elementary school, middle school or high school.

Each assembly is designed to reinforce positive life skills and inspire students to strive toward success in the classroom. The assemblies are also jam-packed with interactive fun, including trivia contests for Pistons giveaways, a dunk show by the Flight Crew and the ever-popular “teachers-versus-students” shooting competition. But the message that “School Comes First” still resonates after the entertainment has ended.

Assemblies can be scheduled free of charge. Schools that are interested can also participate in the fundraising opportunity that is offered with every assembly visit. For more information about Aaron Smith, the assembly program and how to schedule a visit to your school, visit: www.pistons.com/fundraiser.

Coach Aaron and his YRH staff are committed to bringing the highest level of basketball instruction to children of all ages, using several fun and unique methods to teach the game. Ball handling, shooting, passing and defense are all covered during these high-energy camps. Join Coach Aaron, Shock mascot Zap and (on occasion) Shock players for a great basketball experience.

During the NBA season, Donease Smith - basketball operations manager for the Detroit Shock - will also be running a variety YRH camps and clinics. Click here to learn more about Donease.