A Young Dynasty in the Making

In the ever-evolving world of AAU basketball, where programs rise and fall every season, Team Shaw Elite — better known as TSE — is proving they’re built differently.

This isn’t just another talented youth squad. This is a program that knows how to win.

Fresh off back-to-back championships at the MADE Hoops Winter West Circuit this past weekend, TSE has positioned itself as one of the premier young teams not just on the West Coast, but in the entire country. Their ability to compete, execute, and dominate at such a young age is a direct reflection of the culture that has been built within the program.

And that culture begins with one man.

The Architect: Coach Will Shaw

At the helm of Team Shaw Elite is Head Coach Will Shaw, a basketball lifer whose journey through the game has taken him around the globe.

Originally from The Bronx, Shaw eventually planted roots in Phoenix, where he has spent the past two decades helping develop the next generation of basketball talent.

His resume speaks volumes. As a young player, Shaw competed for the legendary Riverside Church Hawks, capturing a championship at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam in 1999. He later went on to play collegiately at St. John’s University before embarking on a remarkable 12-year journey with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters.

During that time, Shaw played in 81 countries and every U.S. state, gaining a global perspective on the game.

Since transitioning into coaching in 2017, he has poured that knowledge into developing young athletes the right way — focusing on skill development, basketball IQ, and a relentless competitive mindset. Coach Shaw is currently serving as an assistant coach for Chandler High School in Arizona. The turnaround this year at Chandler High School is an example of what happens when Coach Shaw is on staff. The proof is in the pudding.

Last year, TSE partnered with powerhouse “Jr.Eybl” program Oakland Soldiers, capturing the 2025 MADE Hoops West Circuit Championship before repeating their dominance this season.

Under Shaw’s leadership, winning has become the expectation.

Meet the Stars of TSE

Aubrey “Sauce” Thomas | #0 | Class of 2034

Every great team has a player who sets the tone. For Team Shaw Elite, that player is Aubrey “Sauce” Thomas, widely regarded as the #1 player in the country in the Class of 2034.

Watching Thomas operate on the floor, it’s easy to see why.

His elite basketball IQ, advanced scoring instincts, and polished offensive skill set make him nearly impossible to contain. Thomas is a knockdown shooter from deep, but he’s just as dangerous attacking the basket, where he finishes through contact with confidence.

At just the fourth-grade level, Thomas already plays with the poise and scoring versatility of a seasoned guard.

Simply put — he’s an offensive assassin.

Myles “MC” Burno | #13 | PG | Class of 2033

At the point guard position, Myles “MC” Burno brings electricity to the floor every time he touches the ball.

Burno’s game is built on elite ball handling and explosive speed, allowing him to break down defenders and create scoring opportunities whenever he wants. His ability to change directions, shift gears, and control tempo makes him incredibly difficult to guard.

But Burno isn’t just a flashy ball handler — he’s a complete point guard.

He scores at all three levels, knocking down the three, pulling up from the mid-range, and finishing strong at the rim. On the defensive end, he’s equally impressive, applying relentless pressure and disrupting opposing guards.

From a scouting standpoint, Burno has a strong argument as the best point guard nationally in the Class of 2033.

Farouk Zakari | #21 | PF

Modern basketball is all about versatility, and Farouk Zakari embodies that perfectly.

Standing out as a power forward who moves like a guard, Zakari brings a unique combination of size, mobility, and skill to the TSE lineup.

He runs the floor extremely well, finishes smoothly around the basket with soft hands, and shows impressive ball-handling and passing ability for a player at his position.

Defensively, Zakari’s awareness stands out. He consistently impacts games with timely steals, blocks, and rebounds, making him a constant presence on both ends of the floor.

Elijah “E” Shaw | #30 | SG | Class of 2034

At just nine years old and already playing up, Elijah “E” Shaw continues to show why he’s one of the most promising young shooters in the country.

Shaw’s offensive game is highlighted by a smooth and confident jumper, whether it’s from three-point range or the mid-range area. His mechanics are polished, and his scoring instincts continue to grow.

Beyond his shooting, Shaw handles the ball well and competes defensively, showing a willingness to pressure the ball and come away with steals.

The future is extremely bright for this young guard.

A Team Just Getting Started

Despite already collecting major hardware, Team Shaw Elite is still a very young group.

Currently ranked:

• #1 in the Southwest
• #5 Nationally in grassroots rankings
• #14 in the country by Top25Scouts

The scary part for the rest of the country?

They’re barely scratching the surface.

With elite coaching, high-level skill development, and a roster loaded with young talent, TSE is building something that could dominate youth basketball for years to come.

For those who follow High Level AAU hoops closely, the message is simple:

Keep your eyes on Team Shaw Elite.

Because if the early results are any indication, this program isn’t just rising — it’s setting the standard.