Athletes are Built over Years, not Assembled for Weekends
What makes ABI Different
The Alabama Basketball Institute (ABI) is unique because it combines elite basketball development with leadership, mentorship, and confidence training built on real-world experience at the highest levels of coaching and professional leadership.
Founded by Coach Paul Houlsen, whose background includes coaching national championship professional teams internationally and serving as a National Director of Training for the United Nations.
ABI approaches youth development differently than typical training programs. Instead of focusing only on short-term wins or individual drills, ABI follows a long-term athlete development model that begins in elementary school and prepares players for middle school, high school, and life beyond sports.
Development Plan Overview
Foundation: Fundamentals
Building disciplined habits and basketball IQ development
Skill Application: Use in Game Situations
Applying individual decision-making, pace, and execution ability under pressure
Team Concepts: Playing Together / Selflessness
Developing role acceptance and becoming effective contributor within a team system
Competition and Confidence: Sportsmanship
Reinforcing composure, discipline, sportsmanship, and confident performance
Refinement and Future Preparation: Readiness and Growth
Sharpening skills, strengthening consistency, and preparing for higher levels of play.
Alabama Basketball Institute competes in Panhandle Events
2026 ABI Summer Schedule
- 3/27-29 March Madness Foley
- 4/11-12 Panhandle Invitational Mobile
- 4/24-25 Rock the Court Gulf Shores
- 5/9-10 Gulf Coast Showdown Mobile
- 5/22-24 Stars and Stripes Foley
- 6/6-8 Summer Jam Fest Foley
- 6/25-28 Gulf Coast Nationals Mobile
- 7/11-12 Port City Classic Mobile
- 7/24-26 End of Summer Gulf Shores