RealGM

I know this has been discussed before on this forum. Yes, I did try to use the search feature but it didn't seem to want to cooperate with me.

My wife and I just moved downtown and I'm looking for a spot to play pick-up ball. Thing is with my work schedule the best time for me to get consistent run in is the early AM between 5 and 7, sometimes evenings are possible but tough with work. I used to play at Roper YMCA at the same time around 4-5 years ago but that is no longer an option due to it being way too far from where I work. I joined the downtown YMCA thinking there would also be a group that plays in the AM, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Additionally, there seems to be either adult or youth leagues running every damn night of the week. Also used to play at UCF, but that is no longer an option as I'm not a student there anymore.

I figure there would be a handful of members that have some suggestions. I used to play 3 or more days per week and would really love to get back in the routine. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Edit: Forgot to add that indoor court preferred as it's typically still dark out at the crack of dawn lol.

Join La Fitness, Go to the howell branch rd/ sr 436 location. If I remember correctly they do run there full court 5 on 5 starting at around 7am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. That's too early for me to play tho.

Winter Park rec center has a very cheap membership and has an indoor gym. Other than that, RDV or YMCA are alternatives. As far as leagues, the JCC has the best leagues around. You get 2 ref's, shot clock and person tallying points and stats.

BadMofoPimp wrote:Winter Park rec center has a very cheap membership and has an indoor gym. Other than that, RDV or YMCA are alternatives. As far as leagues, the JCC has the best leagues around. You get 2 ref's, shot clock and person tallying points and stats.

any idea how busy the winter park rec center gets (and when)?

5 to 7 am will be hard to find pick up basketball. From what i know, try 24 hour fitness on south orange. Also i know it may not fit your time frame but the orlando magic rec on econ (like 15-20 min from downtown) has really good comp 9-12 am throughout the week. Sometimes its good in the evening as well. Other then that their isn't many options i know about aside from the obvious la fitness, ymca, or ucf which you already stated.

UCFJayBird wrote:

BadMofoPimp wrote:Winter Park rec center has a very cheap membership and has an indoor gym. Other than that, RDV or YMCA are alternatives. As far as leagues, the JCC has the best leagues around. You get 2 ref's, shot clock and person tallying points and stats.

any idea how busy the winter park rec center gets (and when)?

I haven't been going there lately. But, it can get real busy on the weekends. Weekdays, it is hit or miss. There are only 2 full size indoor courts. I think membership is $10 monthly if you are in the right zip code and $15 monthly for Orange county residents. Annual has the better discount. This place was built like 4 years ago so it is nice.

Used to play with Scott Anez at the RDV on Sunday mornings about 5 years ago along with other sponsors or there employees. Still good pickup games on Sundays.

Thanks for responding guys. BMP, do you know if the places you listed have games running in the AM? Also what is the pricing for RDV? And what is the JCC? Again thanks for the responses everyone! Very helpful.

3ddman23, 24 hour fitness is pretty close to where I live. Do they have people run games that early?

Mr Magic Fan wrote:Thanks for responding guys. BMP, do you know if the places you listed have games running in the AM? Also what is the pricing for RDV? And what is the JCC? Again thanks for the responses everyone! Very helpful.

Bluejacket park in Baldwin park always has pick up games and they have lights

Mr Magic Fan wrote:Thanks for responding guys. BMP, do you know if the places you listed have games running in the AM? Also what is the pricing for RDV? And what is the JCC? Again thanks for the responses everyone! Very helpful.

This place isn't cheap like YMCA or whatnot. I pay $10 just to go play for one day. But, you can get a membership and pay monthly.

http://www.mvpsportsclubs.com/florida-orlando-rdv-sportsplex-athletic-club/membership/why-rdv

I don't mind paying for nice indoor court usage. Back in the day I used to get at least 6 people and we would split the cost to rent an indoor court in Michigan for $36 for 2 hours. The place had showers n towels as well. We would just split it up $6 a piece or less if we had more people. We would meet twice a week for that. But, that was a Gym called one on one which had like 6 indoor courts and they were all packed it was a popular BBall place. Would be cool to do something like that down here.