About MRC Rebels

The Mission Recreation Center (MRC) Rebels Girls' Basketball program, founded in 1984 by longtime San Francisco Recreation and Park Department employee Oscar Jimenez, is considered the original starting point for girls' and women's AAU basketball in California. After more than 40 years of competitive play, the MRC Rebels program has become a dominant force in the AAU circuit, with numerous titles and national championships.

Oscar Jimenez's Legacy

Oscar's legacy lives on through the continued growth of basketball and the program he started. Each year, teams honor him by participating in an annual tournament in Reno, Nevada.

Program Focus and Impact

The MRC Rebels AAU program primarily serves girls from San Francisco’s most diverse and often underserved communities. It offers high-level skill development to help players reinforce proper basketball fundamentals, including footwork, shooting, passing, rebounding, ball-handling, and defense. Beyond skill-building, the program fosters a sense of community through sports and helps players build long-lasting friendships.

For these inner-city athletes, programs like MRC are crucial for their future success, providing a safe place to develop and excel both on and off the court.

Team Participation and Player Development

Each season, MRC teams participate in both local and travel tournaments in locations such as Reno, Nevada; Los Angeles; Chicago; and Portland, Oregon. Players can stay with the program from fourth grade through high school, giving them the chance to play in travel tournaments in front of college coaches.

The MRC coaching staff consists of former NCAA college basketball players and professionals who have played overseas. This experienced staff is integral to the Rebels' continued success, helping athletes realize their full potential and transition into high school and college programs.