16-minute halves.

If u are skilled enough nearly everyone plays up on the AAU circuit. Hatton's Ville Magic Team played up all of last year with few exceptions. It's commonplace.

 

Yes, I know this and agree, but your talking about regular AAU tournaments vs. the NEYBL. Where it's supposed to be the best of the best. You would think if that's the case, and that the goal is to get to the Peach Jam, that the 16s would battle 16s, and 17s battle 17s. Just getting info on the new team as this is a new gig in the state of KY.

Why did Hatton decide not to play with the Louisville Magic?

 

If you could play with a Nike team in the EYBL, wouldn't you? The Magic was a local team that was put together. My opinion is that he could get more national exposure on the Travelers team. I know the Magic were really good, and that coach did a heck of a job! Just trying to think like a kid here....

If you could play with a Nike team in the EYBL, wouldn't you? The Magic was a local team that was put together. My opinion is that he could get more national exposure on the Travelers team. I know the Magic were really good, and that coach did a heck of a job! Just trying to think like a kid here....

 

While I agree with the EYBL theory in principal, the Magic were one of the premier Adidas teams last year and exposure was not a problem. High major programs watched that team play on a regular basis. Reality says the Travelers will be in a battle to crack the top half of the EYBL and a Peach Jam spot is far from a guarantee. Exposure is relative, and just having a spot in the EYBL doesn't guarantee it...

While I agree with the EYBL theory in principal, the Magic were one of the premier Adidas teams last year and exposure was not a problem. High major programs watched that team play on a regular basis. Reality says the Travelers will be in a battle to crack the top half of the EYBL and a Peach Jam spot is far from a guarantee. Exposure is relative, and just having a spot in the EYBL doesn't guarantee it...

 

All valid. Just thinking like a kid might... It's Nike! Lebron, Kobe, Jordan, ya know...

Heard tonight that Drew McDonald is playing with the 16u Team.

Regarding exposure, anyone who spends 5 minutes at the EYBL sessions would change his/her mind pretty quickly after seeing how many college coaches, particularly the head coaches, are in attendance. Also, considering we've had over 200 kids sign scholarships, over 100 Division I signees, 24 SEC signees, 5 NBA players and 4 McDonald's All-Americans, I think it's safe to say our track record for providing exposure is second to none.

Regarding exposure, anyone who spends 5 minutes at the EYBL sessions would change his/her mind pretty quickly after seeing how many college coaches, particularly the head coaches, are in attendance. Also, considering we've had over 200 kids sign scholarships, over 100 Division I signees, 24 SEC signees, 5 NBA players and 4 McDonald's All-Americans, I think it's safe to say our track record for providing exposure is second to none.

 

I am a regular at EYBL events as well as numerous others including Under Armour and Adidas sponsored tournaments during open evaluation periods and outside of the Peach Jam there isn't much difference. Have the Travelers qualified for the Peach Jam since Nike went to the EYBL format???

Will the Travelers be playing at the Bill Hensley Run-n-Slam in Fort Wayne this year???

Actually, there is a huge difference, especially given the fact that 80-85% of the nation's best players compete in the EYBL. No, we have not been to Peach Jam in a few years. However, we do have 11 Peach Jam bids. Certainly the Peach Jam is the nation's beat tournament, and you're right in that there is a difference in the Peach Jam and ALL other events. But considering you can only qualify as part of the EYBL, it validates the argument that the EYBL is far and away the best league for exposure and competition.

Lets not get silly. No doubt the EYBL has changed the landscape of Grassroots hoops, but 80-85% of the talent is hyperbole at its finest.

 

Look I am pulling for you guys to do well and have had some dealings with the program in the past and found the folks involved to be easy to deal with and very accommodating. The EYBL is a big selling point, but it is far from the only thing going that draws major exposure...

The 80-85% figure is not hyperbole or speculation. It is a fact. So there is nothing silly about it. Nevertheless, we appreciate the support and have been so blessed to have met so many good people in Kentucky. It's been a great experience so far and we look forward to what the future holds.

The 80-85% figure is not hyperbole or speculation. It is a fact. So there is nothing silly about it. Nevertheless, we appreciate the support and have been so blessed to have met so many good people in Kentucky. It's been a great experience so far and we look forward to what the future holds.

So you are trying to say that 80-85% of the players in high major D1 basketball played EYBL???

Regarding exposure, anyone who spends 5 minutes at the EYBL sessions would change his/her mind pretty quickly after seeing how many college coaches, particularly the head coaches, are in attendance. Also, considering we've had over 200 kids sign scholarships, over 100 Division I signees, 24 SEC signees, 5 NBA players and 4 McDonald's All-Americans, I think it's safe to say our track record for providing exposure is second to none.

 

Sounds like an excellent opportunity for the kids!

Really enjoying the debate. :popcorn:

 

Love summer ball! As it is normally an awesome collection of talent, especially as Juniors, and more so as Seniors.

 

Sometimes, I think "AAU" ball gets a really bad rep. As long as kids are playing team ball for good coaches, that's what matters. Only parents and players can make those decisions.