I disagree with some portions of what you have said primarily because year in and year out many kids get college offers playing for teams that are not necessarily one of the "Top Teams"... There are plenty of really good teams out there in the State of Kentucky that are not affiliated and would not be considered a top program, but year in and year out they help Athletes get scholarships to college just like any other program.. Examples are The Ville, Shining Stars, WKY Elite, etc.... As a parent I would much rather place my child on one of these teams who Travel a National Circuit and are going to be fully invested in my Student Athletes team, rather than him playing for some organizations B team.

 

IMO it makes no difference the organization; a B team is called a B team for a reason. They don't receive the financial support, attention, or notoriety of an organizations A team.While one team goes to Major events fully funded by the organization, the B team ends up going to smaller events with very little, if any, college coaches and paying money out of their pockets which in most cases helps fund the A team. Seen it time and time again over many years.

 

To your point about your son training during the offseason at the age of 15 instead of playing, I would say that the two go hand in hand. Why deny your son a year in which he can develop confidence playing against higher level talent on a consistent basis just because he didn't make one out of a hundred different teams in the State. If his first REAL taste of AAU wound up not being until he is 16U or 17U because you are waiting on him to make 1 team, he may wind up way behind. There is a growth/learning curb in high level AAU and you don't want him learning at Live events in front of College Coaches at the 16U/17U levels. You only get 1 chance to make a 1st impression...

 

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I know that there are plenty of top notch teams around the state. Based on where we live I know he won't play for any WKY teams or NKY teams. The options we have are limited when it comes to AAU and having been through AAU with my older son I am very very picky with who we'll be playing with. IMO all of the other options in my area are B teams. There are no B teams in Hoop Dreams. If a kid isn't on an elite team or in an elite program they won't be playing against high level competition and they won't be getting any better.

 

HoopDreamsCoachQ has given me a ton of info that helps out a lot. Two teams at the 15U age level so I do feel better about my kid making the team. Either way we won't be disappointed and have every intention of being involved with Hoop Dreams either through playing with the team and attending workouts or just workouts.

IMO, it's the minutes that count the most with the competition level second. Just don't play 'down'.

And as PP92 mentioned, there needs to be more variables. Is the kid good enough to play on an "A" team? Or is it that the player and (most likely) the parent thinks they are better than what the are? Is the "B" team just a second team in the age group or is the "B" team less competitive? And as was mentioned, do they attend the same tourneys as the "A" team?

 

I have seen players on all teams that just want to play, but their parents are aggravating them so much that they get burnt out that way, we all have seem some of those parents.

 

Then you have someone like PP92 with his frosh son, he is honest as he says he doesn't know how good his son is, and it taking a wait and see approach with the tryouts and already has a plan if he doesn't make the squad. Some others are fine with playing on a local team (if they are in that area) and playing in local tourneys, others do not mind playing for a team an hour or so away. But as Manny stated, even if a kid is on a team, even a big team from a big organization, they player needs to work on his game on his own, even if it's just locally. Heck, there was a kid at top my street shooting outside in a driveway by himself, when I came back from eating about 30 minutes later, he was still there. I am not saying that all kids need to do this, but it does take work away from your team and coach.

To get seen by the most coaches, AAU programs need to play the biggest events. Only 2 programs in Kentucky play a national schedule. Hoop Dreams and the Travelers. The Ville played a national schedule last year also. Obviously they are no longer around.

 

As far as I know, these 3 programs have the vast majority of D1 signees in Kentucky at this time. The exceptions being Cameron Reed (Magic) and Eli Pepper (Illinois Bears).

 

My point being, there may be 20 teams in Kentucky but there are only a handful actually getting players exposure at the highest levels.

Not as simple as YES or NO. Has to depend on the team/program. What type of players will be on the B team, and what type of competition will they be playing? A lot of people are mistaken about the type of level that their child is at. If being honest with your self and your son/daughter, and playing on the "B Team" is best for them, then go for it. One programs "B Team" could get far more recognition that another programs, "only team."

I don't want to call out any specific programs in the state of Kentucky, but parents and players need to be aware.... Large programs, and smaller programs alike do have "B Teams." They may not be called "B Teams," and they may well be loaded with talent throughout the Spring sessions. However, I have seen many teams in this state want to "load up" all of the sudden when July rolls around. I am not saying this isn't smart for the program, but then, as a parent, are you worried about the program, or your son? In my opinion, smaller teams sometimes have an upper hand when it comes to your son receiving CONSISTENT recognition, playing time, and work outs (training time). I'm not saying that all "bigger" programs do this, or have done this, but in 9 years of coaching AAU, I have certainly seen it more than a fair share of times. That said, I've seen smaller teams completely fold halfway through a season (absurd).

 

Many parents I've talked to are looking for a name in a program, and that does carry some weight, but if your son isn't playing, gets cut from the team in July (because new players want in, or for any other reason), OR gets sent to some "off-sight" tournament in July, then all of the purpose is lost. Many "bigger" programs can tell parents/players whatever they want because they know they can get players at any time, but smaller programs are typically more transparent because they have to remain completely honest, and maintain all integrity to try and build reputation.

 

The kicker to a "big program," if you can maintain your spot on the team, and play, the recognition factor can potentially be more evident. I've seen this as well. Some kids, who can play, get little recognition on smaller teams, and then go to big teams and get exactly what they needed. Other kids start on "big program" teams, get little to no love, and go to smaller teams that play and compete at a high level, and get more college level attention.

 

Bottom line: it's a crapshoot! (use diligence, ask a lot of questions (cost? tournaments? rosters? playing time? travel? Past success? Alumni? etc.), ask current players, as former players, and again.... ask a lot of questions.)

To get seen by the most coaches, AAU programs need to play the biggest events. Only 2 programs in Kentucky play a national schedule. Hoop Dreams and the Travelers. The Ville played a national schedule last year also. Obviously they are no longer around.

 

As far as I know, these 3 programs have the vast majority of D1 signees in Kentucky at this time. The exceptions being Cameron Reed (Magic) and Eli Pepper (Illinois Bears).

 

My point being, there may be 20 teams in Kentucky but there are only a handful actually getting players exposure at the highest levels.

 

 

You are incorrect sir. I respect your program, but the NKY Bulldogs played a national schedule. In fact, they were in many of the same tournaments as Hoop Dreams and The Ville.

 

That's neither here, nor there, but, as you know, important to have facts straight when talking AAU.

 

Unless of course, traveling to Georgia makes for a national schedule. If that's the case, the Bulldogs went to Chicago.

 

I will grant you, that they didn't have any D1 signees (kudos to your program), a couple of looks, but 7 of the 9 have the opportunity to fulfill a dream of playing ball at the next level (albeit, 1 in football, D1).

 

Nonetheless, this team competed and won games and recognition in every tournament it was in.

You are incorrect sir. I respect your program, but the NKY Bulldogs played a national schedule. In fact, they were in many of the same tournaments as Hoop Dreams and The Ville.

 

That's neither here, nor there, but, as you know, important to have facts straight when talking AAU.

 

Unless of course, traveling to Georgia makes for a national schedule. If that's the case, the Bulldogs went to Chicago.

 

I will grant you, that they didn't have any D1 signees (kudos to your program), a couple of looks, but 7 of the 9 have the opportunity to fulfill a dream of playing ball at the next level (albeit, 1 in football, D1).

 

Nonetheless, this team competed and won games and recognition in every tournament it was in.

 

Please let me start by saying it is not my intention to disparage the Bulldog program or players.

 

As far as I know, the only common tournaments we played were state and Nationals and everyone in the state played in those.

 

You forget that we also played in Pittsburgh in the spring. I suppose you could say we covered the South and Northeast. This year we will be heading west twice but won't be going into the northeast. So, a kid like Will Hager will have played in front of hundreds of college coaches at every level by the time he finishes AAU this July.

 

The main difference in a larger program like Hoop Dreams and other, smaller programs is the schedule and competition. HD played top competition from all over the country. We played teams from California to NYC. Teams from the EYBL, the Adidas Gauntlet, and the Under Armour Association. And that's at all levels, 15u, 16u and 17u. We travel to where the best teams are. Not all programs have as competitive of a schedule.

 

I think this points to the argument presented in this entire post. The schedule and caliber of opponent are what dictate the exposure more than anything. Our 17u "Black" team or 2nd team played numerous teams loaded with D1 players in front of hundreds of D1 coaches.

 

My point being, playing for the second team of a bigger program is not always a bad thing. To me, the biggest determining factor in a player being able to advance to the next level is competition and exposure.

 

Not every good high school player can play college basketball but the best opportunities for them are playing with a team that gets them the most exposure.

Instead of comparing programs, lets take a look at the question at hand. If the player is going to be a "B" level player on a "so called" big program then it is safe to say that this player would likely not be a candidate for an EYBL program. So we are talking about getting this player the exposure that is right for him. Not all exposure can be a good thing. Bad exposure does nothing for a player. So John Calipari saw a rivals 5 star take your son to school. Is John offering your boy a scholarship out of sympathy? There are plenty of good tournaments that any team with a checkbook can get into and be seen by hundreds of coaches. The bottom line is that you have to be good enough to play ball at the next level and then be able to be seen. That means actually being competitive at the exposure events. I can tell you first hand that it is possible to garner good exposure on small teams. I have first hand seen "small teams" knock off big programs full of D1 recruits at big tournaments in front of tons of college coaches. It all boils down to the right fit for the right player.

Instead of comparing programs, lets take a look at the question at hand. If the player is going to be a "B" level player on a "so called" big program then it is safe to say that this player would likely not be a candidate for an EYBL program. So we are talking about getting this player the exposure that is right for him. Not all exposure can be a good thing. Bad exposure does nothing for a player. So John Calipari saw a rivals 5 star take your son to school. Is John offering your boy a scholarship out of sympathy? There are plenty of good tournaments that any team with a checkbook can get into and be seen by hundreds of coaches. The bottom line is that you have to be good enough to play ball at the next level and then be able to be seen. That means actually being competitive at the exposure events. I can tell you first hand that it is possible to garner good exposure on small teams. I have first hand seen "small teams" knock off big programs full of D1 recruits at big tournaments in front of tons of college coaches. It all boils down to the right fit for the right player.

 

This is basically what I am trying to say as well. I think it's important to know the fit of your players. IF the vast majority of players in Kentucky are not D1, then why are we taking kids to see high-major D1 coaches all the time? When, in fact, they need to be seen by more NAIA, D2 level schools. Shouldn't it be a variety (and, I think it usually is...just making a point)?

 

I certainly don't knock the Travelers, Hoop Dreams, The Ville, or even The Magic (when they were a thing), for doing what they're doing. Heck, if you can get ONE fringe kid a D1 scholarship (and he excels and succeeds), even though most people think he's a D2 caliber talent, then you deserve to be applauded for it.

 

My thing is... I have seen A LOT of kids that come and go off of these bigger teams, that didn't get exposure when they were on that team, and then struggle to find a good, worthwhile team come the Live Period. That is a failed system, and does an injustice to those kids. That said, unfortunately that is the AAU landscape, it's becoming more and more about creating that brand and what it can do for certain individuals (not always players) instead of what the individual (the kid/player) can do for the team.

 

These are reasons that I think smaller AAU teams with long standing ties (I'm not talking about start-ups that are looking to expose 1 kid, usually someone's son... we've all seen it) can do just as much good as a larger program.

 

All of this said... I think the state of Kentucky has some great talent, some really good AAU teams/programs, and quite a few good & willing men who are willing to stand up and help these kids, and that has the potential to be everlasting in a child's life. Kudos to all those who do it for the right reasons, and that are trying to help the youth.

Please let me start by saying it is not my intention to disparage the Bulldog program or players.

 

As far as I know, the only common tournaments we played were state and Nationals and everyone in the state played in those.

 

You forget that we also played in Pittsburgh in the spring. I suppose you could say we covered the South and Northeast. This year we will be heading west twice but won't be going into the northeast. So, a kid like Will Hager will have played in front of hundreds of college coaches at every level by the time he finishes AAU this July.

 

The main difference in a larger program like Hoop Dreams and other, smaller programs is the schedule and competition. HD played top competition from all over the country. We played teams from California to NYC. Teams from the EYBL, the Adidas Gauntlet, and the Under Armour Association. And that's at all levels, 15u, 16u and 17u. We travel to where the best teams are. Not all programs have as competitive of a schedule.

 

I think this points to the argument presented in this entire post. The schedule and caliber of opponent are what dictate the exposure more than anything. Our 17u "Black" team or 2nd team played numerous teams loaded with D1 players in front of hundreds of D1 coaches.

 

My point being, playing for the second team of a bigger program is not always a bad thing. To me, the biggest determining factor in a player being able to advance to the next level is competition and exposure.

 

Not every good high school player can play college basketball but the best opportunities for them are playing with a team that gets them the most exposure.

 

I don't see you as trying to disparage anyone. It's a blog. No offense taken here.

 

The Bulldog's also played in the Bearcat Classic, just as Hoop Dreams did. That would make 3 tournaments, out of the 7 or 8 that the teams competed in, more than 1/3 of the same tournaments. However, I also included The Ville, and I know that the Bulldogs played in 4 or maybe 5 of the same tournaments as them.

 

My point wasn't to argue about playing in the same tournaments, my point was to argue that the Bulldogs played a National schedule and did well. Each player (7/9 that we know of. 1 decided he didn't want to play) has received multiple opportunities to play at the next level at what they consider to be great fits for them. Heck, a few of them will even have some/all of college paid for.

The Ville, NKY Bulldogs, KY Elite Kings, TBC Elite, Louisville Magic, KY Retros, Shinning Stars, WKY Elite, Wolverines, Hoptown Hoyas, Attucks Wolfpack, etc.... All great programs that are better than ANY B team in the State. (And I do mean any...) All of them also compete on a National Schedule.

The Ville, NKY Bulldogs, KY Elite Kings, TBC Elite, Louisville Magic, KY Retros, Shinning Stars, WKY Elite, Wolverines, Hoptown Hoyas, Attucks Wolfpack, etc.... All great programs that are better than ANY B team in the State. (And I do mean any...) All of them also compete on a National Schedule.

 

No argument there. At the same time I still don't see any programs that even field a B team. Do any of these programs field B teams? The more I think about it I'm lost as to why this is even a thread. I don't know of any programs in the state that fields B teams.

No argument there. At the same time I still don't see any programs that even field a B team. Do any of these programs field B teams? The more I think about it I'm lost as to why this is even a thread. I don't know of any programs in the state that fields B teams.[

 

Overall, I think I actually agree with you here. Most 15-16-17U teams at this level have a 2nd team, but not necessarily a "B Team"... Typically one team is better than the other, but hard to call a team with talent, nonetheless, a "B Team"...

 

I think the "B Team" argument can be made at the younger levels, like up through 8th grade. I see more of it there.

Overall, I think I actually agree with you here. Most 15-16-17U teams at this level have a 2nd team, but not necessarily a "B Team"... Typically one team is better than the other, but hard to call a team with talent, nonetheless, a "B Team"...

 

I think the "B Team" argument can be made at the younger levels, like up through 8th grade. I see more of it there.

 

 

Agreed. I see it more at the younger levels. All of the programs at the high school level that have two teams in the same age group always seem to have two talented teams in the cases that I have seen.