Some coaches seem to dislike the AAU season, your thoughts?

The kids like the supposed AAU exposure....the bottom line is that AAU ball and high school ball are two different brands-kind of like college basketball and pro hoops...

Wrong...bottom line is its good for high school players because it puts them on the court against good competition where they have the opportunity to get better and work at their game.

 

Too many kids don't work at their game during off season and never get better. AAU give kids THE CHANCE to get better, even if its just a little bit.

Wrong...bottom line is its good for high school players because it puts them on the court against good competition where they have the opportunity to get better and work at their game.

 

Too many kids don't work at their game during off season and never get better. AAU give kids THE CHANCE to get better, even if its just a little bit.

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If a kid wants to get better, he will! If a kid really loves basketball and wants to get better he will! And Spring and Summer ball does just that! Also, I just call it spring and summer basketball and not AAU, as that is just one organization, and there is much more out there than AAU

:thumb:

 

If a kid wants to get better, he will! If a kid really loves basketball and wants to get better he will! And Spring and Summer ball does just that! Also, I just call it spring and summer basketball and not AAU, as that is just one organization, and there is much more out there than AAU

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The summer circuit is an integral part of a players ability to get recruited. Players need to get in the gym and work on improving their games individually but the summer circuit allows them to showcase their abilities against good competition in front of the college coaches.

Exposure events are packed with recruiting coaches and seem to be where most get noticed and/or targeted for recruitment. I do find it odd that some coaches think athletes should take the spring and summer off while others almost make it madatory. Curious what the knock on these non high school season games might be?

IMO, it's all about exposure and playing equal or better talent on a consistent level. It's important that kids get hooked up with reputable organizations who provide an organized, predictable practice and playing schedule. If you get the impression the group you are talking to is not, find one that does. You have to trust these people with the welfare of your child to some extent so make sure they're reputable and know what they're doing.

I believe you would be hard pressed to find many "top" basketball players, I didn't say any, that don't play some sort of off season basketball. Basketball is one sport that can and does get played year round. Being a mostly indoor sport, basketball is not limited by field or weather conditions. Basketball skills can be worked on with nothing more than a basketball. However, the ability to to hone those skills on a basketball court against quality competition is invaluable. Regardless of the level you play, or whether you go on to the next level after high school. Working on your game in the driveway with your dad or brother will make you better. Going to camps or private instructors can improve your game. Spring and summer basketball is just another tool to improve your game. As the old saying goes, a tourist in New York asked, how do you get to Carnegie Hall, the reply, practice, practice, practice.

The kids like the supposed AAU exposure....the bottom line is that AAU ball and high school ball are two different brands-kind of like college basketball and pro hoops...

 

I agree that school ball and AAU ball are different. AAU ball will improve your game, for sure. IMO when the AAU player goes back to school ball, they have to adjust. They just finished playing months worth of games where their teammates and opponents were all very good, game pace is faster and the refs let them play. Plus they play against lots of teams they have never played before, none of that intense school rivalry. The player has to then adjust to the school stage where the better players are the target of the opposing coaches, players, and fans---and most importantly, the refs are calling everything.

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If a kid wants to get better, he will! If a kid really loves basketball and wants to get better he will! And Spring and Summer ball does just that! Also, I just call it spring and summer basketball and not AAU, as that is just one organization, and there is much more out there than AAU

 

Exactly correct and it's the same with every other sport, including football. There is concern by some high school basketball coaches about just who is coaching the AAU and other teams and there is concern about the kids getting burned out and safety issues as a result of playing games year round, but in my opinion, those are issues for the parents to addess and handle. Educate the parents; don't legislate the kids.

I believe it gives a player to have the chance to develop his or her skills and to play against some of the best High School players in the game. It has also become imperative if you want the exposure to Collage Coaches and recruiters. Is it demanding on the players and their families? Absolutely, but the benefits of earning a "Full Ride" somewhere outweigh the demands, IMO.

Exactly correct and it's the same with every other sport, including football. There is concern by some high school basketball coaches about just who is coaching the AAU and other teams and there is concern about the kids getting burned out and safety issues as a result of playing games year round, but in my opinion, those are issues for the parents to addess and handle. Educate the parents; don't legislate the kids.

Agree 100%! I know it's hard for some to believe, but some players/schools work harder than others, and in the off season! NOT putting down other schools, but there is a reason Highlands, Trinity and others are so good in football!

 

Not every player is a John Wall or Brandon Knight, but all top college players play springand summer basketball, others want to get better and have a shot at getting the best offer they can, and they want to play against the top players during the spring and summer! I have coaches players who still talk abou the players and schools they have played, a lot of those players they faced are in college, and some are in the NBA!

 

One of the most satisfying moments for me coaching was our trip to LA 3 or 4 summers ago when I arranged the team to meet Coach John Wooden, our players and their parents were THRILLED! And we got a photo of the team with him too! Another thing on one of our LA trips was how hard the players played Vs Mater Dei who had 5 D1 recruits starting, we lost 104-99, but we had 22 3's and our players still talk about playing that team!

 

My point is, you have to be in it for the kids!

I won't be able to name all our former players, but players like Zach Perkins from Ryle, whoever has seen him plays knows this kid never stops on the court, and you can tell he LOVES to play! If a player is like him, or near him in enthusiasm and love for the game they should play in the off season! He did a great job for us the last time we went to LA two summers ago, got exposure and a lot of experience, and had a great time as well!

Wrong...bottom line is its good for high school players because it puts them on the court against good competition where they have the opportunity to get better and work at their game.

 

Too many kids don't work at their game during off season and never get better. AAU give kids THE CHANCE to get better, even if its just a little bit.

 

I think the kids got better in the summer when they played at the parks and playgrounds with older players who would take the time to help them. I've coached kids that would work on their game every day, doing ball handling drills and ect. then go to park and play until bed time. They improved their games more that way, than the would have playing AAU where everyone is trying to win.