This is the best article I have ever read on AAU Basketball every parent should read it before signing up their son or daughter to an AAU team!!!
AAU…MY ADVICE TO PLAYERS AND PARENTS
by
Tiny Green
The AAU season is officially here and I want to pass along SOME advice to everyone. First let me say this; my background allows me to discuss this topic as well as anyone. I have been at all 3 level of college basketball. Not only have I coached at the D3, D2 and D1 levels. I know am one of a few people that can say they been to the NCAA at all 3 levels and has had players drafted into the NBA at all three levels. Next my daughter went thought the recruiting process and I myself was somebody that did the recruiting . Next I have more contact with college coaches than most people. So I consider myself some what knowledgeable regarding AAU basketball as a player, recruiter and parent. I have been on all sides and have a full understanding of how the process works.
So here is my first bit of advice.
D0 WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU ALWAYS. If you are a parent let me tell you something from real experience. No matter how good you think your AAU situation is, there is zero loyalty from anyone. Coaches, players, parents and organizations too many times have been disrespected and wronged by the “other side of the street is greener” Coaches of AAU teams know if they are too honest it creates problems, and the parents get angry when coaches are not honest. It’s not the way it should be, but that’s the way it is; and its the worst catch 22 possible. I have seen players change teams in the middle of a AAU season. I have seen kids quit teams before the start of the recruiting season, sadly leaving coaches and players scrambling. I have seen parents pressure AAU coaches and worst encourage there kids to play selfless. The bottom line is try and find a good group of kids and parents but understand…do not expect loyalty!
Finally my last bit of advice regarding AAU. The high school season and AAU season overlap in June, make sure that your AAU and your high school coach are on the same page. Because the politics of this can be horrible unless your player is a star. The high school coach makes it seem if you child doesn’t show up they are doomed. Every 8th grader is scared to death to miss summer workouts. The AAU coach reminds you July is around the corner, meaning you better not miss practice. Here are the REAL facts, everyone will find the High School summer practices will have zero effect on there up and coming season.
The best players are going to play regardless of how anyone did in the summer. So do what you think will improve your child the most. AAU is about control, many coaches want to tell you who to train with, where and when your child should play.
Some people say AAU should never trump high school because it resembles college more and kids are held more accountable…I say sometimes that is true and sometimes its not. I’m not talking about just basketball. I also say despite what your high school or AAU coach says or does….
DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD. Make the choice you know is in your child’s best interest, that choice may have to be a political one or an athletic one. But if you are fearful of these people your in trouble one way or another. Often the disagreements in the high school and AAU world is nothing more than a pissing match, that has nothing to do with your child.
Be sure to promote your child every chance you get. Make sure that your child is always healthy and I wish everyone the best of luck..