HoopsinHotlantaIs AAU basketball really helping our kids?
Link: www.doctorhoops.com
I am asking this question because I attend a lot of AAU tournaments and events and I just see a lot of mediocre basketball both on the boys and girls side. Anyone that has grown up playing should know what I am talking about. Some of these kids don’t know any fundamentals at the 17 and under age group. Aren’t these kids’ seniors in high school and below?Some of the high school and college coaches that I speak to on a regular basis tell me that the AAU coaches don’t teach these kids any fundamentals. “They just let them play” is what they tell me. Personally, I agree. AAU has in a lot of ways has become a business with all these tournaments and sponsorships involved. Parents are paying hundreds of dollars for their kids to play on these teams for what? A chance for their kids to get seen by colleges? The really good teams have a good starting 5 and the rest of the kids barely play unless there is a blowout.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against AAU basketball in any way, shape, or form. I grew up playing AAU basketball myself and it was great, but it just seems like such a racket now. If someone wants to coach AAU then they should know something about the sport and be able to help these kids get better as players. Don’t just do it for personal or financial gain. Too many other people are gaining from AAU basketball besides the kids.
Orble Sport Blog