Sonya Elliott AAU 1984
My kids are playing AAU basketball this spring (and so are some of the players I coach.) When I was young I played on several teams that gave me the opportunity to travel and compete. Back in the 80’s we didn’t pay-to-play but we had to raise our own money to travel. All the bake sales and car washes were worth every minute for the chance to go to Nationals. And playing in those tournaments gave me the opportunity to compete with the best.
Over the years as a coach I have witnessed both good and bad when it comes to AAU programs. Players can learn bad habits or come back to their high school teams at a higher level. It is what they make of it. Unfortunately, some parents, and players, believe that playing AAU will be their road to the promised land. A Full-Ride Division 1 scholarship. They spend money on AAU so their child can be seen by college coaches (money that could be used to pay for college itself) thinking the experience is a guarantee to play at the next level. There are no guarantees. There is only hard work, determination, and a little luck. (And don’t forget good grades)
Play AAU because you love to play, work to better your game, have fun and if you are lucky you will find the promised land.
Wise words, thanks for posting.