A Note to Parents and Athletes Regarding AAU Basketball
As you are aware, the culture of basketball has changed, some for the good, some bad, however, the one thing that we all have fallen into is the mentality of winning something. Whether it is a gold medal around your neck, or a trophy that you can raise above your head for all to see, you are a champion in that moment.
Here is the question that I want to ask all of you...Is that all we are looking for? Winners are not defined by $3 gold medals. Now do not misunderstand what is being said here, it is okay to live in that moment of achievement, however, the goal of playing this sport must have a bigger mentality within not just the player, but also for the parents involvement.
For those that do not understand what AAU basketball is about, here is the simple definition of it: AAU basketball is an avenue where College/University coaches, assistant coaches, and scouts can come out to see talented boys and girls from all walks of life play higher end basketball for the purpose of recruiting them to their schools. AAU basketball, if done correctly by a basketball program, shapes your child to be ready for that opportunity. How does an AAU program shape your child?
Here is how:
- Exposing your child's weakness in his/her game and making them stronger
- Keeping up with the child's education, making sure his/her GPA is high enough to qualify to play for any College/University.
- Continuous conversations with parents and players on opportunities that may be great avenues for your child to thrive in(Camps, College visits, etc.)
- Making sure he/she has a voice, getting them out of the mindset of being timid.
- Following the player on their social media sites making sure nothing negative is posted by them, or anyone else that tags them into negative atmospheres.
- Promoting players to College/University coaches, assistant coaches, and scouts with videos, bio, GPAs with the hopes that out of the thousands of kids they see or hear about, they take interest in yours.
The things that I listed above, and that is just a few things, trust me there is more, do we really want to end with just a $3 gold medal or trophy mentality? The thought process must change, for the betterment of all involved in AAU basketball, or any AAU sport, in my humble opinion. The idea of children, parents are at fault as well, of jumping from team to team to find a winning team, does not help the process of shaping your child, as a matter of fact, it hurts them.
It does not teach your child loyalty to his/her team, and accountability. This is a growing trend in AAU basketball that needs to stop! If you cannot fight through hard times, would you rather run? Life lessons come from trials and tribulations...This is why I always say "You don't lose, you learn!"
A current team of mind went through losing a few games. Of course with that naturally comes the mindset of saying "he is not doing this or that!" My coaches are spot on with my mentality that we teach everyday...it is so easy to talk negatively about somebody else's flaws, but you don't realize at that moment you are not holding yourself accountable to help and encourage your teammate!
We played a scrimmage and were down 14 points at half, then something clicked! The philosophy we kept pushing and pushing surfaced, and they went on to a 14 point comeback, adding 15 points to win the game...together! Learning this mentality just doesn't happen overnight, it takes everyone to buy in and dig deep within themselves to play as a team!
So in closing...we all can make the AAU basketball world a much better place for our children, if we all just remember the purpose of why your children play in this sport. It is never too late to change your mentality of the "$3 gold metal."
Are you ready to take accountability and start?
Coach Zoe "Z" Smallwood