Under 16: Prioritize Development Over Exposure
At this stage, your focus should be on building a strong foundation:
- Sharpening fundamentals
- Improving your shot
- Tightening your handle
- Developing basketball IQ
College coaches rarely scout middle schoolers and freshmen. Instead of expensive AAU and travel, prioritize live game experience to apply your training through:
- Local leagues
- Competitive pickup games
- Rec or adult leagues (playing against stronger, older players)
Save your time and money for consistent workouts, not long car rides.
The Real Trade-Off of AAU: Time and Opportunity
If you’re over 16, not actively being recruited, and traveling long distances for AAU, consider what you’re sacrificing:
- Time: That could be used for training, lifting, rest, and film study.
- Money: AAU programs are costly, and the return isn’t always there.
Think about it: each tournament weekend can cost you 2-3 days of crucial development time. If you’re training 7 days a week and add practices and tournaments, your individual training can drop significantly.
If you’re 14 and only training 2-3 days a week, you’ll struggle to build a high-level foundation. Imagine a classmate training 6-7 days a week – who will improve faster?
16+ and Seeking Recruitment
AAU can be a necessary avenue for exposure at this age. Coaches do attend events, and tournaments can lead to opportunities, especially against strong competition.
Crucially, don’t let AAU hinder your development.
If you’re serious about being recruited:
- Maintain a 5-6 day/week training schedule.
- Continue strength and conditioning.
- Prioritize recovery.
Remember: it’s better to play at a slightly lower level with strong fundamentals than be overexposed but underdeveloped.
Exposure Requires Promotion
Playing well isn’t enough; you need to be seen.
- Share your highlights.
- Upload full games.
- Contact coaches directly.
- Be realistic about your level and target schools.
The Sacred Off-Season
Don’t waste this crucial time traveling. The off-season is for significant growth:
- Work on weaknesses in pickup.
- Practice new skills.
- Challenge yourself defensively.
There are no downsides to expanding your game now. The only mistake is inaction.
Investing Time and Money Wisely
Time Investment: Focus on the court, the weight room, and film study. Driving hours for a tournament with no scouts and no clear role at 14 offers a low return. The calculus changes at 17 playing in front of many college coaches.
Money Investment: Understand that AAU is a business, often prioritizing profit and status over individual player development. They might limit your role to win games, similar to school ball, potentially hindering your overall growth.
Before committing, ask: “Will this help me grow, or just help them win?”
Final Thought: Prioritize Your Growth
The off-season is for investing in your future. If AAU aligns with that, great. But for most:
- Focus on consistent training.
- Play meaningful games.
- Seek coaches who prioritize your development.
- Vary your competition to foster growth.