AAU basketball is often called the Wild West and in this episode, we break down exactly why!

🏀I sat down with AAU Director Joey Simmons to expose the harsh realities of AAU basketball, including:

- Why the lack of regulation creates chaos for parents and players.

- How to choose the right AAU team and avoid getting lost in the system.

- The difference between getting exposure vs. being exposed in front of coaches.

- What parents need to do to help their athletes get recruited the RIGHT way.

🚨 “Basketball isn’t governed by anybody... that’s why it’s the wild, wild West.” – Joey Simmons

If you’re a basketball parent trying to navigate AAU, this episode is a must-watch!

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and learn how to guide your athlete through the recruiting process.

About the Guest(s):

Joey Simmons is a legendary figure in grassroots girls' basketball, renowned for his extensive experience and leadership.

He is the founder of Attack Grassroots Sports (Texas Elite and Team Lex) and runs Joey Simmons Player Services, helping athletes secure college basketball opportunities.

As an AAU coach, director, and tournament organizer, Joey has significantly contributed to the development of young athletes.

Episode Summary:

Join host Ashley Roberts in an in-depth conversation with Joey Simmons, a leading voice in girls’ grassroots basketball. This episode covers the chaotic landscape of AAU basketball, offering essential advice for parents and players navigating recruitment.

Joey shares how to market young athletes to colleges, select the right tournaments, and avoid the trap of over exposure.

Listeners will gain insights into the evolving recruiting landscape, including the impact of the transfer portal, JUCO rule changes, and how circuits like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour shape player development.

Key Takeaways:

- Exposure vs. Being Exposed: Focus on strategic tournament choices that match your athlete’s skill level.

- Parental Involvement Matters: Parents must take an active role in recruitment and communicate directly with coaches.

- New Recruiting Challenges: Learn how transfer portal and JUCO rule changes affect high school recruitment.

- Foundation First: Building basketball fundamentals from a young age ensures long-term success.

- Set Realistic Goals: Honest assessments of skill level lead to better recruitment decisions.

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About the Guest(s):

Mariqus Alexander is a seasoned basketball coach and entrepreneur with extensive experience in youth and college basketball.

Over the past 15 years, Mariqus has mentored and guided more than 120 students to pursue college basketball careers at various levels.

He has also been actively involved in AAU basketball, collaborating with renowned trainers and forming significant partnerships.

Mariqus has contributed greatly to the development of fundamental skills among young athletes and emphasizes positive sportsmanship on and off the court.

Episode Summary:

Today, we dive into the world of youth basketball with Coach Mariqus Alexander, who shares invaluable advice for parents navigating the complex landscape of AAU basketball and college recruiting.

Coach Mariqus opens up about his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals, positive reinforcement, and strategic career planning to ensure young athletes achieve their basketball dreams.

Throughout the episode, we explore the evolving dynamics of AAU basketball, especially how changes in the recruiting scene have impacted players' exposure opportunities.

Mariqus also highlights the significance of small, focused events like the SwipaLeague that offer better visibility for players compared to larger tournaments that might dilute individual chances for recognition.

Key Takeaways:

• Emphasize fundamental training and positive sportsmanship to enhance skills and opportunities for basketball careers.

• Assess and select AAU teams based on their alignment with a player's fit, development needs, and long-term goals.

• Strategic participation in smaller showcase events can provide better visibility for aspiring college athletes.

• Understand the current dynamics in college recruiting, including the importance of matching player skills with collegiate systems.

• Utilize various evaluation services and camp opportunities to gain a realistic understanding of a player's skill level and potential college fit.

  
  

  
  

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About the Guest(s):

Brittany Christian is an experienced basketball coach and a former player who has transitioned to become a key figure in the junior college (JUCO) basketball community.

Currently positioned at Paris Junior College, Coach Brittany, or "BC" as she is commonly addressed by her players and peers, has been pivotal in developing young athletes.

Her coaching approach emphasizes skill development, leadership, and personal growth, consistently contributing to the evolving landscape of JUCO basketball.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the "It's Just Different" podcast, host Ashley Roberts delves into the world of junior college basketball with guest Brittany Christian, a seasoned coach at Paris Junior College.

The discussion explores the evolving perceptions of JUCO, highlighting the valuable opportunities it offers to athletes seeking development and exposure, as opposed to the traditional Division 1 path that might not always be a fit for every player.

The episode reveals critical insights about the recruitment process, the importance of asking the right questions, and how social media plays a role in collegiate athletics today.

Coach Brittany emphasizes the significance of personalized development plans and maintaining recruitable profiles. She passionately discusses the mental and character-building aspects required of athletes who aim to grow beyond just technical and gameplay skills.

The conversation further touches on the competitive nature of Region 14 in JUCO basketball and the community culture within.

Key Takeaways:

• JUCO offers significant opportunities for player development, enabling athletes to keep their recruitment options open while gaining valuable playing time.

• Understanding the business side of athletic decisions is crucial for both players and their parents, involving careful questioning of development plans and potential fit within a program.

• Social media is a critical tool for athletes’ exposure, and maintaining an accessible and curated profile can aid in being noticed by recruiters.

• Region 14 is noted for its competitive environment, with a solid community of coaches and players committed to collective success.

• Emotional resilience and adaptability are essential traits for athletes, emphasizing the need to learn how to handle challenging situations and grow from them.

Looking for a community of like minded parents growing, learning and celebrating each other? Join the Different Community. Check it out below.

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Subscribe to Its Just Different Youtube

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Ashley on IG: @‌_thisisashleyr

Its Just Different: @‌itsjustdifferentpod