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AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is a competitive and popular form of youth basketball that has gained a reputation as a potential stepping stone to college basketball. With its focus on tournaments and playing multiple games in a short period, AAU basketball provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and impress college coaches. However, it has also faced criticism for its impact on high school basketball, with some arguing that it devalues the importance of winning and team development. The relationship between AAU and high school basketball is complex, and while they may seem incompatible, they can complement each other when utilised correctly, benefiting players' recruitment prospects and overall development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| AAU Basketball Season | March-October, with a focus on April-July |
| AAU Basketball Nationals | Start at 7 & Under category and go up to late teens |
| AAU Basketball Cost | $100-$700 per team per tournament |
| AAU Basketball Membership Cost | $20 or $22 annually |
| AAU Tryouts Cost | $25 (guideline) |
| AAU Basketball Focus | Weekend tournaments, with 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays |
| AAU Basketball Players | Tend not to be ranked |
| AAU Basketball and High School Basketball | Can complement each other and boost recruitment |
| AAU Basketball and College Basketball | Provides exposure to college coaches and preparation for college basketball |
| AAU Basketball and Scandals | Several high-profile coaches and players have voiced their dislike for AAU basketball |
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What You'll Learn
AAU basketball's impact on high school recruitment
AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, basketball has become a dominant form of development for players in their teenage years. The AAU was founded in 1888 to standardise and unify amateur sports in the US. AAU basketball is played throughout the year, but its main season is from February to July, with a focus on April to July, immediately following the high school basketball season. AAU basketball is open to players of all ages, with the elementary and middle school season running from March to late June, and the high school season from March to July, with a break in June. AAU teams play 3-5 games on weekends, with some teams playing up to 8 games.
AAU basketball has been criticised for its focus on winning, with little practice time, and for being influenced by major shoe companies. There have been several scandals involving AAU basketball, and some players have lost their eligibility to play in high school or college due to dealings with advisors. However, AAU basketball can provide an avenue for players to be recruited by top basketball colleges, as college coaches are able to scout during the off-season. AAU basketball can also help players develop their skills independently, and the tournaments allow college coaches to see a lot of good players in multiple games over a single weekend.
AAU basketball is seen by some as an opponent of high school basketball, but the two can be complementary. The structure of high school basketball is more similar to college basketball, but AAU basketball can expose players to a higher level of competition and help them stand out to college coaches. AAU basketball can also provide an alternative pathway to the Junior Basketball Association for players who want a non-college option.
For players hoping to transition to college basketball, it is important to be proactive in the recruiting process, which should start in their freshman year of high school. This includes reaching out to college coaches, creating highlight videos, and collecting player bios. AAU coaches can also play an important role in helping players with their college recruitment, and some AAU programs have a history of sending players to college.
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AAU vs high school basketball structure
AAU, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is often seen as an opponent of high school basketball. However, the two can complement each other and even boost recruitment when used together. AAU basketball has replaced high school basketball as the dominant form of development in the teen years.
The structure of AAU basketball can be seen as the opposite of high school basketball. AAU teams usually play 4-8 games over a weekend, so the games are more tightly packed than in high school. There is also very little practice time in AAU, with teams sometimes playing up to four games in a single day. The focus of AAU basketball is generally on weekend tournaments, with teams playing around 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays. AAU basketball players tend not to be ranked, but rankings of the top high school players are often quite helpful as many, if not all, will also play on AAU basketball squads. AAU basketball gained popularity in the 1980s when Sonny Vaccaro and Phil Knight signed AAU coaches and college coaches to shoe contracts, ensuring that specific AAU programs and major basketball programs would be wearing their shoes.
In contrast, high school basketball teams practice almost every day and only play one or two games per week. High school teams also typically have multiple offenses, defenses, out-of-bounds plays, etc. They also often scout their opponents and put together reports, which can involve watching film of the other team. Because of these similarities to the college level, college coaches want and need to see how potential recruits function and play in this environment.
AAU basketball can be a good way to get exposure and impress college coaches. AAU tournaments during the NCAA live periods get hundreds of college coaches to watch because they are able to see a lot of good players over a single weekend and see those players in multiple games. AAU basketball can also provide some of the best competition, preparing players for college basketball and exposing their skills to college coaches.
However, some believe that high school basketball has an edge over AAU because of its structure and simplicity. The structure of high school basketball is much more similar to college basketball than AAU, which can be beneficial for recruitment.
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AAU basketball scandals
AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, basketball has been at the centre of several scandals over the years. The organisation has been blamed for the inconsistencies that are now a part of high school and college basketball.
AAU basketball has been criticised for its focus on shoe contracts, rankings, and marketing brand image, rather than the development of players. This has led to talented youth players losing their eligibility to play in high school or college due to their dealings with advisors and agents.
There have been several high-profile coaches and players who have voiced their dislike for AAU basketball. Kevin Garnett, for example, reflected on his passion for the game, which he feels has been "killed" by AAU basketball, as it has created "entitled kids". Kobe Bryant also criticised AAU basketball for failing to teach players the fundamentals of the game.
AAU basketball has also been implicated in several corruption scandals, including the 2017-2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal. This scandal involved sportswear manufacturer Adidas, as well as several college basketball programs associated with the brand, and resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals on various corruption and fraud charges, including bribery, money laundering, and wire fraud. The scandal also implicated several universities, including Louisville, Miami, and Kansas.
Another scandal involved Myron Piggie, the self-proclaimed "Godfather of AAU", who went to prison for paying young athletes to play on his team. Piggie was accused of jeopardising the amateur status of five of his players by providing them with extra cash. This shook up college basketball and led to federal prosecutors portraying Piggie as the public face of corruption in college basketball.
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AAU basketball's role in player development
AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, basketball has become the dominant form of basketball development during the teenage years, replacing high school basketball. AAU basketball provides a platform for young athletes to develop and showcase their talent, connecting them with college programs and coaches. AAU basketball has gained popularity due to its focus on youth basketball and its ability to attract major shoe companies.
AAU basketball offers several benefits that contribute to player development. Firstly, it provides athletes with access to advanced coaching. Many AAU coaches have extensive basketball backgrounds and can offer specialized training and techniques that may not be available through school programs. This allows players to benefit from their coaches' knowledge and expertise, helping them improve their skills and reach their full potential.
Secondly, AAU basketball exposes players to a higher level of competition. By competing against top-tier talent from different regions, athletes can sharpen their skills, gain valuable experience, and improve their performance. This exposure to high-stakes situations prepares them for future challenges, whether in college or beyond. The competitive landscape of AAU basketball also teaches players important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and time management.
AAU basketball also plays a crucial role in college recruitment. College coaches actively attend AAU tournaments to identify potential recruits and assess their skills. The more competitive the tournament, the more likely it will catch a coach's attention. AAU basketball provides a platform for players to showcase their abilities and make a lasting impression on recruiters, increasing their chances of being noticed by college programs.
However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. One of the cons of AAU basketball is the lack of focus on fundamental skill development. The emphasis on competitive games might overshadow the teaching of basic skills, which is essential for building a strong foundation as a player. Additionally, some AAU teams may not offer sufficient practice time, and the constant focus on winning can detract from player development.
Despite these potential drawbacks, AAU basketball plays a significant role in player development by exposing athletes to advanced coaching, competitive environments, and college recruitment opportunities. It offers a platform for young players to develop their skills, gain experience, and showcase their talent to take their basketball careers to the next level.
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AAU basketball's relationship with high schools
AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is often seen as an opponent of high school basketball. However, the two can complement each other and even boost recruitment chances when done right. AAU basketball is played throughout the year, with the main season running from February to July, immediately following the high school basketball season. This timing allows college coaches to scout and recruit players during their off-season.
AAU basketball has gained a reputation as a dominant form of development for teenagers, with some high-profile coaches and players voicing their dislike. The AAU structure is criticised for its focus on winning, with teams playing multiple games on a single day and rarely holding practices. However, it provides an opportunity for players to work on their skills independently during the high school off-season. AAU tournaments attract college coaches who can evaluate a large number of players in a single weekend.
AAU basketball is open to players of all ages, with the elementary and middle school season running from March to June, and high school players joining in March and playing through July, with a break in June. The cost of AAU basketball membership is $20 or $22 annually, with tryouts incurring an additional cost of around $25.
AAU basketball is a great avenue for players with aspirations to play in college. It provides exposure to college coaches and offers a higher level of competition. However, players and parents should be proactive in the college recruitment process, as it is not something that will simply "come to them". AAU teams may or may not travel, but for high school players, travel is often necessary for college recruiting purposes, as only certain tournaments are certified for college coaches to evaluate players.
AAU basketball has its pros and cons, but it can coexist with high school basketball and even enhance a player's development and recruitment chances when utilised effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union. It is a form of club or travel basketball that is played outside of school teams. The AAU was founded in 1888 to standardise amateur sports in the US and work with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games.
AAU basketball and high school basketball are often seen as incompatible, with AAU taking the blame for inconsistencies in the high school basketball landscape. However, they can complement each other and boost recruitment. AAU basketball is played during the high school off-season, allowing players to improve their skills and be scouted by college coaches.
AAU basketball is a great way for players to compete against the best, impress college coaches, and gain exposure. AAU tournaments attract hundreds of college coaches, allowing them to see a lot of good players in multiple games over a single weekend.
