Ayrton Oneill
AAU basketball, or the Amateur Athletic Union, was founded in 1888 and has since become a staple of youth basketball opportunities, with close to 50% of its 1.1 million memberships being for basketball. AAU basketball gained popularity in the 1980s, with membership growth and youth basketball being a significant reason for its rise. AAU basketball has produced some of the most famous NBA players, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal. AAU basketball's influence on the game's young prospects and its heavy influence on college recruiting have made it a popular avenue for scouts and coaches to uncover new talent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of formation | 1888 |
| Reason for formation | To establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports |
| Sports administered | 32 |
| Most popular sport | Basketball |
| Percentage of basketball players | 50% |
| Number of basketball players | 1.1 million |
| Cost of membership | $12 |
| Number of coaches | 40,000 |
| Growth in membership | Through the 1980s |
| Number of age group national championships in 1989 | 13 |
| Year women were allowed to compete in basketball | 1923 |
| Year of first women's basketball tournament | 1926 |
| Year AAU youth basketball became the most popular sport | 1970s |
| Number of participants in AAU events | 900,000 |
| Number of volunteers | 100,000 |
| Number of sports programs | 50+ |
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What You'll Learn
AAU basketball's popularity grew in the 1980s
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. AAU basketball has been popular since the late nineteenth century when it served as America's training ground for athletes preparing for international competition. However, AAU basketball's popularity grew in the 1980s, with a sharper focus and tremendous growth on the horizon. AAU's influence as an amateur basketball association continued to grow, and by the 2008 and 2009 NBA drafts, many of the players selected were AAU alumni.
AAU basketball's popularity in the 1980s can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the restructuring of the NCAA recruiting calendar emphasized summer basketball over traditional high school basketball, which brought attention to summer hoops. This led to the proliferation of non-AAU summer tournaments across the country, and AAU tournaments like the Super Showcase became evaluation windows for college coaches. The low cost of AAU membership, at only $12 per year, also likely contributed to its popularity.
Additionally, AAU basketball's structure and nationwide reach made it an efficient platform for college coaches to scout young players. AAU tournaments allowed coaches to see a large number of players from across the country in one place, making the recruiting process time-efficient and cost-effective. AAU also allowed players to build portfolios and present recruiters with uncut footage, showcasing their talents and play styles.
The popularity of AAU basketball in the 1980s was further influenced by its association with famous athletes. Most Olympians before the mid-1970s came through the AAU for their vital training, including Bruce Jenner, who won a gold medal in the 1976 decathlon. AAU basketball has also groomed some of the most famous NBA players, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and Allen Iverson.
Today, AAU basketball continues to be popular, with close to 50% of its more than 1.1 million memberships being for basketball. AAU basketball has left a lasting legacy on the sport, and its influence on the college basketball recruiting landscape cannot be overstated.
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The AAU's first National Men's Basketball Championship was in 1897
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. It was formed by members of the National Association of Amateur Athletes of America (NAAAA) who were unhappy with the way things were going. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games and served as a leader in international sports representing the U.S. in the international sports federations.
In 1897, the AAU held its first National Men's Basketball Championship, which was won by the 23rd Street YMCA from New York City. The AAU's first National Men's Basketball Championship was a significant milestone in the history of the organization and the sport of basketball in the United States. It marked the beginning of the AAU's involvement in basketball, which would become its most popular sport.
The AAU continued to grow and expand its influence in the years following the first National Men's Basketball Championship. The organization worked closely with the Olympic movement and played a crucial role in training athletes for international competitions, including the Olympics. By the 1920s, the AAU allowed women to compete in most sports, including basketball, and held its first women's basketball tournament in 1926.
The AAU's basketball program gained prominence over the years, and by the 1980s, it experienced tremendous growth, especially in youth basketball. The AAU provided opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at a high level. Many well-known NBA players, such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade, participated in the AAU's basketball programs during their youth.
Today, the AAU continues to be a prominent organization in amateur sports, with basketball as its most popular offering. The AAU administers various sports programs and championships, promoting sports participation and youth development across the United States.
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AAU basketball is popular for youth training
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. AAU basketball has become increasingly popular for youth training for several reasons. Firstly, AAU provides a platform for young players to compete and showcase their talents on a national stage, attracting the attention of college scouts and coaches. The AAU conducts national championships and tournaments, such as the AAU Junior Olympic Games, which offer a showcase event for youth athletes. This exposure has made AAU a hub for schools and colleges looking to recruit talented players.
Secondly, AAU basketball gained popularity due to its focus on youth development and the availability of teams across the country. With a low annual cost, AAU basketball is accessible to many young athletes. AAU teams are abundant, often with 20 or more teams in a major city, providing ample opportunities for players to join and develop their skills. AAU also allows players to build portfolios and present recruiters with uncut footage, showcasing their talents and potential.
AAU basketball's influence on the game's young prospects has been significant. AAU alumni have gone on to dominate NBA drafts, with 12 out of the top 13 draft picks in 2009 having played in the AAU boys' basketball league. Notable NBA players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade have come through the AAU system. AAU's impact on the college basketball recruiting landscape has also been substantial, with college coaches relying heavily on AAU tournaments to identify and recruit talented players efficiently.
However, AAU basketball has faced some criticism. Some argue that it prioritizes individual performance over team play, with players changing teams frequently and a focus on showcasing talent rather than developing fundamental skills. Despite this criticism, AAU basketball continues to be a popular and influential platform for youth athletes looking to develop their basketball skills and pursue opportunities at the collegiate and professional levels.
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AAU basketball has been criticised by some NBA coaches
AAU basketball has been a popular avenue for youth basketball players since the 1980s. AAU stands for the Amateur Athletic Union, which was formed in 1888. AAU basketball has been criticised by some NBA coaches and players, despite its popularity and the success of its alumni.
NBA players such as Kobe Bryant and Steve Kerr have been vocal critics of the AAU. Bryant, who played in Italy as a child due to his father's career, has stated that the AAU treats players "like cash cows for everyone to profit off". He also criticised the lack of focus on fundamentals, such as teaching players how to post. Steve Kerr shares this view, stating that the AAU's structure devalues winning, with players often competing in multiple games a day, sometimes for different teams. Kerr also believes that the AAU's format hinders players' ability to develop as part of a team.
AAU basketball has also been criticised for its lack of structure and coaching standards. There is no formal process for becoming an AAU coach, which has led to concerns about the quality of coaching and the potential for players to develop bad habits. The AAU's focus on individual talent over team play has also been criticised, with some arguing that it fails to teach players the fundamentals of the game and prioritises offence over defence.
The AAU's influence on players' physical development has also been questioned. The high volume of games played in a short period, sometimes for multiple teams, has led to concerns about the impact on players' bodies, with some reporting injuries as a result. The AAU has also been criticised for becoming increasingly elitist and expensive, making it less accessible to those who cannot afford the financial and time commitment required.
Despite these criticisms, there are also positive aspects to AAU basketball. It provides players with diverse learning experiences, the opportunity to build relationships and travel, and the ability to learn from different coaches. AAU teams are widespread, with many teams in major cities, making it accessible to a large number of players. However, critics argue that changes are needed to address the long-term issues that can impact players' development and well-being.
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AAU basketball has been influential in the college basketball recruiting landscape
The influence of AAU basketball on college recruiting began to grow in the 1980s. The restructuring of the NCAA recruiting calendar emphasized summer basketball, which brought attention to AAU summer tournaments. AAU tournaments became popular evaluation windows for college coaches looking for potential recruits. The massive number of teams and players in AAU basketball allows college scouts to efficiently evaluate a large number of potential recruits in a short amount of time. AAU basketball also allows players to build portfolios and present recruiters with uncut footage, which can be easily shared online. This helps college coaches find recruits that best fit their programs based on their unique talents and play styles.
The popularity of AAU basketball continued to grow in the late 2000s and early 2010s through effective marketing strategies. AAU basketball's influence on college recruiting was further enhanced by the large number of teams and players it attracted. AAU tournaments became a hotspot for college scouts looking for new talent, as they provided an opportunity to evaluate players from across the country in one location. AAU basketball's structure, with its numerous teams and players, also contributed to its influence on college recruiting. The high level of competition and exposure allowed scouts to efficiently identify and recruit talented players.
AAU basketball has become an integral part of the college basketball recruiting process. College coaches and scouts rely on AAU tournaments to discover and evaluate potential recruits. The efficiency and convenience of AAU basketball make it a popular avenue for college recruiting. AAU basketball's influence on the college basketball recruiting landscape is expected to continue in the future as it remains a popular platform for young players to showcase their talents and pursue their basketball dreams. AAU basketball has become a stepping stone for many young athletes on their journey to college basketball and potentially even the NBA.
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Frequently asked questions
AAU basketball started gaining popularity in the 1980s, with membership growth driven largely by youth basketball. AAU basketball reached new heights in the late 2000s and early 2010s through marketing.
AAU basketball is known for its influence on the game's young prospects and its role in college basketball recruiting. AAU provides a platform for players to build portfolios and showcase their talents to college coaches and recruiters.
AAU basketball has been criticized for its structure, which some believe devalues winning. AAU tournaments are known for hosting multiple games per day, sometimes resulting in players changing teams within the same day.
AAU basketball has produced many notable NBA players, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, and Dwayne Wade. AAU alumni have also dominated NBA draft picks, with 12 out of the top 13 draft picks in 2009 coming from AAU basketball.
