There are some dilemmas going on. We’ve talked about the politics that have invaded sports, especially youth sports. AAU basketball versus training at places like Watts Basketball has been a significant topic, and the landscape has shifted in a way that’s not beneficial. It makes you wonder about the future of the game, especially for American-born basketball players. For the parents out there or aspiring hoopers, here’s why it’s better to choose Watts Basketball over AAU programs or traveling programs, especially in terms of the growth of young basketball players.
Why Watts?
AAU definitely has its purpose, but it’s been watered down, and its true purpose is getting lost. Participating in AAU with the idea that you’ll achieve a specific outcome, like playing college basketball, might actually hinder your chances. It’s like putting the cart before the horse. You can pay to play, get on a plane, and gain some social media attention, but attracting the attention of a college coach is much different than attracting the attention of a camera on the sidelines or a publication.
I remember attending a West Coast Elite top 150 camp, and my son Isaiah made the top 80 All-Star game. I was baffled—how can there be 80 All-Stars? The camp had 400 participants, and they simply divided the top 150 into multiple All-Star games. It’s a different business model, similar to AAU, where development and competition are often secondary to mere acknowledgment and rewards. When kids are acknowledged or rewarded before achieving anything significant, they feel accomplished without having to work for it, which is dangerous.
I’ve had numerous conversations with my son about who to pay attention to and what kind of attention is valuable. One of his worst AAU games in terms of competition had a cameraman capturing highlights, which he later posted on Instagram. Despite the poor competition, he received numerous compliments and his reaction became different. But the reality was that at the actual event, his performance, and the competition were all subpar. This kind of feedback can create a false sense of accomplishment.
It’s crucial to recognize the difference between real development and the mirage of social media fame. For kids without a parent to guide them, who has been through this process, it can be like chasing a mirage in the desert. You think you’re getting nourished, but you end up laid out in the desert, having spent a lot of money and time with little to show for it. Building character and work ethic is more important than achieving fleeting goals.
Thank you for listening to my perspective. I’ve felt this way for a long time and stayed true to it. Scholarships that used to go to local kids are now going to kids from overseas. While we’re busy in tournaments and not investing in our skills, coaches are recruiting internationally. We need to start focusing on our local talent and ensuring that our kids are the ones getting these opportunities.
It’s about the long game, not the short game. Maximizing potential is what you get at Watts Basketball. Let’s make sure we’re investing in our kids’ futures the right way.