The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States. It targets the promotion and development of athletes. Many athletes believe this to be a great way to develop new skill and promote themselves to college coaches. AAU provides opportunity for basketball athletes to play all year round. With that being communicated, does this organization actually help future basketball player’s development?
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“Horrible” and “terrible” are the words used by five-time NBA world champion Kobe Bryant to describe AAU basketball and the effect it has on American basketball players in their future. Bryant believes that European players are taught more fundamentals than Americans that participate in the AAU system. With his astounding resume and success Kobe Bryant has accomplished in his twenty year career, anything that comes out of his mouth is given the instant attention and respect. Due to his credibility and overall success with the game of basketball, does this means he is correct in his assumption? Bryant’s focal point in his argument targeted the amount of games with little to no instruction. While I am a firm believer that the more you play or practice the better the player will get. Bryant believes that the AAU organization is to concern with the wins and loses column and fundamentals are being overlooked. From the recent play of successful European players in the NBA, Bryant’s argument is slightly accurate. AAU does provide the opportunity for players to participate in more games than the average high school basketball player. With more games available, Bryant feels that the fundamentals are being deprived from the athletes. “Fewer games and more instruction” Bryant stated.
Here is a list of the pros and cons of AAU Basketball:
PROS:
· Great experience
· Player development
· Opportunity to play
CONS:
· Star Driven- No team concept
· Winning is the main focal point
· Coaches are not certified
Markazi, Mark. (2015). European players more skillful. Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12114523/kobe-bryant-says-european-players-more-skilled-americans-blames-aau
Parrish, G. (2016). Kobe is right in some ways, wrong in others about AAU basketball. Retrieved from http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24933438/kobe-is-right-in-some-ways-wrong-in-others-about-aau-basketball
Done with Edits-- madhur
Although AAU provides a great opportunity for many players to showcase their talent and skills to help further their basketball career, I have to agree with Bryant. Often times (not always) the players develop bad habits early in their game and their attitude that carries over to their game. The team concept of the game is overlooked as the players are looking to gain exposure for themselves.
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