Facebook App
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you are aware that Curtis K. Jackson is a frequent contributor. He has a lot to say and he says a lot. But who is Curtis K. Jackson and why are we devoting an entire blog to defining him?
Jackson is a 1983 graduate of South Shore High School in Chicago. He played basketball, dropped out of Iowa Wesleyan after a year-and-a-half, attended a junior college for a year, then decided to get involved in journalism.
"I loved basketball but I loved the issue of basketball, the opportunity that basketball gave a person, to give him exposure and to use it meaningfully for a college education," he said. "I like to cover a game and see a kid who could play at a small college and do a story on him."
Jackson, 44, who lives in Wicker Park, is in the process of working on a manuscript and screen play on a story based in Chicago about a fictional experience of what he has seen in basketball, in his dealings with college coaches and shoe companies, the good, the bad and the ugly of high school and college basketball.
"I want to give parents and kids an idea of what is going on in high school sports," he said. "I want to wake people up to what is going on in reality, what the state of basketball is in high school and college, the business of basketball off the court and how it influences what is going on on the court."
Jackson is a basketball scout. He attends games and reviews film and make recommendations about prospects. Along the way, especially during the AAU season, he observed how the game had turned into a business. Three years ago, he decided he wanted to confront it. Recently, when we wrote about high school coaches who didn't have degrees, it only served to confirm his resolve.
"In the summer of 1989, I was coaching Team Tampa in Florida. What did I see?," Jackson said. "During the course of a sectional tournament, I would see high school coaches on the sideline to support their players on the AAU circuit. But when it came time for college coaches to establish inroads with the kid, instead of dealing with his parents or his high school coach, they dealt with AAU coaches. AAU coaches aren't held to the same criteria as high school coaches. I saw how the game had turned into a business.
"I noticed there was something not right with the affiliation of the shoe companies and AAU and club coaches, how they impacted on kids' lives, more than parents and high school coaches. I wanted to point out why it is important for coaches to have degrees, the influence they have on other people's lives, how they present themselves professionally, the way they dress and carry themselves, the impact it has on a kid, the tone a coach has. Is it positive or negative?"
This isn't a Chicago thing. It could be Atlanta or New York or Detroit or Boston or Philadelphia or Miami or Dallas or Denver or Houston or Los Angeles, even Marietta or Anchorage or Albuquerque or East St. Louis or Peoria or Ocala or Flint or Compton. The trick is for the AAU or club coach to establish ties with a kid with the sole purpose to find the next Michael Jordan or LeBron James or Kobe Bryant and land an endorsement contract. Shoe companies prefer that an AAU coach doesn't have anything to do with a high school coach.
"You aren't supposed to look at athletes in AAU basketball with the idea of getting exposure," Jackson said. "The people who benefit the most aren't the kids but the AAU coaches who use them for scouting or coaching jobs or to sell their programs. Shoe companies go straight to the people who have the most influence with a kid and that has nothing to do with education. He is influenced into thinking that if he plays with a certain AAU coach, he will help him to get to college and the level he aspires to, that he can help him more than his high school coach."
But Jackson said he hasn't given up on the education process. He is close to getting his degree in social work. His son is ready to go to college. His screenplay, entitled "The Shoe Pusher," is completed. He believes former coaches and athletes will resonate with his story.
"You are going to get an inside view of how these relationships develop, how the relationship between a shoe company's marketing director develops with AAU and club coaches and to the local godfathers of basketball in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and how they influence high school coaches and where kids go to school," Jackson said.
"Why is it bad? Because it influences on the recruiting of colleges and their coaches. There is a direct correlation between college coaches, colleges and AAU coaches. The players are inside that triangle. Now AAU coaches are cult figures or godfathers. They have nothing to do with fundamentals of the game or the relationship with a parent. They only represent a free ticket to a kid. They say: 'If you want to be seen, you have to be seen through me.' Kids buy into it. And college coaches have to deal with them."
Jackson said a college coach once said to him: "In order to make it in this business, you have to understand the importance of paying your dues." He meant a coach has to bend without breaking the rules. He can't afford to get caught. But he has to play the game in order to be a part of it.
"The trend has been going on for the last seven years," Jackson said. "Colleges, AAU coaches and shoe companies are linked. They recruit kids through their AAU coaches, the one who has the most influence.
"I am willing to bet that if you look at the three most powerful shoe companies, you would find that they have an average of 10-15 people working in the New York/New Jersey area alone, three in Florida and four or five in Illinois.
"If parents and high school coaches want to get rid of this negative influence, they have to get together and sit down with administrators. It has to start at the grass roots level, on a parental, YMCA and high school level. Or kids will continue to get hurt."
In future blogs, we'll reveal more of Jackson's thoughts.
Cell Phone Alerts
FIRST OF ALL, ALL AAU PROGRAMS AREN'T BAD!
DID YOU SEE THE NICE SHOES THE MCDONALD ALL AMERICANS WERE WEARING YESTERDAY FOR THEIR EVENT, SLAM DUNK, THREE POINT COMPETITION, ALSO YOU DO KNOW THAT MICHAEL JORDAN, YES THAT JORDAN THAT YOU NAMED ABOVE AS AN EXAMPLE, JUST BOUGHT AN NBA TEAM!
STREET AGENTS IS THE NAME YOU WERE LOOKING FOR, THAT IS WHAT GOT TIM FLOYD IN TROUBLE AT SC, BY THE WAY HE JUST RESURFACED AT UTEP!
IF EVERY AAU TEAM RECEIVED THE SAME SHOE DEAL AS THE NEXT ONE, THE PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED, BUT SINCE THE MAJOR AAU PROGRAMS GET SHOES AND UNIFORMS AND PLANE TICKETS TO EACH EVENT, THERE IS ALOT OF HATING GOING AROUND, LETS FACE REALITY, EVERY YOUNGSTER IS NOT A HIGH PROFILE ATHLETE, THE NEXT LEBRON JAMES MAY NOT EVEN BE BORN YET!
THAT IS WHY SOME PEOPLE DON'T LIKE MAC IRVIN, BUT DIDN'T JEREME RICHMOND MAKE IT TO THE MCDONALDS GAME, IF YOU DON'T THINK THE AAU TEAM YOU PLAY ON MAKES A DIFFERENT, WELL I HAVE SOME SWAMP LAND FOR YOU!
AND WHAT AAU TEAM DID RICHMOND PLAY FOR? THE SMART PEOPLE KNOW THE ANSWER!
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS TRYING TO HELP AND CURTIS JACKSON IS TRYING TO HELP, BUT I AM A REALIST, AND I KNOW AAU BALL WILL ALWAYS BE AROUND, SOME HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS CAN'T EVEN FUNCTION IN THE SUMMER BECAUSE OF HOW MANY EVENTS THE COACH CAN DO WITH THEIR TEAMS IN THE SUMMER, AND THEY CAN'T COACH THEIR TEAMS IN THE SUMMER, SO GUESS WHAT, AAU BALL IS MOVING AND GROOVING, FOR THE COACHES WHO REALLY COACH AND HELP A PERSON'S GAME, BRAVO!
TO THE GUYS WHO ROLL OUT THE BALLS AND SIT BACK AND GAWK, SHAME ON YOU, TO CURTIS JACKSON I HOPE YOUR MOVIE MAKES IT, AND THANK YOU FOR CARING ABOUT THE FUTURE, I JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD PROMOTE MORE 3 SPORT ATHLETES, DON'T STOP A YOUNGSTER FROM PLAYING FOOTBALL BEFORE THE BASKETBALL SEASON, AND DON'T STOP HIM FROM RUNNING TRACK OR PLAYING BASEBALL WHEN BASKETBALL SEASON ENDS!
WHETHER YOU ARE FEMALE OR MALE, IF YOU ARE PLAYING MORE THAN ONE SPORT, OR YOU ARE INVOLVED IN THE DEBATE TEAM, CHESS TEAM, MATHLETES, DECATHALON, ACT TEST PREP, AP CLASSES, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, BECAUSE HARD WORK DOES PAYOFF!
ok, phil not to come down on you or nothing but your statement is really really incomphrehensible...
AAU ball has changed the face of HS basketball, is what I think you are saying.
When I went to HS in the late 90's a kid would preform during the HS season and go to "camps" during the summer. That was exposure enough. Then around the early 2000's the game changed and AAU became the way to secure a scholarship.
I tottally agree that kids receive no sort of fundemental development from AAU ball. Its all about the AAU team name and the players playing on that team. Mac Irvin was loaded last year, but every time I saw the teams results they were losing. Which lead me to beleive the kids arent even really being coached. Its more of "hey that kid is playing on Mac Irvin I like him let me go talk to their AAU coach"
If I had a son with offers from major programs you better beleive he wouldnt attend a school coached by Tim Floyd, Calapari, or Pitino.
Id send my kid to a Duke or Illinois where the coaches have said repeatedly they wouldnt bend rules or be grimey. THat has maybe hampered say Bruce Webers recruiting but yet instill good players will still come. Especially if a Jereme RIchmond caliber is enrolling.
So its up to the parents and yet a good HS coach to say "hey you play AAU find and dandy, but look at the big picture dont beleive the hype and go to a good school for the education and the oppurtunity" "Not to secure a NBA contract because out of hundreds of D1 players only 40 are getting their name called in June.
And every player was the best player on their team, or in their conference, or in their county or the top 50 in their state.
HAVE YOU READ THE STORY ABOUT THE 10 YEAR OLD THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED THE BEST 10 YEAR OLD BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY, IT IS IN THE OTHER NEWSPAPER!
THIS STORY IS RIGHT OUT OF RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
HEY CURTIS TELL US WHAT YOU THINK?
Sorry, for not responding as quickly as some of you have come to expect- I just got home off the road, and I wanted to step away from basketball a few days to spend some time with my family before leaving back out friday for Indy.
To: Phil Smith Jr.
Your comments are appreciated, however; I differ from you as to the "need" or "importance" of AAU/ Club basketball, and; how it has on the game as it relates to the mostly predator-like association it has with major shoe companies.
Since the ABCD Camp and Nike Camps went away, the NBA and some of more celebrated players started the "skills camps". Now, the AAU/ Club is influential- in some cases- more so than the above mentioned camps, because; college coaches now have a person(s) whom they can deal with in a "one stop-n-shop" for the better players- the AAU/ Club coach.
The better teams- those with plugged-in coaches/ street agents reign king over the more highly regarded players, are the most coveted by the college coaches (cusses, buyers) and shoe companies (connect). Because, they are the people on the know "street dealers". The influence of AAU/ Club Ball is important, but; mostly to those with the power, not the players.
As for the multiple athlete, those days are all but over, mostly due to the cost of playing those sports- which is usually out of the collective price range of inner city kids.
The most valuable thing one can have or have access to is not money, its information. Your right, I do want to help, but... I want to inform more.
Finally, you asked:
"HAVE YOU READ THE STORY ABOUT THE 10 YEAR OLD THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED THE BEST 10 YEAR OLD BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY, IT IS IN THE OTHER NEWSPAPER!THIS STORY IS RIGHT OUT OF RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!HEY CURTIS TELL US WHAT YOU THINK?"
Phil, I think it is absolutely ridiculous... This so-called declaration is more about the person who supposedly "discovered" this kid, than it is about the kid. Why?
Because, if there is someone out there who really cares about this kid, and; is trying to get this kid focused on the importance of this kid being a good kid, understanding the importance of education, and; remaining focused on improving- their job just became harder, the pressure on this kid just became greater, and; most likely the kid's expectations and entitlement to greatness and the "things" that come with greatness, just became more unrealistic.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
AAU BALL WILL NEVER SECURE A PLAYER AN NBA CONTRACT, NOT THE WAY IT IS SET UP CURRENTLY, NOW YOU HAVE TO GO TO COLLEGE FOR ONE SEASON, I KNOW ABOUT BRANDON JENNINGS AND ITALY, BUT EVEN HE WAS MISERABLE, AND YOU SAW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE YOUNG MAN WHO PLAYED IN ISRAEL THIS SEASON, HE LOST HIS FOCUS, AAU BALL IS A GOLDMINE FOR THE PLAYER THAT HASN'T DECLARED OR THE YOUNGSTER LOOKING TO GO TO A PREP SCHOOL, ONCE YOU HAVE SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE, YOU CAN'T PLAY AAU BALL ANY LONGER!
ALSO CONGRATS TO JAY HARRIS OF OSWEGO ON HIS ORAL COMMIT TO VALPO!
I THINK ALOT OF PEOPLE DETEST AAU BALL BECAUSE OF THE SHOE COMPANIES INVOLVED IN CERTAIN TEAMS!
EVEN FORMER BULL, DICKEY SIMPKINS HAS AN AAU PROGRAM!
MICHAEL FINLEY HAS A PROGRAM, DERRICK ROSE, LEBRON JAMES, AN OTHER PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS!
NO ONE HAS SENT MORE PLAYERS TO THE LEAGUE THAN LARRY BUTLER!
THE ILLINOIS WOLVES ALWAYS ARE WELL REPRESENTED, AND SOME OF THEIR PLAYERS HAVE ATTENDED IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS!
THE PARENTS OF FINAL FOUR- JOHN SCHEYER SAID THAT LARRY BUTLER WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH THEIR SON GOING TO DUKE!
DO YOU LIKE AAU BALL OR DO YOU DISLIKE AAU BALL, LET ME KNOW?
To: Phil Smith Jr.
I'm not clear as to what you would like me to say about AAU/ Club Ball?
I thought, my stance was made clear, AAU/ Club Ball as a whole- today- is more representative of the people who run the teams, than about helping the players that play on those teams.
I mean, seriously... If your generally regarded as major college basketball prospect- top 50 for those who need a ranking- why would you need to play AAU/ Club ball during the summer?
Could'nt you help yourself more, say.improving your readiness for college by attending some academic camps over the summer, working on your physical strength and basketball skills-that need most improving, and working on the offensive moves in "situational play" that will come per the high school offense your respective school runs.
Just rolling out a ball and running-n-gunning during 10-12 summer curcit AAU/ Club Ball tournaments won't help you nearly as much as saving many dollars in cost from the recruiting budgets of big time programs.
Some college coaches refer to these types of tournaments as "slaughterhouse ballin'", I wonder why?
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Interesting topic. It is also interesting to discover Curtis Jackson's background and commitment to kids, not the AAU movement.
I'm afraid that the AAU is here to stay. Does it have to operate the way it does today? I believe that more people like Mr. Jackson can provide great input and hopefully make an impact leading to constructive change. It has been a long time since I played or coached but there were "hanger ons", even then. It's just gotten a lot worse.
Keep up the good work Mr. Jackson! You too Mr. Bell!
To: Jay
I appreciate your words of encouragement, however; my stance is not one often supported by major college coaches or pro organizations. You see, from their point of view- at least this is how I have come to understand it- "if we don't take advantage of this atmosphere, our counterparts will, so what is a coach to do?"
Hmmm... How about doing the right thing, and; don't buy into it.
After carefully reading the article from the “other paper" on this 10 year-old, with the gift from above talent... I don't know, I just really feel for the kid. Because, even though; the Dad said all the "right" things, I just came away with a feeling of hoping someone with no basketball ties steps in provides meaningful counsel to that family. The article published quotes from all of these coaches who have made their “support” of this special kid so heart felt, I nearly began to… laugh hysterically.
The sad thing about this, it seems the father has "seen the light from above", and; has- underneath all “right” words- anointed this kid as being destined for a path of basketball stardom. I have to tell you, the more I read this article- promotional ad- and reviewing the comments from all of the numerous high school coaches, scouts and a 16-year AAU coach, I wonder how this kid really feels about all of this?
I wonder what city high school basketball icons- I am familiar with and respect - like Dr. Larry Hawkins, Luther Bedford, Frank Hood, or Bob Hambric would have to say after reading this article? I wonder what legendary college coaches like John Chaney, John B. McLendon, Bobby Knight or John Wooden would have thought?
To me, the coaches who acted as back slappers to this article should really think again… and; decide if their participation in such an article sent the right message. Maybe, just maybe… the appropriate response to an invitation to participate in this article should have been none at all. Besides, who knows… maybe the kid decides that playing the piano is a more interesting pursuit, as oppose to rolling the dice and playing the odds being a pro basketball. After all, he could play the piano as a professional for 50-60 years after training.
I tell you what, when my son made the choice of pursuing a career in the media arts as oppose to pursuing a college scholarship in football or basketball … I must admit, a small part of me was disappointed, but; ego aside… I’m thankful.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Great article. Messrs Bell and Jackson, I applaud you for dealing with this scourge commonly known as AAU basketball. It is amazing to me how this sport, especially in our inner-cities, has been transformed into something that absolutely stinks to high heaven. I have become so discouraged watching this game that I grew up loving turn into something every child needs to be leery of, to say the least.
It is abundantly clear to anyone around the came that the shoe companies have stolen the innocence from the game in favor of profits. And let's be honest, the money that they are making of our children's images is staggering. The NCAA knows this and are in total concert with them because the money that they are making is probably even more astronomical. In my estimation, the thing that makes this whole situation even more sleazy is the use and role of the AAU coach/street agent. These individuals are literally selling these children to highest bidder for whatever crumbs or fortunes they may receive. Our kids are caught in a vicious game that they have absolutely no way of winning without proper guidance and direction that, for the most part, only a parent can provide. I feel for these young men and that holds true for the ones that make to the NBA as well. I recently saw a documentary piece on Antoine Walker. He has joined a growing list of ex players that have earned tens of millions of dollars only to end up broke. I suspect over the next few years he's going to see that life is made up of more than just being a basketball player and the question becomes what is he prepared to do for the next 30 to 40 years?
Developing our young men into being responsible individuals has been replaced by pidgeon-holing them into believing that playing basketball is their only value in life. And if they become good athletes we coddle them into believing that they are so special that do not have to subsribe to any of the rules that everyone else in our society must abide by. Earlier today I saw an interview with Dez Bryant, a wide receiver at Oklahoma State University, who is preparing for the upcoming NFL draft. His grammar was so poor you would have thought english was his second language, if not his third. He just completed his junior year at this institution of higher learning. My question is how does someone who is clearly illiterate graduate high school, let alone make grades in a collegiate environment for 3 years? (I know I just switched sports but the point is the point)
Good luck Mr. Jackson with your manuscript and no matter what happens, I sincerely hope some good comes from your observations. Our children need it!
I want to dispel a growing myth and Mr. Jackson feel free to correct if I'm wrong. This misconception of just how relevant AAU coaches realy are. I read a comment on this site stating that the Larry Butlers of the world are responsible for sending kids to the pros and/or the universities that our kids attend. The last I checked, these guys recruit kids to their 'programs' long after they have become very good athletes. Corey Maggette was a top-flight player long before Larry Butler recruited him. They are not developing these players. How can they? They only have them in the spring and summer for a couple of years and again after they have become very good players. Aside from that, and this is important, THEY ARE NOT COACHING THEM!! The big and best funded AAU teams recruit the best athletes and put them out there in all-star style games and usually the most talented team wins. In fact, it could be said that alot of kids development is hindered by their AAU coaches because they are allowed to practice all of their bad habits in this environment.
And let me say this; I couldn't disagree with Phil Smith Jr. more when he says Larry Butler is somehow responsible for Jon Scheyer going to Duke. Mike Krzyzewski is very candid about not dealing with AAU coaches/street agents, ask the Irvins. He is very upfront in saying that he deals directly with the parents of the kid and the high school coach. So let's leave the credit where it belongs, with the parents.
I SAW IN AN ARTICLE THAT THE SCHEYER'S SAID THAT LARRY BUTLER WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH JOHN SCHEYER IN HIS RECRUITMENT TO DUKE!
COACH K MAY NOT TALK TO AAU GUYS OR STREET AGENTS, BUT HIS ASSISTANTS SURE DO, THEY ALL DO, THESE GUYS MAKE A TON OF MONEY AND LISTENING IS FREE, REMEMBER YOU CAN CALL THEM, THEY AREN'T SUPPOSE TO CALL THE YOUNGSTER UNTIL UNDER NCAA RULES THAT THEY CAN MAKE THAT CALL!
I REMEMBER MEETING LON KRUEGER WHEN HIS SON WAS PLAYING FOR LARRY BUTLER'S AAU TEAM, I DON'T KNOW WHY ALOT OF YOU ARE SO DOWN ON HIS PROGRAM, AND THE IRVIN'S! WHY?
AAU BALL GIVES A YOUNGSTER THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MORE OF A NAME FOR HIMSELF, AND IT GIVES THE PLAYER THAT IS LABELED MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, THE CHANCE TO SHINE AGAINST TOP FLITE COMPETITION!
ALL OF THOSE MCDONALD ALL-AMERICANS IN LAST NIGHTS GAME, PLAYED AAU BALL!
IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND A BCS SCHOOL IN THE FUTURE YOU HAVE TO PLAY AAU BALL, THE EMPHASIS IS ON PLAY, NOT SIT ON THE HOUSEHOLD NAMES BENCH, PLAY!
I KNOW YOU GUYS DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ILLINOIS WOLVES OR DO YOU?
DO YOU THINK BOBBY FRASOR JR, WOULD HAVE ENDED UP AT NORTH CAROLINA WITH A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RING WITHOUT PROVING HIMSELF ON THE AAU CIRCUIT?
WE ALL AGREE, AAU BALL HAS FLAWS, BUT WE CAN AGREE THAT IT IS A FORCE THAT HELPS YOUNGSTERS GET NOTICED BY BIG TIME COLLEGE PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY!
Darnell,
I thank you for your comments, and; I want to assure you... You will "see" my work. Again, thanks.
I can't say AAU without attaching Club Ball to it, believe me; its very appropriate. If it weren't, how come we never hear about or see these AAU/ Club Ball Coach's and Scout/Camp Director's pump out their chest with pride in how a 5'8 guard who was a high school sixth man won or secured a Div. II scholarship via participation in their "Review" events or by playing on their AAU/ Club Ball teams of the previous men you mentioned?
I know why... Its not profitable.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Mr. Curtis, thank you for your response. I liked your last paragraph. I have 4 children, 2 and 2. One, a daughter, went to college on a softball scholarship, then changed and received a golf scholarship. The 2 young men hardly played anything competitively. That was fine with me. Both young men tried football but didn't like it. I believe they tried football because I played at Indiana University until two concussions ended my career. The concussions made it difficult for me to push them into football or try to encourage them to stay with it once they started. They ended up ok, 2 doctors, a golf pro and a future mechanical engineer. An interesting side story. In our neighborhood are two other ex-football players from the Big 10, neither of their sons played football either.
One of the best AAU programs around is Indiana Spiece, from what I have heard. They are supposedly well coached and disciplined. So I guess it is possible to do a good job of coaching.
After I wrote to you yesterday I did a little research. Sports Illustrated has recently posted a 20th anniversary piece on "Raw Talents" (I believe that was the book title). It was very interesting. Also I read an article from 2008, after the Mayo episode. It was a blog from Ohio and actually informative. I believe it was JJHubble.com. I apologize, my cut and paste skills are not very good. Probably more than you want or need to know!
Jay
Phil, to answer your questions: No, I don't have anything against either Larry Butler nor the Irvins. I don't know any of them. My issues are with the the institution that is AAU basketball, and it just so happens that Butler and the Irvins are some of the most blatant and local examples of the filth associated with youth sports. I do not believe they are somehow providing some sort of service to the community by acting as street agents for the shoe companies and certain universities. I believe they are peddling flesh, literally, for their own personal gain. To that end, they are corrupting the minds and morals of so many young black males with their trinkets and their dreams of athletic scholarships. Again, for their own personal gain.
Bobby Frasor was a very good basketball player before he was recruited to play for any AAU team. He had gone to basketball camps and had garnered a national rep long before he met Larry Butler. He did not need him for anything, in fact, I will be willing to bet it was the other way around. We need to ask the question as to why these shoe companies are paying for these 'programs?' What are they getting out of paying people like the Butlers and Irvins to barnstorm, literally, thousands of kids across the country every spring and summer for the sole purpose of playing basketball at the expense of social and academic enrichment that we all know that they need. Why is Mac Irvin on Nike's payroll? What service does he provide them that he should get a paycheck from them?
Simply put, if you're a good player the colleges will find you. It's their job to scout and find players not the other way around. We have our children, literally, prostituting themselves every weekend during the spring, summer and fall for the dream of a college scholarship. And guess who their pimps are?
I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU, PLAYING BASKETBALL ON THE WEEKEND IN AAU, IS NOT PROSTITUTING ONE'S SELF!
IT IS NO DIFFERENT THAN BEING A HIRED HAND FOR ANY SPORT, WHEN YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST IN YOUR PROSPECTIVE SPORT!
I GUESS THE YOUNGSTERS IN THE MINOR LEAGUES FOR BASEBALL, THEY ARE PROSTITUTING THEMSELVES, SEE HOW CRAZY THAT SOUNDS!
THE YOUNG TENNIS PHENOM THAT ATTENDS A TENNIS INSTITUTE IN FLORIDA, YEAR ROUND, IS HE IDIOTIC FOR ATTEMPTING TO DO THIS?
EVERY YEAR A STREET BALL LEGEND IS BORN, SOMEONE GETS A REPUTATION FOR BEING GOOD AT THE GAME OF BASKETBALL, WHETHER IT BE THROUGH THE PARK DISTRICT, AAU, SUMMERCAMP, DOMINATING AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT, SOMEBODY IS BEING TABBED AS THE NEXT WHATEVER, NOW LIVING UP TO THIS REP IS THE MOST DIFFICULT HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT IN THE WORLD!
LETS SEE A YEAR AGO WE STARTED TO HEAR ABOUT TOMMY HAMILTON AND JABARI PARKER, AND A YEAR LATER THEY ARE BOTH PLAYING FOR DIFFERENT SCHOOLS AND EITHER STARTING OR PLAYING ALOT FOR TWO SCHOOLS THAT WOULD END UP PLAYING FOR THE CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
NOW WE ARE HEARING ABOUT A TEN YEAR OLD THAT IS BEING TOUTED AS THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY?
NOW I DON'T RECALL SEEING LARRY BUTLER OR MAC IRVIN'S NAME IN EITHER ONE OF THOSE STORIES!
TO USE WORDS LIKE PIMP, PROSTITUTING, IS GETTING A BIT OVER THE TOP, NO ONE FORCES ANYONE TO PARTICIPATE IN AAU, BUT THE TWO WORDS I USED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SENTENCE, PARTICIPATING FREELY USUALLY ISN'T AN OPTION!
IF YOU DON'T LIKE HOW SOMEONE IS DOING THEIR JOB, SAY SO, BUT TO USE LANGUAGE, DEROGATORY LANGUAGE AGAINST THEM, AND THEIR PROGRAMS IS UNWARRANTED, I HOPE AT LEAST 90 PERCENT OF YOU AGREE!
To: Jay, Darnell and Phil Smith Jr.,
(Corrections)
Today, the Final 4 is being played, and, I never would have thought that I would have the opportunity to witness not only games that will be played, but; to participate in some of the events that are on schedule involving coaches, players, advertisers, sponsors, pro basketball organizations, etc.
The first thing that hits you- at least for me- is that this NCAA Tournament is truly bigggg business. The money invested from all angles is astronomical. However, some other thoughts hit me as well.
Are the- as the NCAA loves to call the players- "student-athletes", truly valued as student-athletes? Or, are they truly... modern day gladiators?
I mean, I'm sure- win or lose- members of either Mich. St., Butler, W. Virginia or Duke, will come away from this entire experience with lifelong memories... That's great!
But, I can't help but wonder, should they also leave here with something more... with something that could ease their the pressure off the parents or loved ones who work hard to support them as they go to battle for their respective schools, you know...
Money.
I know that there are many of you who believe that if we start to institute a policy that allows for such "appropriate" payments, that it will only make the seedy-side of this thing we call a "game" worse than what it already is. But, why not?
You know, in many ways... the players- "student-athletes"- that have participated in conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament are expected to carry themselves as seasoned professionals: interacting and signing autographs for the fans, boosters and students, attending media events promoting the programs they play for, wearing clothing from corporate sponsors on an everyday basis to and from events, practicing during in and off season workouts nearly year round to help get themselves and their respective teams to the "main event", etc. They sound like employees to me.
This is why- I'm sure Mr. Bell may not agree with me- I find hard to stomach all of those who "benefit" from these "kids" labor. When the "other paper" advertised that little boy as some "next" great thing. I wondered, how much of an increase to the new readership- if only for a day- did it generate from their 13-17 year old readership, "demographically speaking". I am hopeful, the Sun Times will not get the itch for the need to respond, but; if it does... it should be silently. Yeah, yeah... There are some who would actually want to read something like that, but; what would truly be accomplished by doing so?
As I sit here in this hotel restaurant, steps aways from "main event", you can see and feel the anticipation building as the fans walk by with their teams colors designed on a fifty buck T-shirt, small kids with their faces painted, and; some players and coaches of the respective teams making their way to the ballroom for breakfast and walk-throughs. Yes, its exciting. I'm lucky to be hear.
But, I am also finding it hard to digest my food... Why?
Because, when I turn and look to either side inside the restaurant, I'm blinded by the "Bling Bling" as the rays from the sun bounce off the diamonds rings, gold watches, championships rings and money clips of college coaches as they eat and drink their fill, tell stories to one another ,and; pat each other on the back. Then, he walks in...
Sonny Vaccaro.
He was not alone, Sopranos star James Gandolfini was at his side. My mind instantly fast-foward to the summer of 1989 when I first met him and his wife Pamela. I must admit; I thought that what he was doing with Nike- at the time- was a good thing.
Hmmm... I was 23 years-old, so young, so naive.
Our eyes met, for what seem like a half of a minute, but; was only actually long enough for him to sport a smirk and head nod- I acknowledged him, as past memories of conversations and events ran through my head.As he walked over to a table filled with coaches- all of whom immediately stood up as though a superior officer entered their presence- I thought to myself, sure... you'll have your story, but; I'll have my say.
Fortunately for me; slowly... my thoughts turned to the memmory (R.I.P.) a man who I "know" loved and respected the game- John B. McLendon Jr.
Now, I can finish my breakfast.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
I know that this blog site is not one for making predictions of the outcome of college basketball games, but; here is what I think:
I think Butler has a great team, great senior leadership and; playing in their backyard at Lucas Stadium doesn't hurt. Having said this, I just see Michigan State winning because of several key areas:
Bench play; Possession tuffness on defense; Experienced players and coaches in tournament play; and finally Pressure.
The argument can be made that more pressure is on Butler than MSU.
Michigan State 65-58.
The West Virginia/ Duke game is a tricky one. The obvious height advantage stands out for Duke, not to mention; a seasoned coach. However, I think the Mountaineers have a nice combination athletes with speedy length that may cause problems for the guards of Duke to make the "tight game" perimeter shots. If WV is to win, several things have to fall into place:
Make some early three's to bring out the slower Duke perimeter players for later penetration;
Play solid help "D" on the bigger baseline on Duke, but; get right out to the break to finish;
Coaching wise, don't be surprised if Huggins comes out in some "junk" defense to disrupt the "shooting feet" of Duke's guards that involves a combination of a 1-3-1 and Box-n-1 discipline.
Having said all of this, my head says Duke, but; my gut says WV in a close game that maybe be decided in the first four minutes of the 2nd Half.
West Virginia 71-68.
I got two underdogs picks in the Final 4 in my brackets, but; their costing in "outcome picks".
More importantly, my heart goes out to West Virginia's DeShaun Butler though.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
DUKE SHOULD WIN, BUT I HAVE BUTLER IN AN UPSET, NOW YOU KNOW WHY THEY (NCAA) WANT TO EXPAND THE TOURNAMENT, THE NCAA IS LOOKING FOR MORE BUTLER TYPE TEAMS IN THE TOURNAMENT!
I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE 4 PLAY IN GAMES, INSTEAD OF ONE, IF THEY GO ANY FURTHER THAN THIS, THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE VERY WATERY IN THE FUTURE, BUT OF COURSE WE WILL ALL CONTINUE TO WATCH!
BUTLER IN AN UPSET!
Interesting conversations about the influence of AAU basketball coaches, teams and style of play.
AAU basketball is a monster. It has created an imbalance in the system that moves everything in the favor of AAU coaches, the Sonny Viccaro's of the world and college coaches. They are PROFESSIONALS at recruiting. The average parent is a rube when it comes to recruiting.
Parents of basketball players need to educate themselves about college basketball and the recruiting process. Read Curtis' information in these blogs. Read anything you can to educate yourself about the process.
Parents also need to understand the very small percentage of high school players that go on to play college basketball, AT ANY LEVEL! Fewer yet will be in the NBA. Just look at the high number of very talented local players, who as of today, have yet to accept an offer, if any offers have even been made. So Parents, I know you want your son/daughter to play at Michigan State, but if they aren't recruiting your child, then maybe that should tell you something about your child's skills. Maybe a D-II, D-III or NAIA school is a better fit.
Parents you need to learn to use your knowledge to find your child a place to play basketball and then make sure your child uses that university to expand their knowledge with the goal of using that knowledge to better their life.
And a little rant....
And if high school coaches want to be relevant then they need to step up and help their athletes acquire scholarships as well. I know of a few instances where the high school coach offered little positive to college coaches calling about his player. He didn't think the player was a D-1 player. Hey coach, it is not your call! It is the college coaches call. So invite him to the next game and let him see your player for himself! Then he wouldn't have to rely on his AAU coach to spread the word about his abilities.
On another note, I have had the opportunity to chat with Larry Butler at the Proviso West tournament. He was there looking to build his team for the next summer. He seemed like a nice guy. He also stated that he wasn't looking for the top players necessarily as they were hard to develop into a team. I found that an interesting comment.
Scheyer came up an chatted with him between games. His parents came over as well. They all got along very well. The player and the coach had very nice things to say to each other. As to who needs who, they both needed each other. Coaches need talented players. You can know the X's and O's, but without talented players to execute the coaches plan, they will be a less successful team.
Did Scheyer really need Butler to get a scholarship to Duke? I don't believe he did. However, he did need the experience of playing the highest level of basketball competition that could be found. He found that with Butler's team and that helped him get better. Playing at the local park wasn't going to get him that experience.
Did a number of other players on Butler's teams need the exposure of his AAU team to get notice? I believe they did.
Are all AAU programs evil? Obviously not. There are a number of well run teams in the area. However, in total, I believe they cause an imbalance in the recruiting process that massively skews things away from the players.
Great game last night!! I watched it with my son and we talked about the fact that the game was played the way it was intended to be played; with real student-athtletes. That was good to see and it made for a very good teaching moment for me. The fact that some of Butler's players actually went to class yesterday speaks volumes about their program! Maybe we haven't lost the game to the John Caliparis of the world just yet.
Congrats to both teams for what they do on and off the court!!
Great comments by Scott C and Darnell!
And, to those who love AAU/ Club Ball, your season is officially on... Out comes the butchers, and; the youth walk to their private "club" quarters in the slaughter house- clubball summer circuit.
But, there is hope...
Yesterday, we saw probably one of the most memorable NCAA Div.I men's basketball championship games in recent memory- '85 Villanova/ Georgetown game is probably in the mix of that debate.
I hope this weekends games have shown us a new trend for the future- more senior lead teams displaying what hard word can produce.
Remember, I said I hope...
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
BUTLER'S PLAYERS WENT TO CLASS BECAUSE THEIR SCHOOL WAS 5 MILES FROM THE GAME!
DEPAUL'S PLAYERS, ALOT OF THEM MISSED THE PRESS CONFERENCE OF THEIR NEW COACH, BECAUSE THEY WERE IN CLASS!
THE DUMB JOCK SYNDROME DOESN'T PLAY ANY LONGER, STUDENTS THAT DON'T ATTEND CLASS, WHEN THEY SHOULD, THAT IS THEIR FAULT, NOT THE AAU COACH, NOT THEIR PARENTS, IT IS ON THE STUDENT-ATHLETE, THE BALL WILL NOT BOUNCE FOREVER!
DEPAUL HIRED THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB!
HIS GRADUATION RATE AT CLEMSON WAS 76 PERCENT!
The hiring of Oliver Purnell to be DePaul's next head basketball coach, was not great move, but; it was a safe move.
Isiah Thomas, would have been a better move, but; Isiah is enjoying the Sun of Florida too much, not to mention; he is laying down a good ending chapter to his coaching career where he is now.
Back to Oliver...
The area AAU/ Club Ball coaches are fed up, the Public League coaches feel slighted, and; apparently Purnell's recruiting prospects hang in limbo- as far as the city coaches are concerned.
Well, obviously... these same coaches are "feeling themselves" just a bit too hard.
Purnell is great friends with Nike's George Raveling; he has already made contact with Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings, Isiah Thomas, Darryl Walker and some area college coaches- who want to remain anonymous- to get a gist of how to navigate around this "new" breed of "city coaches".
I personally think it was a good "professional" hire, however; I wonder if Purnell's sometimes ol' school ways and manners will come too much of a standoff in his off the court personality with the city coaches of today- if you know anything about John Thompson Sr., you know he was a hard nut to crack if he did not know well and hurt in recruiting Chicago.
But, I guess we'll all have to wait and see, because; if there was ever a chance for Larry Butler to surpass Nick Irvin in the "Arms Race" for talent, its now. Look for him to be very helpful to Purnell- off the record- Nike would love to get DePaul going in this major market. And, as we old heads say- Butler is Raveling's "boy".
The Purnell hire not only put a fire under the city coaches- it also perhaps initiated a real change in shift for those upstart AAU programs and Larry Butler to make a push at taking over top post as head of the "Chicago Ballfia"- Mac Irvin Fire, beware...
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
The Butler students went to class because they are students who happen to be very good athletes. Not athletes who go to school to participate in sports. But honestly Phil, I don't expect you to understand the difference!! It has been widely reported that players like O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose did not attend class at all their second semester at their respective schools, taking advantage of a rule that they only have to pass 6 hours in the first semester to be eligible to play in the spring semester.
I am not knocking these young men, the rule is the rule. However, I am saying kids like that have no business in school, they are there waiting on an opportunity to play professionally. In my mind, there is no need to try and pass them off as student-athletes. Maybe they should change the rule back and just let them go pro straight out of high school because masquerading them as anything other than athletes with no interest in anything than playing sports is insulting, to say the least.
TO CURTIS JACKSON, DEPAUL UNIVERSITY IS AN ADIDAS SCHOOL!
LARRY BUTLER IS FRIENDLY WITH ALOT OF COACHES, HE JUST HAD ONE OF HIS FORMER PLAYERS WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, JOHN SCHEYER!
OLIVER PURNELL HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL, THE SELLING OF ISIAH THOMAS OR REGGIE THEUS WOULD HAVE BEEN A HARD SELL TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF DEPAUL UNIVERSITY!
DEPAUL WANTED SOMEONE WHO WOULD BRING AN UPTEMPO STYLE OF PLAY, SOMEONE WHO WANTS HIS PLAYERS TO ATTEND CLASS, AND GRADUATE!
THE CPS GUYS (A FEW) VOICED THEIR OPINIONS, THEY WERE ASKED, AND THEY ANSWERED, THEY JUST WANT TO BE IN THE MIX, THEY WANT THEIR PLAYERS RECRUITED BY DEPAUL!
I BELIEVE OLIVER PURNELL WILL DO A GREAT JOB IN CHICAGO, FOR DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, DON'T FORGET THE YOUNG MAN FROM ORR HIGH SCHOOL THAT IS DRAWING RAVE REVIEWS!
THINK ABOUT THIS, FOREMAN HIGH SCHOOL HAD 3 GREAT PLAYERS, ONE IS GOING TO UIC, ONE TO SOUTH FLORIDA, ONE TO ST. LOUIS, NONE TO DEPAUL!
WISCONSIN IS RECRUITING THE CHICAGOLAND AREA VERY HARD, THE YOUNG MAN FROM BROOKS, DUKE DUJAN, THE YOUNG MAN FROM BOLINGBROOK, ISN'T THAT WHERE WILL WALKER PLAYED?
THE YOUNG MAN FROM HILLCREST IS GOING TO KENT STATE, DO YOU SEE WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS, THE CHICAGOLAND AREA IS LOADED, ONCE DEPAUL GETS THE HOMEFIRE BURNING AGAIN, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!
WELCOME TO CHICAGO, OLIVER PURNELL!
To: Phil Smith Jr.,
If you go to the DePaul Men's Basketball website, you'll notice that the windbreaker Coach Oliver is putting on has the Nike insignia on it.
Personally, I don't have any interest to what Larry Butler is or isn't doing with his AAU/ Club Basketball program, so... this does not require a comment.
As to Coach Oliver, I am hopeful that he does do a great job, however; as to how that relates to his future success heavily depends on whom he names as his assistant coaches.
Now, I have already made myself available to him to talk via his former assistant coach Shaka Smart (Clemson) - who is now the Head Coach at Virginia Commonwealth- to discuss many issues such as those you have mentioned on Monday when he returns to Chicago.
But just as I have suggested to Mr. Bell, and other members of the media; his staff is crucial to his "kick start success" at DePaul.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
YOU ARE CORRECT, DEPAUL IS A NIKE SCHOOL, MY MISTAKE!
QUENTIN RICHARDSON PLAYED FOR LARRY BUTLER, AND HE ATTENDED DEPAUL, AND HE PLAYS IN THE LEAGUE!
THE POINT IS MORE CITY GUYS ARE NEEDED FOR DEPAUL TO BE SUCCESSFUL, WHY SHOULD WAYNE BLACKSHEAR GO TO LOUISVILLE AND PLAY IN THE BIG EAST, WHEN DEPAUL IS IN THE BIG EAST, HE CAN STAY RIGHT HERE AND BE VERY SUCCESSFUL, DON'T YOU AGREE!
DO YOU THINK GEORGETOWN WILL LET A BLUECHIP ATHLETE OUT OF D.C. WITHOUT RECRUITING THAT PARTICULAR ATHELETE?
SAME GOES FOR ST. JOHN'S, THEY ARE GOING TO RECRUIT NEW YORK VERY HEAVILY, THEY MIGHT NOT GET THEM ALL, BUT THEY ARE GOING TO TRY!
VILLANOVA, MAY HAVE LOST THE TWINS TO KU, BUT THEY TRIED TO GET THEM, LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED SHOULD BE THE MOTTO,
AT LEAST TWO CHICAGOLAND PLAYERS A YEAR WILL DO THE TRICK, ALONG WITH SOME JUCO TRANSFERS, AND OUT OF STATE RECRUITS, DEPAUL ONLY GRADUATES ONE SENIOR, WILL WALKER, SO NEXT SEASON MAY BE SO-SO, BUT THE BLUE DEMONS HAVE SIGNED 3 NATIONAL PROSPECTS, SO HOPEFULLY THEY WILL STILL COME TO THE NORTHSIDE.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT NEXT SEASON, CURTIS, FOR THE BLUE DEMONS?
To: Phil Smith Sr.
The problem I have with the AAU/ Club coaches, the city coaches, and those who choose to be benefactors of the "meat trade"- players via influence- is that these individuals think they are entitled to have influence over a players choice to play college basketball.
They do... But, they shouldn't...
The parents and high school administrators and coaches need to make a meaningful effort to be supportive, yet; also demanding of knowing the intent of these "sidewalk executives" looking for the next opportunity to "hang on" to a kid who has a chance to be the "next".
This has to stop, but; can it be stopped?
Yes, first; I think coaches should be forced to decide if they want to be a high school coach or an AAU/ Club Ball coach.
Why?
I personally, don't have anything against Larry Butler or Nick Irvin. I do have something against the system- NCAA, IHSA, CPS, AAU, NFHSA, etc.- that allow these people to
operate and turn a blind eye, why?
Money.
Its always been that way. As long as the actions of a few select coaches are not connected "directly" to the biggest benefactors, the "hear no, see no, speak no" approach is the rule of law.
Everyone makes a big deal out of some coaches not having a degree and being allowed to coach... that's the small side of this game, besides; coaching basketball isn't exactly rocket science- obviously.
So, my alliance with Mr. Bell on this issue is not simply based on our association. Its mostly due to the fact that the social economical affects of this meat marketing of kids who lack the knowledge or access to those who don't have an vested interest in the kid other than to see them do well. This is hard to find, especially in the city- but there some good people who want things changed.
Now, Oliver Purnell is seasoned on all levels of the business of basketball- domestically and internationally. However, unlike the east coast- NYC, Philly, Boston, D.C., etc.- the coaches that have the most influential power to the "best" players are city coaches- African-American coaches.
What's color got to do with it?
Well, I'm sure when DePaul commenced in their search for a new coach, "the right coach" was not just about wins and losses. It included bringing in a guy who could mend the bridge from Fullerton to the Southside and Westside of Chicago talented youngsters- professionally, with street savvy, but; also "always" above board- we hope, but; don't hold your breath.
I wondered how influential the broadcast of this year's boys high school CPS Championship game had on DePaul athletic administrators. Particularly, that camera shot of Louisville's Rick Pitino smiling and relishing in bask of praise from city fans and coaches as he watch his star recruit make a game winning shot?
This year will probably prove to be, historically speaking; a year of the beginning of DePaul's good fortunes, or a year we'll see DePaul's hopes and dreams sealed and buried in box thrown to sink in Lake Michigan.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
My name is Levi Jackson and I've known Curtis for well over 30 years. He loves the game an at one time thats all we did eat and sleep hoops.and yes we have seen the best of the best play this game called Basketball that was during the time you could travel the city and play hoops anywhere winter time came open gym Avalon park a few nights a week. the YMCA 83RD Ellis. Good too know Curtis is still a student of the game.
Good to here from you Levi, yeah we used to put in work at the old Chatham YMCA together on the courts there. I'm working on "our" version of the Harlem Rucker Summer League for Avalon Park. Please stay in touch, getting with Raymond Wade (aka Ski Ski) Raymonski Love now the great radio personality to work it. Please stay in touch.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Just wanted to say my daughters played club ball to 3years and I'm not impress not at all. Its only good for those that can play or stand 6'5. My daughters left the old team that was teaching fundamentals and soon as they stay playing club ball they stop playing Defense, but had to take them off the team because I felt they wasnt getting any better and they were getting exposed instead of getting exposure. Right now they are 13yr old and they have better skills than some of the high school on the team because I work with them on basics and they work at it. Its not about kids competing but coaches and parents egos. Lot of times the not even having fun its all about some of these aau coaches. I'm a parent and want to say aau is good to some extent as far as having the chance playing against some good competition, I'm with Jackson it has got a little out of hand. Its funny when you leave the team coaches want to dirty up your name and kids just hurt the kids its sad. I call them sneaker pimp plan and simple.
I just took my kids off a club team because of the what is said above. I want them to have fun playing the game. For 2yrs my kids during the summer was traveling like a college team. Never had time to spend with grandparent and family memorial day and 4th july they on the road. I tell the coach they not going this 4th he blows off the top. I don't want to be in this situation again. There are much bigger things in life other than playing a game. Some say I'm ruining my kids chances of getting a scholarship I believe if you good enough someone will find you. It cost to much to do this and I hate it when parents and coaches pushes these kids and they get hurt its like slaves or something its sad the least.
John,
I hear you, and I commend you on being able to really understand the sharp, contrasting differences of the coaching ability of the coaches whom represent schools against those who represent "themselves", AAU and shoe companies.
As to your daughters, working the fundamentals will ultimately help the girls in their individual ball skills, far more; than running and gunning up and down a court in a open gym format that the AAU/Club Ball game offers.
Nothing, absolutely nothing can substitute the development of a youngster (player or not) more so than exposure to work that requires repetition under guidance of a loved-one with the support of family. Keep those girls close, and make sure they see their grandparents, its all important to their overall psychological and physical health.
Now, I am not saying that your girls should never, ever play AAU/Club Ball, however; if their participation allowed and monitored by you, and their fundamentals needs are charted and enforced by "you", they'll be fine.
Just remain careful and responsible, because ultimately... you should be the most influential on your girls preparedness, not the AAU.
Take Care,
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Thanks for the words of encouragement, I've been talked about like a dog to other aau coach by this guy. Right now they are in the 8th grade playing school ball starting end of Nov. The varsity high school coach have seen them play and think highly of them. She workout with them sometimes in the summer. It kind of woke me up when I had to take my kids out school just to play in some of exposure tournaments and I told the coach that this will be the last I going to do this because I'm about education first don't you know he was pissed off about that. Saying I'm ruining it for my kids and they have a chance to go far and scouts like to see them play which is a bunch of bull because they were only 7th graders and sometimes they played with the high school team. Don't get me wrong I love what AAU ball offer, but I don't want my life to be consume with basketball. I had them take a break from basketball and they ran cross country for the school and won a few medals. I work with my kids and if I don't something my dad work with he used to coach little league basketball played little college ball. They gain alot of experience but at the same time they need to brush up on playing more halfcourt basketball and be a better team players. They gotten so bad they wouldnt even block out and the defense was terrible I put them on the school team they started hustling more they lost some games but they learning to play the game the right way. Again thanks
John,
At the end of the day, your girls love their parents and will know now (or in time) that what your doing is for their best interest.
And, as to the AAU/Club Ball Coaches, if that person doesn't respect your wishes and concerns for your kids, than he or she is not in "it" for the kids, its as simple as that.
Look, if you want... You could create your own Summer Exposure Traveling Team, but; include cultural opportunities at the same time. Example: I used to work the University of Arizona basketball camp when Lute Olson and my friend Jesse Evans was an assistant there. And, one of the most rewarding experiences I had, was the opportunity to coach a group of youngsters from a Indian Reservation, located not far from the UA campus in Tucson. Let me tell you, these kids were not the most talented kids I've ever coached, but; these kids were some of the hardest working kids I've ever had the pleasure of coaching.
After the camp, their reservation chief offered me a chance to visit their reservation, and see how their culture lives and work. It was humbling... It put the game in proper perspective.
So, gather some parents together, put a team of girls together in your girl's age group, and take them to a team camp at a university in another region of the country. You can get some great deals if you talk to the coaching staff, your lodging and three meals a day are covered as part of the camp. And, its a whole lot more affordable in comparison to the expenses you'd incur playing AAU/Club Ball. Put some parents together to act as team chaperons, and you all can make a vacation out of it during the day while the girls go through drills, listen to guest speakers, and practice. Later, the parents can spend the afternoon and evening cheering the girls on in very competitive camp games where all the campers are required to play equal minutes. Trust me, you "all" will love it.
Just a thought,
Curtis K. Jackson Sr
You know what made it so bad. I've wasted close to 200 each yr to buy Fila sneaker because it was a Fila program, but shoes didnt last not even a year. I ask the coach why can they wear nike, converses if I'm paying for them? You have to it my program, I thought that was crazy and that's when my girls were in the 6th grade. Now they in the 8th grade they few schools that showed interest in them and wanted to fill a applications and invited to a few camps. I don't have money for all this so I talked to my dad which was an ex-ball player in college and football player. He always preach to me if they are good enough someone will find them and let them decide if this something they want to do. We lost every tournament we played in I ask the coach if we can't win in our own town what good is it to place us in these type of tournaments he said for the experience and exposure. One time we got beat so bad that the next game he had sneak some high school girls with the 13u team to win a game just so he won't look bad. It was sad my daughters used to get tripled and double team all game. I bought into the coach telling me my kids would be ranked in the top 100 of the espn ranking, but I felt they was'nt ready for that and he's pulling my leg. I placed them on the school crosscountry and they dominated in track I just hope this carrys over to their basketball. Now they are my stronger than before and more physical I had them tried out for the old team they used to play for and they looked more relaxed and having fun. I just want to say is AAU ball is ok and I enjoyed it but make sure you find a coach that's into basics and teach them knowledge of the game and someone that can help their basketball IQ. These coaches nowadays don't even use clipboards they say it more about hand on like its Devry or something. I watch games with my kids, study games they played and we talked basketball. The same stuff my dad used to do with when I played a little ball.
John,
I have heard a few things myself from some really reliable people whom lead some of the top women's basketball programs in the country, and they somewhat said similar things to what you have descrbed as to some of these circus-like stop-n-shop camps that are going on now.
Its a sad commentary...
However, I leave you with this... Most of the top camps, AAU/Club Ball programs, and many of the nations top high school programs have some sort of shoe company affiliation these days. Many of these companies call some of their marketing and promotional tactics: grass roots or product placement/ sponsorship. Its all a game of allegiance.
Who is bestowing power these people are most inner-city coaches of color who don't realize the power they have to stop, or; do they?
Unfortunately, most people equate the 'American Dream' simply as the land of opportunity to get money and things, forgetting the idea and spirit of 'freedom'.
The shoe company giants and their country-wide sprinkle of inner-city "shoe pushers" have learned ... Sometimes, all you got to do is saturate your product amongst those willing to take product as payment, throw them an unofficial title as "the Godfather" and now sit back and let the game of crabs in a barrel begin. Again, this tactics works best in the 'hood.
In closing, and I apologize ahead of time that I will be unavailable to respond to your possible reply e-mail in respectful time due to my traveling, I say this...
Listen to your gut...
Do for self, do what's right for your girls- not for anyone or anything else. Look closely at those whom thought could provide a map to help your girls be as good as you think they can be... Then ask yourself, why am I really doing this?
Why?
At the end of the day, after careful thought, you may find that if you only listened to your gut more closely, you could have saved yourself a lot of money, disappointment, and; peace of mind.
Take care,
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
PS. Excuse typos in a cab with crazed NYC cab driver.
I had a chance to talk to some coaches in college who actually know you... Man, seems like you should have beeb a coach not a writer?
Davis Timms