AA Boys Playoff Open Thread.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Not just in District Six, but Western PA as a whole, basketball is an afterthought for many of the kids. Like I said before, football is king and basket is something to pass the time.

[knowitall]

I was reacting to the nonsense that parents should have their kids participate in AAU so AA High has a better chance to possibly win a state basketball playoff game. Celebrate the fact that the 5'9" white kids made it that far and let them get ready for track and baseball seasons.

[theprophet]

Agreed anytime you can play more basketball weather it’s AAU or shootouts please take part in it. If you look at all the best players in the area they all play AAU, now are they good because of AAU or do the play AAU because they are good. I would imagine a little bit of both and I would imagine they started playing AAU at a young age. Moral of the story “ A ball in the hand in June is worth 2 points in January”

[Crimson's Ghost]

Yeah, if you like basketball just play basketball. Playing pickup is good stuff too, go to the Y, go to the playground.

[deepcreek]

Here should be goal one for every kid in the summer. Instead of shooting all the time learn to handle the ball with your non-dominant hand. I could count on one hand the number of really good ball handlers I have seen in the last 10 years. Have three guards that can handle the ball with both hands, and the press becomes a non-factor.

[raybabbitt]

Yeah, if you like basketball just play basketball. Playing pickup is good stuff too, go to the Y, go to the playground.

Why is this so hard to understand...I agree with you 100% Crimson!! Why do we feel the need to organize every event (sports or otherwise) that our kids are involved in? Just let them go outside and play!!!

[theprophet]

Ummm, the problem is it is not 1970, 80 or 90’s any longer. Kids have so many different things to do than playing unorganized pick up outside. They just don’t do it anymore. Waste a little bit of gas money and drive around in the summer and check out the outdoor courts. I promise you they will be bare. If you expect your kids to go out and play on their own good luck, but if you organize something, either open gym or AAU they will at least show up with more numbers then just telling them to go play and get better. Times have changed.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Unfortunately, the playground I played at most of my youth is being ripped down in favor of the CVS pharmacy. Times have changed for sure, but it wasn't that long ago we had some good runs at Stutzman playground. But, it's been some time since I've seen kids seriously playing there.

[JustWrestle]

CVS is building a new playground as part of that agreement, they're trying to get permission from the "neighborhood" around Engh field and make a miniature Roxbury with the baseball field, playground and basketball courts all under lights

[raybabbitt]

Ummm, the problem is it is not 1970, 80 or 90’s any longer. Kids have so many different things to do than playing unorganized pick up outside. They just don’t do it anymore. Waste a little bit of gas money and drive around in the summer and check out the outdoor courts. I promise you they will be bare. If you expect your kids to go out and play on their own good luck, but if you organize something, either open gym or AAU they will at least show up with more numbers then just telling them to go play and get better. Times have changed.

Prophet, I guess I see the problem as exactly what you said..."if you expect your kids to go out and play on their own good luck" that's exactly what I expect of my kids, and that's what they do. I guess if others had the same "expectations" then the times have changed argument would be moot. Unfortunately you may be right, I guess we need overbearing helicopter parents to oversee all of the extra curricular activities of our kids. My question is, is it the kids who want to be involved in AAU, shootouts, etc., or is it the parents?