BleacherCoaches.com

The traditional AAU age determining date had always been September 1 of the year of competition. So, whatever age the young player is on September 1 2014 is his age group for this year. There is also a grade exception rule that allows a player to be one year older if he is in the corresponding grade. For example if a player is in 6th grade which is normally the 12 y/o division he could be as old as 13 on September 1. To Knowitall....... why so Grumpy?

Who's grumpy? I just want what's best for my child. I want him to play at Duke not some second rate school like Pitt or Notre Dame. I want to see him in a New Orleans Pelican uniform someday. I have to make sure I'm choosing the proper AAU team to make my, I mean his, dream a reality.

Here is an example of what is required for age cut off. If you are in 9th grade at the start of the year you can be no older than 16 by August 31st of 2014.

Knowitall, I doubt there is a 10 year old in the country that will have a coach from any major college attend their aau game. Players at that age get ranked on evaluation camps like Eastern Invitational “Hoop Group” or Adidas ABCD camps. However if you child or you are inspiring to play college basketball it is never too early to start with AAU. There is probably not a single D1 and or D2 player in the country today that did not take part in some form of AAU program.

You can disagree with it but it is the reality we live in and I'm trying to provide the student athletes in our area the opportunity not to be left behind and not charge an arm and a leg to develop their talents.

AAU Flyers

You know...its a dang shame that some people (not to name any names) have such a poor attitude towards so many things, such as AAU sports. Just because you had a bad experience when you were younger doesn't mean that you have to bash today's programs. Do you really think that anyone in this area is going to 'buy' a spot on an AAU team? I mean seriously, grow up. Any program, no matter what the sport, that can get our area kids exposed to better talent, and possible a college scout, can only help the kids and these programs. Teams are often 'dominant' in this area, and then rarely have the same success at the state level. We should all want the student-athletes in this area to continue to improve...at least I hope we do...

Nice rant six one. Who were you referring to?

My experience with AAMe is limited to that of an amused observer. The expectations of the parents is off the charts. If their child doesn't get a college scholarship it's because the stupid coach bats him ninth and plays him in right field. Never mind that the team he is on just lost its third game of the day 14-1 and your kid misplayed both balls hit his way.

Basketball is the most difficult sport to play at the next level. There are only about 6000 scholarships available. There are only about 360 NBA jobs. You want a basketball scholarship? Playing AAU ain't gonna make you grow to be 6'5".

Boys make up 42% of the college population these days. Too much ball bouncing and not enough reading, writing and rithmeticing?

And come on! AAU for ten year olds? Rant on six one!

I go back to the fact that the best part of AAU is the experience that kids gain playing against quality competition. As far as having AAU for 10-11 year olds, how is that any different than a league at East Hills or the YMCA, but against better competition... are you saying we shouldn't have those leagues either. AAU isn't all about exposure. That's only what inexperienced people say

AAU is something I'm not a fan of either. I just don't like it or the lies that are told to the kids and parents.

I am going to agree with 61 . AAU in this area is more about experience(Not exposure). Its really no different than going to your local (Y), but better competition.

What's the difference in a football player going to expensive camps all off-season to try and better themselves or a soccer player playing indoor leagues or a basketball player trying to better themselves? They are all trying to become better. And that is what life teaches us to do.

So what I am hearing is,- all those teachers and parents and life coach people that tells the youth people of this world, they should try and strive to be the best they can by hard work and dedication. Your saying they are just blowing a bunch of smoke..?

AAU boys and girls basketball is growing by major strides every year. There are many positives to these leagues in developing young lives.

Lifting weights, running, and spending the summer (every day for hours) at the local public courts are the best way to develop unproven talent and desire to get better. If you think your college material then find a solid AAU program in Pitt, Hbrg or Philly to get associated with. The AAU programs in our area travel to Pitt, HBrg and Philly to play those AAU teams to try and get better.