20 high profile coaches give some sobering opinions about the state of college basketball.


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=5398415

It won't ever come out, but I would LOVE to know who the 20 coaches are.

"Here's what I think happens a lot -- a team loses a kid to someone else and all of a sudden that someone else is cheating. Every time North Carolina loses a kid, someone else is cheating. It's like there's so much arrogance with them; they can't believe someone would rather go somewhere else, so the other team has to be cheating.''

I feel like this is a problem with a lot of programs. A school loses a commit and the accusations fly.

I don't want to sound like I think I know everything, but that all kinda seemed like common sense to me when I read it a few days ago. It did provide some good quotes though. I also hope one day the names come out.

The simple reason for this is technology and money.

Think about it. It all boils down to that in some way, shape or form. It's impossible for an organization such as the NCAA to possibly police it. The ONLY chance they have is to use it to their advantage. Besides, like the article says, the NCAA is benefiting more than ever by this, especially in college football and the NCAA Tournament. Why would they EVER want to ruin that, no matter what stance they claim to take.

Basically, amateur athletics have been moving closer and closer to being professional sports organizations. This is just an example. This type of stuff is what happens in professional sports. It's how the rich and powerful got ahead and ultimately won. The only difference is in pro sports, everyone is free to do this type of stuff and there isn't an organization who is out there half-assed and trying to police it.

Ive said for years that the problems in college basketball stem with AAU basketball. Its absolutely bringing athletes into college that are very prepared. College used to be where kids learned the game...now they learn more from AAU than their HS coach, who usually has to walk on eggshells around these kids. Limit the amount of games or tournaments a kid can play in a calendar year, you solve all kinds of problems.

You never know...if kids have more time away from the court, they very well might do better in class.

Almost makes you wonder if they should start separating HS basketball and AAU basketball. There are a lot of HS coaches who are simply puppets, and don't even want to deal with these kids. At the same time, there are many kids who don't care and don't really want to even play HS ball. They play it because it's organized basketball, but that's about it.

As for limiting or stopping AAU, it won't happen. It's too big. There is too much to gain from it. It's become what colleges look at. It's where the agents, scouts and coaches go. It's where the money is made. You either shut it down or you make it completely separate.

It is sad to see how far the game has fallen in the last 20-25 years.

Azubuike24;432358 wrote:The simple reason for this is technology and money.

Think about it. It all boils down to that in some way, shape or form. It's impossible for an organization such as the NCAA to possibly police it. The ONLY chance they have is to use it to their advantage. Besides, like the article says, the NCAA is benefiting more than ever by this, especially in college football and the NCAA Tournament. Why would they EVER want to ruin that, no matter what stance they claim to take.

Basically, amateur athletics have been moving closer and closer to being professional sports organizations. This is just an example. This type of stuff is what happens in professional sports. It's how the rich and powerful got ahead and ultimately won. The only difference is in pro sports, everyone is free to do this type of stuff and there isn't an organization who is out there half-assed and trying to police it.

AAU ball teaches kids how to play defense???

Azubuike24;432649 wrote: At the same time, there are many kids who don't care and don't really want to even play HS ball. They play it because it's organized basketball, but that's about it.

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I have no idea where you get this. Coming from someone who has been involved in HS basketball for 25+yrs...I have never seen NOR heard a HS player ever say he didn't want to play HS ball, and rather just do AAU. As a matter of fact, its often the other way around...they tire of the AAU circus, all the games, the travel, the pressures the AAU coaches put on them, etc, etc. I have personally heard many comments that they would rather NOT play AAU. Unfortunately, they know its something they have to do...but quite often, it feels like a chore for many.

As for the article, not surprising at all. Its al relates to this day and age of pressure and winning NOW. It has forced the hand of college coaches to do what they can, as quickly as they can. If not, they are out of a job quickly. It is what it is. Those coaches interviewed in the article all they want...but they are part of it, and go along with it at all. On top of that, they are making MULTI MILLIONS of dollars. Well, when you make that much money, there are huge demands. Anyone making that much, in ANY career is going to be putting in major hours and travel for the most part. Its an addiction to many of them. Most are ultra competative and know they have to go the extra mile to stay on top, or get to the top.
Anyway, the article is ok..but not surprising. This stuff has been going on for many, many years. Not just the past handful.

"Don't want to play HS ball" isn't really what I was getting at. More along the lines of, they play it because it's organized, for their school and with friends, but it is no longer, at least for top level players, to make a big impact. It might help a kid who is under the radar get recognized or get exposure, but for the most part, the high level D-1 players, their rankings, scholarship offers and potential is based on what they do in AAU ball against the best collection of talent. That is what I meant. HS ball has become secondary in-terms of major college recruiting and scouting.

Azubuike24;439275 wrote:"Don't want to play HS ball" isn't really what I was getting at. More along the lines of, they play it because it's organized, for their school and with friends, but it is no longer, at least for top level players, to make a big impact. It might help a kid who is under the radar get recognized or get exposure, but for the most part, the high level D-1 players, their rankings, scholarship offers and potential is based on what they do in AAU ball against the best collection of talent. That is what I meant. HS ball has become secondary in-terms of major college recruiting and scouting.

Not sure I would got quite that far. But AAU is certainly a big part of recruiting, no question. But the high level players have already been identified very early by most colleges. And I would say, much of this is done early through multiple ways, namely HS team camps going at college, AAU and yes, HS. Again, having been there...I have seen how it all works. I was lucky enough to coach some great players, some currently in NBA and NFL. Not bragging...just making a point of being around and seeing the recruiting first hand.