AAU Stepping Over High Schools

AAU Photo

AAU has been criticized for playing too many games, not teaching the fundamentals, and taking away the importance of high school basketball. Today, many people believe that the only way young athletes can get a scholarship, is by having success in AAU. With these beliefs that some people have, this devalues the importance of high school basketball. As a former high school and AAU basketball player, I knew that AAU was very important with trying to earn looks for scholarships. However, I loved playing for my high school and representing the school I attended. This was back in 2009, when AAU wasn't as strong as it is now in 2016.

Today, shoe companies such as Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas, run and sponsor AAU teams. They give certain AAU teams free shoes and gear, which attracts athletes to their program. Athletes get excited for AAU season during their high school season, because they know that their AAU team will travel, get free gear from shoe companies, and play in front of the scouts. With this in mind for young athletes, AAU has devalued high school basketball. High School basketball has become more of a pride thing, versus something that kids get exciting about playing. AAU has the power over these young athletes, and it makes you think how much more power can AAU gain over the next few years.


-Brandon Bracy