Making The Best of Grassroots Hoops: UPDATED
By Adrian Okezie
In most discussions with parents and coaches on the circuit, the topics that usually arise are: Rankings, training, the sneaker circuit, highlight mixtapes, exposure camps, Nationals, Team USA, McDonalds All American Game, early offers, scholarships, re-classification etc. We wanted to take some time to shed light on a very mystified space in our world: Grassroots Hoops
Based on a recent poll, 90% believe that the average age that olympians should start serious training is between age 6 and 8.
There is a 7 year window that players can be molded into emerging prospects pre- high school. The level at what you play at is determined by the opportunities that surface.
Below is an untangled web, a brief annual guide for parents just starting this journey or for those who are lost in the shuffle.
Basketball season never stops
Use November through February to train daily for balance, strength, agility, shooting and ball handling skills.
If in a COMPETITIVE basketball area, play in local leagues like the PYBL to stay challenged, if not continue to train efficiently with high speed reps and accountability in mind.
In March, find a local or regional club team that has a competitive basketball schedule that goes through July. Don’t sacrifice team prestige over playing time unless practices are a combination of intense development and skill work (and that’s a big unless). It is important that player gets adequate court time for full development especially before high school. Players must also get coached high level concepts and skills to execute in games. Too many times you get kids that are so “go go go , they have no clue of how to approach the game cerebrally. Coaches should teach angles, body position, that contact is good, educate with key “buzzwords” that’ll help them stand out and communicate more effectively to their teammates etc. Always have high expectations of coach. Coach should have a team scope, planned practices and be a good communicator.
Individuals get drafted not teams
Attend at least two major open or invite only exposure events May through September as an individual to establish a benchmark for the present time amongst your graduating class. Some respected quality middle school exposure camps are John Lucas, Runna Report: E.P.I.C, Emerging Prospects Regionals, UA Combines, MSHTV, MADE. These high end camps may be invite only however if you want to get your child in, make an introduction, get a coach recommendation, send in video. This takes effort but you cant leave any stones unturned. After each camp, reflect with your player’s coaches and trainers and prepare an updated training regimen for the Fall to continue the growth process.
Financials
Parents should at minimum expect to pay out $4,500 -$6,500 in annual estimated costs over 5 years — 5th through 10th grade. Most mention that it’ll take paying out $30K to save $200K in college expenses. It sounds somewhat correct but the $30K number is low since most colleges NOW start off at $40–50K.
Estimated costs
Trainer $75 per week $3,900 annually
Train with qualified trainer that will teach methods that translate to game.
$600 — (2) Exposure camps registration
$300–800 travel to exposure camps
$500-$1000 Travel team that play at least 30 games (8 tournaments from March -July appreciate wins and losses.Understand that you have full control when your own money is involved. Too many freebies might lock you into a situation where you feel obligated to stay AND may give your child a reputation as a “money kid” and the good coaches will stay away.
2 practices per week with travel team
College coaches seek job security and are looking for healthy players who produce extra possessions, are skilled enough to execute offensive/defensive strategy, and ultimately win. Don’t put your child’s future in the hands of rec/travel/high school coaches and just hope. Take a serious approach to grades, skill work, game-play, diet, hydration and stretching. Be proactive. Invest in training to be ready for exposure and keep a clean image (on and offline) Wouldn’t you do the same if you were grooming your child to get into the top business or medical schools? Preparation is key.
