AAU/EYBL

What Every Young Hooper Should Ask Before Signing to an AAU Team

JayWill Coleman
Alright young hoopers, listen up. Before you throw on that new EYBL/AAU jersey and start dreaming about highlight reels and mixtapes, slow down for a sec. Every team looks good on Instagram, but not every program’s built to help you grow. If you’re really trying to level up, you gotta ask the right questions before you sign up for anything. First one’s simple: Who’s coaching me? Not just what’s their
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The AAU Checklist for Parents: A Step-by-Step Guide to Vet Any Program

Jon Carter
I’ve seen this game from every angle - the gyms, the tournaments, the promises. And if you’re a parent trying to find the right AAU program for your kid, let me tell you something straight: every logo ain’t built the same. Some teams build players. Others build hype. You need to know the difference before you spend a dollar or a weekend in a folding chair. Start with the coach.
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Beyond the Hype: What Parents Should Really Look For in an AAU Program

Tyrell Reed
Every spring, families flood gyms across America chasing the dream - scholarships, exposure, and a path to the next level. But in the modern AAU landscape, not every program delivers what it promises. The smart parents are starting to ask tougher questions. The real indicators of a healthy program have nothing to do with rankings or brand deals. They’re about structure, transparency, and leadership. Who’s coaching the kids? How do
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The AAU Trap: Why Too Many Grassroots Programs Have Turned Into Cash Machines

Jon Carter
AAU basketball used to be about building players; now too many folks trying to build pockets. What started as a space for dreamers has turned into a business built on pressure, promises, and price tags. Every weekend, you see parents chasing opportunity while someone else counts the cash. I’ve been around long enough to know not every coach is in it for the right reasons. Some programs still care about
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The New Hotbed: How South Carolina EYBL Teams Are Changing the National Conversation

Brandon Wagner
South Carolina used to be the place college scouts drove through on their way to Georgia or North Carolina. Not anymore. From Columbia to Charleston, the state’s EYBL programs are flipping the script, producing elite talent that is showing up on national leaderboards and highlight reels. The grassroots scene here has become a full-on movement - a mix of hard work, culture, and community pride that is starting to reshape
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