Скачать или смотреть AAU Is Transactional — And Talent Won’t Save You (But This Will)

Talent alone won’t get your athlete recruited in today’s AAU basketball world.

AAU is transactional now. Exposure is strategic. And if parents are still navigating youth basketball the way they did 5–10 years ago, they’re already behind.

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with veteran coach and director Andre Lewis to break down what’s really happening in modern AAU basketball — and what actually separates athletes who get recruited from those who get overlooked.

From eighth-grade decisions to elite team myths… from the transfer portal to NIL conversations… this is the real conversation basketball parents need to hear.

Because talent won’t save you anymore.

Strategy will.

If you’re trying to figure out:

• Should development or exposure come first?
• Are elite circuit teams truly necessary?
• How does the transfer portal affect high school recruiting?
• What are college coaches actually looking for?
• How early should families start thinking strategically?
• How do non-top-tier athletes stand out?

This episode will give you clarity — and a game plan.

Episode Timestamps:
0:00 – The Evolution of AAU Basketball
5:42 – When AAU Became Transactional
11:15 – Why 8th Grade Is a Critical Decision Year
17:30 – Development vs Exposure: What Comes First?
23:08 – What Parents Get Wrong About Recruiting
28:40 – Helping Non-Top-Tier Athletes Stand Out
34:12 – The Impact of the Transfer Portal
39:05 – How to Build the Right Support System

About the Guest:
Andre Lewis is a seasoned basketball coach and director with nearly 20 years of experience developing young athletes and guiding families through the ever-changing AAU landscape. He has helped players pursue opportunities at the collegiate and professional levels and is known for his honest, strategic approach to long-term athlete development.


Key Takeaways:

AAU basketball has shifted to a more transactional model.

Club alignment decisions by 8th grade can shape long-term opportunities.

Development must come before exposure.

Elite teams are not required to earn college opportunities.

Strategic positioning matters more than ever in the transfer portal era.

Resources for Basketball Parents

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Why AAU Basketball Isn’t Just About Talent Anymore
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