AAU vs. High School Hoops
My Two Cents 
By gPrep
3/17/08
Which is better high school basketball or AAU basketball?
It ’s a full court issue that’s debated by both coaches and players.
High school basketball prepares you for life. But, you have to excel in the classroom before you can play the game.
With AAU, “your game” is your focus. Your attention is not as divided.
You practice long hours. The gym becomes your classroom. Competition is fierce.
The level of skill is high. There is lots of travel. You form close bonds with your
teammates, a sisterhood.
College coaches and talent scouts are drawn to AAU games like bees to honey. So, if your game is sweet, you will get the buzz.
To play high school basketball, you have to be discipline in the classroom. Without academics, there is no ball. Balance is vital. Ballers have to do their homework both on and off the court.
You must successfully juggle multiple class assignments and meet daily class deadlines before you hit the gym to practice or play a game. You also face the added pressure of studying for an important exam before the big game.
Your school, teachers, coaches, parents and teammates hold you accountable. There are consequences for your actions on and off the court. You must crack the books and prepare for the ACT test in addition to shooting hoops. For, there is life after hoops.
And, the day will come and your team will lose. You must go to class and face student gossip, whisper and stares. You learn to cope with adversity and prevail with a calm and level head. Experiences like these build character and prepare you for the real world… including college.
Once you have your books under control, you can work on controlling your game. Then enjoy the game, your teammates, the suicide drills, the three man weaves and two hour practice sessions.
Playing high school basketball teaches you more than ball handling skills. It teaches you life skills. On the court, you represent yourself, your teammates, coaching staff, students, fans, teachers… basically your school.
AAU prepares you for college ball and sharpens your competitive edge. It raises your high school game.
High School Basketball and AAU compliment each other. Each is a unique experience.
If you can play BOTH high school and AAU basketball, do it!
That’s my two cents.
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