Mindset vs. The $3 Medal

For all parents and athletes that have played AAU Basketball:

 

As you are aware, the culture of basketball has changed, some for the good, some bad, however, the one thing that we all have fallen into is the mentality of winning something. Whether it is a gold medal around your neck, or a trophy that you can raise above your head for all to see, you are a champion in that moment.

 

Here is the question that I want to ask all of you...is that all we are looking for? Winners are not defined by $3 gold medals. Now do not misunderstand what is being said here, it is okay to live in that moment of achievement, however, the goal of playing this sport must have a bigger mentality within not just the player, but also for the parents’ involvement.

 

For those that do not understand what AAU basketball is about, here is the simple definition of it: AAU basketball is an avenue where College/University coaches, assistant coaches, and scouts can come out to see talented boys and girls from all walks of life play higher end basketball for the purpose of recruiting them to their schools. AAU basketball, if done correctly by a basketball program, shapes your child to be ready for that opportunity. How does an AAU program shape your child?

 

Here is how:

 

The things that I listed above are just a few things, trust me there is more, so do we really want to end with just a $3 gold medal or trophy mentality? The thought process must change, for the betterment of all involved in AAU basketball, or any AAU sport, in my humble opinion. The idea of children, parents are at fault as well, of jumping from team to team to find a winning team, does not help the process of shaping your child, as a matter of fact, it hurts them.

 

It does not teach your child loyalty to his/her team, or accountability. This is a growing trend in AAU basketball that needs to stop! If you cannot fight through hard times, would you rather run? Life lessons come from trials and tribulations...this is why I always say "You don't lose, you learn!"

 

A current team of mine went through losing a few games. Of course, with that naturally comes the mindset of saying "he is not doing this or that!" My coaches are spot on with my mentality that we teach everyday...it is so easy to talk negatively about somebody else's flaws, but you don't realize at that moment you are not holding yourself accountable to help and encourage your teammate!

 

We played a scrimmage and were down 14 points at half, then something clicked! The philosophy we kept pushing and pushing surfaced, and they went on to a 14-point comeback, adding 15 points to win the game...together! Learning this mentality just doesn't happen overnight, it takes everyone to buy in and dig deep within themselves to play as a team!

 

So, in closing...we all can make the AAU basketball world a much better place for our children, if we all just remember the purpose of why your children play in this sport. It is never too late to change your mentality of the "$3 gold medal."

 

Are you ready to take accountability and start?

Coach Z