One coach climbed the ranks as a player, reached an elite level, then became elite at teaching the game. Another couldn’t hoop or develop players but recruits elite talent to play. Somehow, they’re considered equals—or the recruiter ranks higher. This is the world we live in.

The comparison between some of these circuits needs to die. 28th ranked Asa Montgomery played 17U EYBL Champions League alongside historic programs like Boo Williams. Kelvin Sampson sat courtside for our 16U game in Vegas. The level of competition and exposure speaks for itself.

Don’t listen to these “experts” arguing on this app and making blanket statements. Everyone playing on an EYBL team is not going D1. Every player on an EYBL roster is not a top 100 player. There are EYBL guys playing at EVERY level in college — including JUCO!

It’s mind-boggling how many kids were considered “elite” growing up, then come to us in high school and still need to be taught things they should’ve learned in 3rd or 4th grade. 🤯

If I know a kid will need to guard on and off ball at the next level, it’s unfair to sit in a gimmicky zone or trap their whole childhood just to win games. That’s a major flaw in youth sports. Coaches either don’t know, can’t teach it, or only care about wins. Move out the way.

Youth coaches are supposed to develop and teach kids what will be required at the next level — not chase wins in games that won’t matter long term. You have to let kids grow through mistakes, even if it costs you games. The vision has to be bigger than today.