Although we haven’t even reached February yet, there’s no better time to start discussing the dos and don’ts of travel basketball. This is the period when real hysteria starts. The majority of programs are looking to bolster their roster or are scrambling to pick up the pieces. Either way, calls are happening, promises are being made, and situations are getting ironed out as we speak. While people are absolutely free to do whatever they want and can adhere to or ignore any advice provided, there are definitely a few guidelines worth noting. Let’s look at three specific areas…
Development
This should go without saying, but if you aren’t developing, then you need to find a new situation. Make no mistake, the developmental arc requires real commitment from both the coaches and the individual. Obviously, the term “development” is relative, but it’s pretty easy to determine if a player has improved or regressed after four to six consecutive months of basketball. Again, it cannot be emphasized enough that this progression falls on all parties involved, not just one person. However, if a player does all the expected things and doesn’t produce or improve, then maybe it’s just not the right fit. It doesn’t have to be a negative. It’s also worth noting that general growth tends to be more active and evident in underclassmen, yet still important for players of all ages.
Level
Probably the hardest area to truly understand, because roles and levels are all relative. Each year, there are several examples of kids going to college and outperforming or falling short of expectations based on their high school status. The biggest part about playing at the right “level” is putting oneself in a position to play in a manner conducive to improvement. Not playing at all? Wrong level (or fit). Playing and dominating everyone? Likely the wrong level. We see it every year. Sometimes it’s okay to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond rather than be the smallest fish in the ocean. Understanding this ideology can be the difference between a full list of scholarships and zero recruitment at all.
Fit
Although “fit” directly goes hand-in-hand with the last two areas, this is more of an emphasis on stylistic chemistry. In addition to understanding how a team plays, more people need to utilize the concept of free research. Any coach or program in the travel ball scene likely has a history, which can be accessed and used as a helpful tool. This doesn’t have to be damming evidence, simply a litmus to compare one individual to those in recent memory. Does this team have success with players like you? Do they play a style that favors how you play? How did those players develop before, during, and after their time with the program? Parents and players have enough available information to make informed decisions, rather than aiming to just play at the highest possible level. Coming into the travel ball season with more knowledge and less confusion should only be viewed as a positive.