We’ve reached the point in the travel ball season where expectations dwindle, roles change, and players opt to head for greener pastures. How do we combat this' Unfortunately, there is no real right answer. It’s a case-by-case situation where each individual has to consider their respective abilities and circumstances. However, there are some defining factors that each kid/parent/coach should contemplate before making a decision one way or another. The main qualifiers should be fit, role, and development. Let’s take a look at each…
Determining fit should be pretty obvious to all parties involved. Being a point guard who isolates or dribbles too much clearly wouldn’t be the right addition to a team that prioritizes ball movement and unselfish play (BSA Supreme, for example). It doesn’t make much sense for a skilled big man to play alongside guards who don’t look to dump the ball inside. Do your research, have a deeper conversation with the coaching staff, and really look into which teams/coaches/programs truly put their kids in a position to have college success. Sure, the graphic with all the Division I logos looks sexy, but at the end of the day, it’s not always a transparent reality. There are plenty of people who will make lofty promises and never deliver, but folks are naïve enough to turn a blind eye and keep coming back for more.
In a similar vein, the actual role is another highly significant factor in choosing where to play. While individual roles can be subject to change, it’s critical to go to a program that prioritizes your strengths and understands how to utilize what you provide. It’s much more difficult to get yourself seen by college coaches if you struggle to even see the court. Go somewhere of the appropriate level, produce, and let the cards fall where they may. Chasing after shoe-circuit teams is cool until you’ve received limited minutes, hold no offers, and coaches aren’t even paying attention going into your high school season. But hey, you got some nice shoes and clothes. Was it worth it' Folks need to learn how to look at the mistakes made by kids in the previous classes and adjust accordingly—rather than just keep making the same errors.
Regarding development, it’s important to go to a situation where you’re actually going to get better. While this might sound obvious, plenty of kids don’t improve (or even decline) during the summer season. This is when bad habits should be addressed, not created. The majority of kids within the landscape should be focused on improving above all else. Big men naturally develop slower, but should still go to a situation where they’ll touch the ball. If being a rim-runner is going to be the right move for your progression, then harness it. However, if the fit or role is off, it will inevitably hinder development. There are so many potential options to choose from, so exploring all avenues would be highly advantageous.