Since I have been involved with both, I can certainly understand where each side is coming from. Because of that, I've designed my program as one that is based upon opportunity, not obligation. I have been of the opinion that one reason why AAU might become more important than HS basketball and already is for many athletes is because HS coaches are restricted from how much they can work with their athletes. I have heard so many people, even HS coaches that say that they don't like AAU basketball because it is not an atmosphere that promotes skill development. On the flip side, I have heard many AAU coaches criticize HS coaches because there are just there to collect a paycheck and they don't really know basketball. Personally, I think there is some truth to both of those things. I have seen bad AAU programs and I have seen bad HS programs. In my opinion, I don't understand why coaches from both programs can't cooperate with each other.

The other day, I read that the WIAA has changed the rule that limits contact by HS coaches. Unless I am illiterate, this means that HS coaches can work with their athletes at any time of the year. I am wondering if this is a game changer. I think it has potential to be one. This should definitely place the importance of basketball back into the HS programs. However, what I am wondering is if those HS coaches, who criticize AAU programs, will now speak through their actions, not just their words. Like I said before, I work with my kids all year round. During their HS season, I will have Sunday skill development workouts, because my kids say they are not getting that in their HS programs. Once the HS season ends, I will move to skill development workouts, 5 days a week. Once we get close to tournaments, two of the skill development workouts are team practices instead. As I said earlier, none of these are obligations. They are just opportunities for the girls.

If I was a HS coach, I would have the same format for my HS players during the summertime. For the ones that claim that summertime is for skill development, which I agree, are they going to take the time to organize these things themselves. It appears that they have the opportunity to do that now. Personally, I am interested to see how this plays out.