More than a few coaches, armed with cash from athletic shoe companies, flash new sneakers and gym bags with the players' names on them. The parent appears to be the key ingredient in an AAU experience. Moms and dads have to keep their eyes open to guard against a coach having an undue influence on their athletic offspring. Many parents, Boswell said, aren't aware what's going on. I don't think they are.
Most coaches now are like shoe salesmen, or car salesmen.
They are well versed in what needs to be said. Boswell told me about a coach who recruited a player whose parents were very religious. Before he made his case for his team, he offered a word of prayer. That, he said, was enough to get the player. They know what to say, when to say it and how to say it.