States such as Indiana and some of its southern counterparts have had an AAU basketball way of life for many years. The fine Indiana-based publication Hoosier Basketball devotes much of its space to AAU events and promotion, and there is a good deal of politicizing regarding the selection of Mr. and Miss Basketball awards, listing AAU participation as a chief criteria for consideration. Ironically, one of Indiana's premiere basketball coaches, IU's Bob Knight, is critical of AAU because of the difficulty the summertime version of these games causes many high school coaches once some of their players return from tournaments where mere participation causes inflated egos, which have to be dealt with come fall. As past president of the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches, I have addressed the Maine Principals' Association on several occasions regarding some of my concerns about AAU basketball. Parents who want to showcase their own kids by stepping into an AAU coaching job only add fuel to the fire.
Opinions vary, certainly.
I applaud the efforts of some of the men and women in Maine, who work tirelessly to help our young hoopsters develop skills and gain exposure for future play. His camps are the very best the state has to offer. If there was or is a referee who handles kids, coaches, and crowds better than this man, I want to meet him. We were on the road the other night, and while I was waiting for my team to change into their uniforms, I sat in the gym alone, reflecting on 29 years of service to the coaching profession. My, how quickly the time has flown by.