Scout.com > Ohio HS Summer Basketball Programs Target Younger Players Story URL: http://hsohio.scout.com/2/173139.html Robert A. Taylor, Sr OhioPrepScene.com Aug 29, 2003 Because of the fierce competition for talented basketball players in Ohio, several elite summer basketball programs such as All-Ohio, Queen City prophets and the Cleveland Basketball Club have recognized the importance of developing "feeder" programs for their elite 16 and 17 year teams, and have reached out to younger "mom and pop" type youth programs to join their programs. In the past, elite programs have concentrated the bulk of their interest, energy, and money toward their older teams, expecting that the younger players in their respective areas to join their programs starting in the 8th and 9th grades.  However, with the transient nature of summer travel basketball players, elite programs can no longer count on area players staying close to home.  These programs  are now  seeking to form relationships with coaches,  kids and parents at a much earlier age. Although summer basketball programs have recognized traditional boundaries when pursuing young talent in grades three to seven, the recruiting landscaped has changed.  As an example, this past summer, Jerry Watson's  All-Ohio Program, based primarily out of Central Ohio, formed a relationship with the Westwood Ballers, a 5th grade travel team in Dayton.  In addition, after their 6th place finish in the U-11 AAU Nationals in Cocoa Beach, Florida, the 5th grade Columbus Jaguars received interest from several elite programs seeking partnerships; several of such programs were located outside of Central Ohio.  As another example, at the end of last summer season, the Ohio Kings, then a 6th grade travel team in the Cleveland area, joined forces with the Cleveland Basketball Club. The motivation for young teams to join larger more established organizations is obvious. Smaller organizations are often sponsored by parents or other caring adults who must "come out of their pockets" to pay for uniforms, practice facilities, tournament entry fees and travel expenses.  Participation fees for the Columbus Jaguars totaled approximately $700 last season; not including the hundreds of dollars for gas, hotel and eating expenses. Fortunately for organizations like the Columbus Jaguars and the Cincinnati Royals, family support is not an issue.  However, for many teams, particularly those who draw players from an inner-city environment, sponsorship is critical.  With the current state of the economy, soliciting sponsorship money is an ongoing process.  Partnerships with more established elite programs can be very beneficial to young coaches, players and parents in terms of finances and exposure. The elite programs have more money and offer young players greater exposure opportunities at an earlier age than the younger, often single-team organizations.  Moreover, the players and coaches in these small organizations are often very attracted to the affiliation some of the larger programs have with major shoe companies like Nike, Adidas and Reebok.  Kids want to be like college and professional players in terms of uniforms, shoes and equipment. Chris Barnes, Head Varsity Basketball Coach at Central High School in Columbus, Ohio coached the Central Ohio Comets, a 6th grade travel team, this past summer.  Chris is searching for sponsorship for his 7th grade, and is considering joining Jerry Watson's All-Ohio program.  "I'm just looking for some money to help finance my team," say Barnes.  "I want to relieve the financial burden on my parents.  Also, "it's about the exposure these elite programs can provide these young kids."  Mike Duncan, founder of the Cleveland Basketball Club Summer Basketball Program, believes its much easer to "build trust if you have worked with a player since they were young." "I want the ability to develop younger players" say Duncan. "Kids are much more loyal to your program and more coachable if you have coached them since they were young."  Duncan hopes to develop " life friendships" with these younger players, and believes he can help young kids develop good practice habits. Not everyone is convinced that these early relationships between youth basketball teams and elite programs are good for kids.  "In the past, kids have paid their own way when they are young, and when they get older, they get the payoff," says the director of a Columbus-based summer basketball program.  There is the concern that kids receive "too much too soon."  In addition, many feel that too much exposure at an early age is not good for young players. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, the trend is likely to continue. Will players and coaches remain loyal to these more established programs if they establish early relationships?  Elite summer program directors are banking on it.  Only time will tell if these early relationships will render the desired results. Copyright © Scout.com and OhioPrepScene.com