We attended some independent West Coast live period events during the first July session (11-14) and discovered five important revelations. Independent grassroots basketball is facing a crucial moment.
Similar to the challenging times in America, grassroots basketball is also at a critical juncture in its current state. Based on our observations during the first July live period, independent operations and operators at live events are at a crucial point in their existence. Just like other businesses or entities offering products or services, the operating costs are increasing while the quality of the product is decreasing. We delve into the reasons behind this trend.
1. The Scholastic Live Period Has Brought Significant ChangesAfter the NCAA corruption scandal of 2017-18, there was an effort to incorporate scholastic basketball into the recruiting process by introducing two live weekends in June for high school teams. This initiative began in 2019 and has had a notable impact on July. Following the June scholastic period, D1 colleges have a better understanding of their key high school recruiting targets. Due to the focus on fewer high school players overall because of the NCAA Transfer Portal, the atmosphere in July, especially at independent events, has shifted. With college coaches attending numerous live events, the excitement and anticipation for great games or evaluation settings have diminished at independent events. College coaches seem less inclined to discover new talent when they are already aware of the reduced talent levels post-COVID. Informed by their experiences in June, they can concentrate on their primary targets.
2. Players Are Becoming More DiscerningEvents like Peach Jam (EYBL Finals) and adidas’ 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships remain top-tier July events with a similar atmosphere to pre-June live period times. However, these events cater to elite, high-major prospects. In the independent sector, lower-level elite prospects are playing, and the talent pool is declining each summer. As a result, some D1 prospects are choosing not to participate in endless July games if they are satisfied with their recruitment status or performance in the spring and June. While the value of participating remains, it is not as strong as before. Parents may still hold unrealistic expectations of their son going high-major or receiving a scholarship, but the reality is becoming clearer with each passing summer. The message is more impactful when they are investing more to have their son showcase his skills in front of fewer college coaches.
3. Shoe Company Circuits Are DominatingWith multiple circuits like Under Armour Association in Atlanta, Adidas 3SSB in Rock Hill, S.C., NXTPRO League in Mesa, Ariz., and Nike Peach Jam and Prelude 32 in Augusta, Ga., there are fewer independent teams or grassroots coaches operating travel teams under one umbrella. Shoe company-sponsored circuits are consolidating teams for their events, leading to a diluted landscape in July. Without a central meeting point like Las Vegas before the corruption scandal, there are fewer inter-circuit battles and teams are scattered. For independent programs to thrive and participate in live period events in front of D1 college coaches, they must collaborate to some extent and operate events more strategically. With increasing costs of business (insurance, referees, scorers, trainers, etc.), there is not enough resources for everyone.
4. Some Hidden Gems in Independent ProgramsDespite the multitude of events in various locations simultaneously, diligent recruiters now have a greater advantage. They are willing to go the extra mile to uncover hidden talents. There are still quality D1 prospects in independent clubs, such as 6-foot-5 2025 shooting guard Anthony Moore of Develop 17U/(Lincoln HS, Stockton, Calif.), among others. However, it requires more effort to travel to different gyms to find these prospects instead of having them under one roof. Smart college coaches cannot afford to sit through multiple games without spotting a prospect of interest. Going forward, there needs to be more incentives for players to choose independent teams over established shoe company teams, with no guarantee that all circuits will endure until 2025.
