The grassroots basketball scene is so incredibly unique, as it highly differs from that of most professional industries. Its combination of young prospects and grown adults make for an enlightening experience. Although the two groups are completely separate, it's interesting to examine their contrasting qualities. Most kids and young prospects are somewhat expected to have hints of immaturity. However, the general sensitivity and attitude from adults has become especially alarming over the last year or so. Let's rewind for a second to beat a dead horse: basketball is based on personal preference. This notion should already be obvious to the masses, yet here we are. So, what does that mean and why does it matter'
It means that you, as the reader, should have zero reasons to get worked up about an…opinion. That's cool if you disagree, because the purpose is to generate conversation either way. If select individuals feel spurned by a deliberately straightforward tone in these articles, it sounds like a non-basketball problem. Going a step further, the ideal that adults are consistently whispering to other adults instead of addressing an issue really provides a great example for these kids. Making a case for a player isn't calling anyone right or wrong, rather presenting the facts and pleading for answers to justify the current recruiting situation. Perhaps folks pushing emotion to the side will benefit whatever individuals this article is referencing. Whether pointed or light-hearted, the intentions are all the same: getting kids to college.
Realizing the perception of these situations could also help, as the words and articles are intended to support a deserving prospect–not necessarily insult someone else. Instead, we live in a cozy world of kneejerk reactions and individuals getting hurt by generalizations. Fun times. Before countering, anyone who is still enthralled by these words should think about the following: why would he be mad about a kid not getting offers' For starters, seeing kids attain their goals is the driving purpose (or should be) for anyone working in grassroots basketball. Then, upon remembering that there is zero personal bias involved, there should be an overwhelming understanding of what it means to advocate for someone. Take a recent article on Dawson McAlhany, for example. Some folks want to feel the upset tone rather than acknowledge the facts. Sorry if feelings were hurt, but someone should be expressing an opinion about the topic. The kid (like many others) checks all the boxes in terms of growth, production, and success to justify offers. Perhaps it is somewhat irritating to watch a given prospect do everything 'right,' only to be pitted in a leveraging dogfight with other prospects in the eleventh hour. Writing is meant to relay thoughts and opinions, not make people feel warm and fuzzy. Remember that before clicking.
