Whether positive or negative, we grow up to become byproducts of our environment. The world is obviously in a state of constant change, and we are forced to be adaptable to these shifts at a moment's notice. Regarding the sport of basketball, some great things have occurred over the last decade. Recruiting has become objectively easier, more accessible, and more convenient than ever'both for college coaches and high school prospects. Trends have gradually made the on-court product as efficient as possible. However, the newfound entitlement from young kids and their parents has been genuinely bizarre. This is evident on numerous fronts, but specifically with the expectation of rankings. We have to stop poisoning our youth with the emphasis that insignificant things like being ranked matters. It doesn't. Let's reiterate: no college coach has ever pointed to a ranking and decided to recruit or not recruit a kid based on their corresponding number. 

Although there is a massive difference between state and national rankings, folks need to understand the value of sample size and how it applies to both categories. It ultimately matters more than everything else. Here's where the disconnect comes into play. Let's say you are a parent or high school coach; your sample size of Player A is going to be larger than mine by default. You see him every day, you watch him dominate in practice, and you've worked with him privately. That being said, people don't seem to comprehend the amount of kids we watch'much less how often we are seeing these same players over the course of a season, calendar year, and their entire basketball journey. We might not see 'Player A' as much as you, but we've seen Players B through Z exponentially more'so where's the counterargument' Head-to-head matchups are fine litmus tests for these individuals, but they don't really mean anything beyond the present moment. Hunting for favorable stats to anoint your kid or dismiss someone else is quite honestly pathetic. We aren't talking about thousands of lost dollars in NIL money, these are literally just state rankings.

Generally speaking, scouts and college coaches are on the same page. Meanwhile, most of these parents couldn't tell you the difference between the SAC and Peach Belt, yet they are certain their child is a Division I player. Do we see the issue' Projecting towards the future is a cornerstone for evaluating young prospects. Beyond the current sample size, we have years of experience in seeing how the process works and what coaches are actively pursuing from year to year. Assuming the most dominant high school players will become the best professionals has proven to be a fool's method (outside of obvious generational talents like LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, and very few others). Size, strength, and athleticism are the main varying factors. Possessing one of those three traits at an early age can allow young players to annihilate their peers, but all three become a commonality at the next level. The status, all-star games, and long list of accolades all go out the window when stepping onto that college campus, but yeah, definitely keep thinking that Phenom Hoops' rankings are holding your child back.'