Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Is Absolutely Right About AAU Basketball
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant has always been one of the most opinionated players in the game of basketball. Bryant has never been shy about speaking his mind, whether it is about his team, his legacy or even about topics such as AAU basketball. After Friday night’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Bryant complemented the European style of play, saying to the press that it is “more skillful” compared to the American game.
In fact, the superstar did not mince words at all when it comes to U.S. players compared to their European counterparts, calling AAU basketball “terrible,” “stupid” and lacking in “the fundamentals of the game.”
Personally, I believe what Bryant said is exactly right. While AAU basketball certainly has its strengths, most notably teaching young players how to be unafraid in attacking the rim as well as helping them become better overall athletes, the fundamentals of the game are not stressed enough at this level. Bryant has room to talk too, given he played AAU basketball when he was young.
It is great that he is voicing his opinion on this because he is still a star in the NBA and people will listen to what he has to say, meaning he could influence AAU basketball in a positive way.
It’s no secret that that a lot more attention has been paid to overseas prospects over the last decade or so, especially when it comes to drafting. While a lot of European players are not as well built as American players and perhaps not as athletic, fundamentals and footwork in the post are certainly a huge part of what they do well, which is why players like Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol have been so good since coming to the NBA.
This is not to make the entire AAU basketball program sound helpless and lost, but Bryant’s comments are dead-on concerning its weaknesses and why European players have been very successful in the league.
Dan Schultz is an NBA sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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