About the Guest:

Kevina Lawrence is a respected basketball coach, mentor, and Texas Elite Basketball Operations with over 25 years of experience in the AAU basketball circuit.

She has coached for top programs like All Its Swoosh, Team Ichiban, Texas Express, and Texas Elite.

Kevina’s coaching philosophy extends beyond the court—she teaches life principles through basketball, emphasizing commitment, integrity, and player development.

She is widely known for her dedication to advocating for players and helping them secure college opportunities.

Episode Summary:

How do players REALLY get recruited in AAU basketball?

There’s so much misinformation out there, and today, we are talking about it!

.In this episode of "It’s Just Different Podcast," I sit down with Texas Elite Director Kevina Lawrence to break down:

- How to pick the RIGHT AAU team for college recruitment.

- Why parents & players often misunderstand the recruiting process.

- The financial realities of AAU basketball—beyond just team fees.

- The impact of NIL & the transfer portal on high school athletes.

- Why rankings don’t always matter when it comes to college offers.

If you're serious about your athlete's basketball journey, you CAN'T afford to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways:

- AAU Basketball is More Than Just Playing – It’s a platform for life skills, exposure, and relationships.

- Financial Investments Go Beyond Team Fees – Training, travel, and social media play a major role.

- Choosing the RIGHT School Matters More Than Prestige – Fit over rankings!

- Recruiting Can Be Misleading – Not every "offer" is real—players must be strategic.

- The Transfer Portal is Changing the Game – Players need long-term strategies to succeed.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide:

⁠Click Here⁠

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!?

⁠Click HERE⁠

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: ⁠Click Here⁠

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:

⁠Click Here⁠

🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off

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About the Guest:

Katie Hensle is a highly respected coach and the Director of Southwest Select. With a background in both AAU and college basketball, Katie has coached at prestigious programs like Cy Fair and Team Texas and even won Nike Nationals.

She is also a member of the McDonald's All-American & Naismith Committees, making her a key voice in player development and recruitment.

As a 3SSB Director, Katie is committed to helping young athletes find the best opportunities for exposure and college recruitment through skill development, strategic team placement, and transparency in the recruiting process.

Episode Summary:

How do players REALLY get recruited in AAU basketball? There’s so much misinformation out there, but today, we break down what it really looks like.

In this episode of "It’s Just Different Podcast," I sit down with 3SSB Director Katie Hensle to break down:

- How to pick the RIGHT AAU team for college recruitment.

- The biggest recruiting mistakes parents & players make.

- Why visibility matters—but exposure isn’t everything.

- How NIL & the transfer portal are changing recruiting.

If you're serious about your athlete's basketball journey, you CAN'T afford to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways:

- The RIGHT Club Team Matters – College exposure depends on being in the right environment.

- Recruitment Isn’t Just About Division 1 – NAIA, JUCO, and lower divisions offer great opportunities.

- Relationships Drive Recruiting – Connections with coaches & programs can open doors.

- Transparency is Key – Honest communication between players, parents, and coaches avoids issues.

- The Game is Changing – NIL & the transfer portal are reshaping recruitment.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide:

Click Here

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!?

Click HERE

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: Click Here

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:

Click Here

🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offClick Here

About the Guest:

Earl Rooks is a renowned expert in sports marketing and management, specializing in basketball. He is the director of Pro Skills and a prominent trainer and coach, responsible for creating development exposure platforms for players ranging from grassroots to professional levels.

Earl has a deep understanding of the essentials in athlete development and recruitment, and his program has produced many successful college athletes. He is known for his ability to guide and prepare young athletes for the challenges of competitive basketball.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "It's Just Different Podcast," host Ashley Roberts sits down with Earl Rooks, the director of Pro Skills, to explore the intricate world of youth basketball recruitment and development.

With his extensive background in sports management, Earl shares invaluable insights into what truly matters in athlete recruitment, emphasizing the importance of development, exposure, and timing.

During the conversation, Earl provides an in-depth analysis of the current AAU basketball landscape, comparing it with the past. He highlights a shift in parental involvement and discusses the challenge many players face in navigating the recruitment process.

Earl offers practical advice for players and parents, advising them on managing expectations and understanding the recruiting timeline, especially in the context of an ever-evolving basketball environment, including the impact of recent rule changes and the transfer portal.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Recruitment Process: Earl emphasizes the critical components of development, exposure, and timing in recruiting student-athletes.

• Importance of the Right Fit: Choosing the correct AAU team and the importance of understanding an athlete’s individual needs and potential role within a program.

• Value of Relationships and Timing: Relationships with coaches and exposure are pivotal in the recruitment process. Timing effects changes in recruiting needs for college programs.

• Holistic Development: Preparing athletes not only for athletic performance but ensuring readiness for academic and personal success in college.

• Opportunities Beyond EYBL: Earl discusses the relevance and potential of programs outside the major circuits, highlighting the importance of role and development in other competitive settings.

🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe?_gl=1*cg1spn*_gcl_au*MTkzNTc3NTMzNi4xNzI4MDI3Mzgw 🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!? https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/the-ultimate-basketball-parent-digital-bundle👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:https://form.jotform.com/231157881368060 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠