Bringing Structure to AAU BasketballThe following is an excerpt from the Oregonian article published n 2008
Many teams rely primarily on talent by freelancing on the court. But Portland-based Team Freddy Jones subscribes to a more disciplined approach, running offensive sets and clamping down on defense.
"It gives college coaches and scouts a different perspective on AAU basketball, because a lot of guys just roll the ball out," said Team Freddy Jones coach Pat Strickland, an assistant at Jefferson High School.
First-year Eastern Arizona coach Maurice Lietzke concurred. He said AAU teams that run offensive sets make evaluating players easier.
"You get a better feel for what kids can do and an idea of what their roles and capabilities are," Lietzke said, though not singling out Team Freddy Jones. "You can evaluate their skill set."
Added Strickland: "We like to add structure to it. You can show all your skills and athleticism, but we think it's more feasible for the coaches to see you doing that in a structured environment to show that you're coachable."
The team's philosophy will be on display Friday through Sunday in the eight-team, Super 17s bracket of the Rose City Showcase at Grant High School.
"As a player, Pat Strickland was a fundamental juggernaut, and that's what he really exemplifies as a coach," tournament organizer Canaan Chatman said. "He has athletic teams. But he makes athletic teams cohesive. There's not very many teams on the circuit taking charges."
For More Information: /images/DefaultNewsIcon.png Contact: Jerry Ulmer
Tags: basketball AAU structure
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