At the competitive youth level, basketball is emphatically a year-round sport.
The AAU ecosystem has been churning since late March, mere weeks after school teams secured state championships.
Travel basketball is a complicated, chaotic world. Instead of school bus rides, teams bond in hotel lobbies and airports while trekking around the country to play in front of college coaches — and possible scholarships. The competitive fire remains stoked all summer long.
If you’re a fan of local talent, today’s AAU scene is required reading, viewing, and social media scrolling. Here’s what I’m anticipating as the heat turns up.
1. Big names making big college decisions
Two of the best New England high school basketball prospects in recent years are approaching major college decisions.
AJ Dybantsa (Brockton, Mass.), the consensus top boys player in the national Class of 2025, has made three unofficial college visits as of June: Auburn, USC, and BYU. He’s currently focused on AAU play with the Oakland Soldiers and recently announced his transfer to Utah Prep for senior year. ...