The exploitation of children, as cited in the Tribune’s series, borders on abuse. It is absolutely outrageous that this is allowed by the high school associations, the NCAA and, most important, the parents of the athletes.
It’s no wonder the game of basketball, a team sport, is in the state it’s in. The emphasis on what can the sport and the team do for me (which is the calling card of club basketball) helps to create the trash-talking, one-on-one, no-fundamentals game we see today. The system, as you describe it, most benefits the shoe companies, the coaches trying to live their dream through the players, and the college recruiters who don’t have to travel to out-of-the-way places to look for their next stars.
The business of basketball has ruined the pro game, is ruining the college game, and is threatening the high school game. I would call on state high school associations to limit the participation of high school athletes in these types of programs by requiring teams to be associated with their athletes’ schools. If an athlete participates outside that structure, he or she forfeits eligibility.
This will require an athlete to make a choice between team and self, with consequences for choosing self. Stronger teams will be the result, as will strong individuals, within the context of school and community.
