Gerald Green "the poster Child" for what's wrong with AAU basketball

Hayesfan · Jul 23, 2008

Warning in advance this is long

http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/gerald-green-the-poster-child-for-americ.html

Thought this was an interesting blog talking about a topic that is near and dear to my heart.

The problems with the AAU system.

Also says that GG has finally been humbled, I really do hope the kid can get some real NBA knowledge and work ethic under his belt in Dallas.

Gerald Green gets it. He knows that all his talent will go to waste if he doesn't change his ways. Or at least he's saying all the right things.

A 6-8 guy with his athleticism and shooting touch should sign a megabucks contract entering his fourth NBA season. Green, however, comes to the Mavericks for a minimum salary, hoping to prove he can harness that talent and become a legitimate NBA player.

The Mavs were willing to give him that chance because Green is only 22 years old and has tons of untapped potential. It's up to the folks with offices at the AAC to repair the damage the AAU system did to Green's game.

Green is a world-class dunker. He's a pretty good 3-point shooter. And he can't do anything else at an NBA level. As Rick Carlisle says, the Mavs will try to convert him from showman to basketball player.

The AAU system is all about flash, not fundamentals. Green's game reflects that.

Green's coach at Houston Dobie tried to give him some discipline, but Green resisted and took the easy road. His AAU coach hooked him up with Ken "Juice" Williams, who basically ran an AAU program at Houston Gulf Shores Academy. Follow the jump to read a story I wrote about the Gulf Shores program Green's senior season.

Green has paid for listening to the coaches who told him how good he was instead of the ones who tried to make him better. He's a phenomenal talent who has no clue what he's doing on defense and doesn't understand how to get his shots in a structured offense.

"He had to learn that there's a big difference between being AAU famous and NBA famous," said John Lucas, who started working with Green after his humbling release from the Rockets, which ended a four-minute stint with his hometown team.

Green has showed flashes of brilliance with the Mavs' summer squad. However, he still looks lost on defense at times and shot only 37 percent in Las Vegas. His game is a work in progress that is just getting started.

The good news is that Green seems to understand that. And he couldn't ask for a better situation to save his career than the one in Dallas, where he has a chance to earn playing time and a coaching staff eager to work with him. Jason Kidd's passing ability will accentuate what Green does best (dunk), and Kidd's knowledge and experience should be invaluable tools for the kid.

Green's ego from his days as an AAU legend is apparently gone. He's been humbled by a grown man's game.
Click to expand...

Now this is the part that really got to me about the AAU program and the "prep school system"

HOUSTON - The Gulf Shores Academy campus, a converted strip mall in
a tough part of Houston, does not have a gym. No trophy case,
either. No indications that the charter school is a national
basketball powerhouse.

Unless you walk into the right classroom. That would be the one the
basketball team occupies when it isn't on one of the 11
out-of-state trips Gulf Shores scheduled this season. Fifteen boys
- ranging in classification from a freshman to several fifth-year
seniors and in height from 5-10 to 6-11 - receive individual
instruction from one teacher in this room. The curriculum focuses
on preparing them for the TAKS and SAT, standardized tests required
to graduate from high school and to enroll in a Division I college.

But their foremost focus is on playing ball, something they do
quite well. Four players have signed with Division I schools, and
several others have that kind of potential. The recruiting Web site
Rivals hoops.com ranks 6-8 wing Gerald Green as the No. 1 senior in
the nation and point guard Javon Adams No. 19.

"We could probably beat the Rockets," said coach Ken "Juice"
Williams, 46, a trash-talking former University of Houston
standout.

Gulf Shores does not compete in the University Interscholastic
League or any other sanctioned league, meaning Mr. Williams has the
authority to run his program free from the regulations that most
high school programs must follow. Critics of the program question
whether Gulf Shores players sacrifice academic growth for the sake
of basketball.

Mr. Williams, sitting in his closet-size office, offers a simple
explanation for how he assembled such an impressive collection of
basketball talent.

"Everybody wants to play for me," he said with a smile, revealing a
front tooth with a star cut out of the gold cap.

That's why parents and Amateur Athletic Union coaches are constantly calling or approaching him, hoping he'll make room for their kids on his
squad. Opposing players often give Mr. Williams their phone numbers
while shaking his hand after scrimmages and games.

Mr. Williams, who grew up in a Houston housing project and has long
been a fixture on the city's AAU scene, is always willing to give a
kid a chance. As long as the kid can play.

Mr. Adams, known as "Winky," was discouraged when he was being
ignored by college recruiters as a junior at Houston Worthing. Mr.
Williams, when contacted by Mr. Adams' mother, guaranteed Mr. Adams
a Division I scholarship if he played for Gulf Shores.

Deal sealed. Mr. Adams transferred and was reclassified as a
sophomore. He signed a national letter of intent with Nevada-Las
Vegas in November.

"When I came in, I was looking at all junior colleges - just
somewhere to go," said Mr. Adams, who is averaging 28 points and 10
assists per game. "The next thing I knew, people are ranking me,
and reporters are calling me."

Mr. Green butted heads with his coach at Houston Dobie and
struggled to remain academically eligible for three seasons before
his AAU coach, Lawrence Willis, intervened.

"Juice, I've got a pro for you," Mr. Williams recalled Mr. Willis
telling him. Mr. Green transferred to Gulf Shores the next week and
was reclassified as a sophomore. "It was one of the best decisions
I ever made in my life," said Mr. Green, who averages 33 points, 12
rebounds and six assists. "I don't know where I'd be if I stayed at
my other school."

Mr. Green has been projected as a lottery pick in this year's NBA
draft. But he said he plans to play at Oklahoma State, the school
he signed with in November.

Dobie coach Scott Talbert said he'd be pleasantly surprised if Mr.
Green survives academically at Oklahoma State. He remembers Mr.
Green as a talented player but a poor student. That Mr. Green
became an honors student at Gulf Shores raises suspicion from Mr.
Talbert.

"He went to Gulf Shores because the work's easier there, so his
grades will look better," Mr. Talbert said. "All they do is play
basketball."

Building a basketball powerhouse wasn't Linda Johnson's intention
when she founded Gulf Shores in 1994. Ms. Johnson had worked 19
years with at-risk children in the Houston school district. She
opened Gulf Shores as a private school and set up a partnership
with HISD to work as a transitional campus for troubled students.

Gulf Shores became an independent charter school, funded by the
Texas Education Agency, five years later. It has 1,047 students.

Only 20 percent of Gulf Shores' students passed all TAKS tests last
year, less than a third of the state average. Eight percent of the
school's seniors in 2003 took the SAT. They had an average score of
777, well below the state average.

Ms. Johnson decided to begin an athletic department soon after the
school opened to give the campus a more traditional feel.

The basketball program was in its infancy when Ms. Johnson had a
chance meeting with Mr. Williams, who was working as an athletic
director at a private middle school and running a basketball
scouting service as a hobby. Ms. Johnson heard Mr. Williams
boasting about his basketball knowledge and approached him about
coaching at Gulf Shores.

College, not crime

Mr. Williams, who accepted the job after Ms. Johnson persisted for
almost a year, said he had to plead with his players to stop
committing crimes and start thinking about college.

Several players listened, and Gulf Shores started winning. Mr.
Williams helped most of his players land scholarships, primarily to
junior colleges and Division II and NAIA schools.

"I ... [have] helped a lot of kids since I've been here," Mr.
Williams said. "That's the greatest feeling in the world."

Gulf Shores now gets players because of Mr. Williams' reputation
for helping players get scholarships. Two examples are shooting
guard Terrell Henry and power forward Anthony "Mann" Vereen. Both
transferred to Gulf Shores last year after completing their
eligibility at Pearland. They were on track to graduate on time but
were reclassified as juniors.

"I was a little apprehensive," Mr. Vereen said. "People said it was
a school for bad kids. But that's far from the truth."

Academics had nothing to do with the transfers. Mr. Henry and Mr.
Vereen weren't satisfied with the scholarship offers they received
and wanted more time to showcase their games to recruiters. They
signed with UT-Arlington after playing on a summer AAU team with
other Gulf Shores starters. Mr. Williams said schools in major
conferences have since expressed interest in both players.

It's common for players to take a post-graduate year at prep
schools on the East Coast. Mr. Henry and Mr. Vereen essentially
found a way to do the same thing close to their homes.

"The kids are taking advantage of the system," Pearland coach
Stephen Buckelew said. "I don't like it. I don't think it's right.
I don't think it's fair for a kid to be reclassified."

Said Ms. Johnson: "I won't deny the children a chance to come into
Gulf Shores. I won't deny them a chance to play ball."

Ms. Johnson responded to a question about the possibility of
joining the UIL - an option for charter schools - with a puzzled
look. "What's that?" she said. Mr. Williams, listening in on the
conversation, just shook his head.

The Gulf Shores basketball program, as it is currently operating,
wouldn't work in the UIL. All five starters would be ineligible
because they are fifth-year seniors. Most transfers would have to
wait a year before playing varsity. And Mr. Williams wouldn't have
the scheduling freedom he has now.

Gulf Shores typically practices three times a week, usually renting
a gym at a nearby church for $150 per session. It's a relaxed
atmosphere, with Mr. Williams often sitting on the sideline with
his cellphone to his ear. He'll challenge his players to
post-practice shooting sessions, knocking down shots with a smooth
stroke while standing five feet out of bounds.

'The greatest coach'

"Juice's probably the greatest coach on earth," Mr. Henry said. "I
never had a coach like him. He's like one of us."

The team often travels to a tournament on Thursdays, accompanied by
teacher Tiffany Taylor. The top tournaments cover travel expenses.
Gulf Shores relies on sponsors - including Ms. Johnson and many of
the people who finance Mr. Williams' AAU teams - to cover the other
costs.

Mr. Williams' family makes as many of the trips as possible. One
son, Ken, 27, is an assistant coach/statistician. His youngest son,
also named Ken, is a 10-year-old budding star.

Mr. Williams is looking forward to coaching his youngest son at
Gulf Shores. The plan is to pair him in the backcourt with Juice's
grandson, an 11-year-old also named Ken.

There's nothing conventional about the Gulf Shores basketball
program, and that won't change soon.
Click to expand...

Mango · Jul 23, 2008

It wasn't that long at all.

I think as Gulf Shores moved up on the local basketball scene, Westbury Christian gave up some ground.

Air Langhi · Jul 23, 2008

How is AAU bad for Green? He has a few million in the bank. If he had stayed at his other school he probably wouldn't have played since his grades sucked, and he might have dropped out. Also if he went to college what guarantee was there that he would be good enough in school? He also seems very undisciplined on the court. Why would any coach play a guy like that?

Shaud · Jul 23, 2008

Sorry but if it wasn't for AAU then a lot of these players wouldn't even get to experience anything outside of their neighborhood. AAU allows players to take trips to different states and give players exposure.

ReD_1 · Jul 23, 2008

I will never forgive Daryl Morey if this guy becomes another great player.

Has all the tools but lacks experience?

And most important he is only 22.

Rashmon · Jul 23, 2008

Sounds like pretty sweet setup for Ms. Johnson and Mr. Williams and his family.

I bet there are quite a few perks...

JusBleezy · Jul 23, 2008

Air Langhi said:

How is AAU bad for Green? He has a few million in the bank. If he had stayed at his other school he probably wouldn't have played since his grades sucked, and he might have dropped out. Also if he went to college what guarantee was there that he would be good enough in school? He also seems very undisciplined on the court. Why would any coach play a guy like that?
Click to expand...

Exactly. People like looking at things from an all-around perspective instead of at the very least understanding why an individual chooses the choices he or she makes. May have been wrong decision yes, but everyone makes their own mistakes.

Williamson · Jul 23, 2008

Air Langhi said:

How is AAU bad for Green? He has a few million in the bank.
Click to expand...

I sincerely doubt it. I bet he's already gone through most of that money. What do they say? 60% of NBA players go bankrupt within two years of leaving the NBA? It's something outrageous.

Hayesfan · Jul 23, 2008

My point about AAU isn't that they are given an opportunity.. it's that they hype these kids up so that they think they are on a pedestal.

It's all about money. It's not about teaching the kids the sport. It's how much can I get this advertiser to pay for my team if I have a kid that's going to be in the NBA someday. It's how much can I make having a "basketball school" where we encourage underachieving. It's about who you know and how much hype you can produce rather than improving the kid's game.

Maybe it's the right path for some kids to go, but I can't condone something that rewards teenagers for acting like prima donnas because they can jump higher than the kid next to them.

You know how that stereotype of passing kids in school just because they were athletes, well this takes it to a whole new level. This says, well heck, since you are already dumb, let's just take your education out of the equation. We'll make it easy for you so we can earn a buck off your natural abilities.

Kids want to play for him because all he does is pump them up. Do you think he has them run suicides if they are late to practice? Do you think he makes them sit out a game because they can't read at a second grade level?

No.

I am sorry but there is a huge problem with a system that rewards on how much money you can earn your coach.

People complain that these kids have to play a year of college and make money for the school. Well how about all the money they are making for their AAU squads and coaches before they are even old enough to get to the college level.

The system is wrong in so many ways that I can't even discuss it without getting upset.

durvasa · Jul 23, 2008

So I wonder what was more humbling for him: being cut by the Daryl Morey or getting his signed sneaker knocked off the table by Daryl Dawkins at the dunk contest.

If Gerald Greene gets motivated and eventually becomes a star, he'll have at least one Daryl to thank for it.

Dave_78 · Jul 23, 2008

Regarding Gerald Green, the dude is only 22 but has been around a while. You don't just change who you are as an adult overnight. I'll be shocked if Green is in the league by age 25. I hope he proves me wrong but I wouldn't bet on it.

Angkor Wat · Jul 23, 2008

jmwilliamson said:

I sincerely doubt it. I bet he's already gone through most of that money. What do they say? 60% of NBA players go bankrupt within two years of leaving the NBA? It's something outrageous.
Click to expand...

The majority of the players that went bankrupt were the ones that played when guys weren't getting a million dollars to play ball.

MrButtocks · Jul 23, 2008

ReD_1 said:

I will never forgive Daryl Morey if this guy becomes another great player.

Has all the tools but lacks experience?

And most important he is only 22.
Click to expand...

He's missing important tools. Ball handling and passing are essential to being a great player. Honestly, what's this guy's ceiling? He plays nothing like any great player I've seen. The Tmac comparisons were way off. The skill's just not there.

You're talking about someone like JR Smith. He blows Green out of the water, skill-wise. Gerald Green is probably not even as NBA ready as Donte Greene and he's two years older.

ClutchCityReturns · Jul 23, 2008

Green's coach at Houston Dobie tried to give him some discipline, but Green resisted and took the easy road...

Dobie coach Scott Talbert said he'd be pleasantly surprised if Mr.
Green survives academically at Oklahoma State. He remembers Mr.
Green as a talented player but a poor student. That Mr. Green
became an honors student at Gulf Shores raises suspicion from Mr.
Talbert...

"He went to Gulf Shores because the work's easier there, so his
grades will look better," Mr. Talbert said. "All they do is play
basketball."
Click to expand...

Three things...

1) It's just Dobie. Nobody who has ever attended Dobie has called it Houston Dobie. I hate it when articles do that.

2) It's not Scott Talbert. It's Scott Talton.

3) I played for him on the varsity team in 2000 and 2001, so I know him very well. He had some players that didn't make good grades, and if they failed they didn't play...plain and simple. He also had some guys who were immature and liked to get into trouble, but those guys still got to play as long as they took care of their grades. So, what I'm trying to say is that for Gerald Green to be such an outcast at Dobie, he had to be ultra uncoachable and/or stupid. I don't even like coach Talton (that's another story entirely), but there's no doubt in my mind that the reason he treated Gerald the way he did is because it was deserved. I'm sure that the quote they have from him in this article is 100% accurate.

Hayesfan · Jul 23, 2008

ClutchCityReturns said:

Three things...

1) It's just Dobie. Nobody who has ever attended Dobie has called it Houston Dobie. I hate it when articles do that.

2) It's not Scott Talbert. It's Scott Talton.

3) I played for him on the varsity team in 2000 and 2001, so I know him very well. He had some players that didn't make good grades, and if they failed they didn't play...plain and simple. He also had some guys who were immature and liked to get into trouble, but those guys still got to play as long as they took care of their grades. So, what I'm trying to say is that for Gerald Green to be such an outcast at Dobie, he had to be ultra uncoachable and/or stupid. I don't even like coach Talton (that's another story entirely), but there's no doubt in my mind that the reason he treated Gerald the way he did is because it was deserved. I'm sure that the quote they have from him in this article is 100% accurate.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input CCR.

FYI I think they called it Houston Dobie because it was an article from a Dallas newspaper. Maybe? Is there a Dallas Dobie?

pmac · Jul 23, 2008

ClutchCityReturns said:

Three things...

1) It's just Dobie. Nobody who has ever attended Dobie has called it Houston Dobie. I hate it when articles do that.

2) It's not Scott Talbert. It's Scott Talton.

3) I played for him on the varsity team in 2000 and 2001, so I know him very well. He had some players that didn't make good grades, and if they failed they didn't play...plain and simple. He also had some guys who were immature and liked to get into trouble, but those guys still got to play as long as they took care of their grades. So, what I'm trying to say is that for Gerald Green to be such an outcast at Dobie, he had to be ultra uncoachable and/or stupid. I don't even like coach Talton (that's another story entirely), but there's no doubt in my mind that the reason he treated Gerald the way he did is because it was deserved. I'm sure that the quote they have from him in this article is 100% accurate.
Click to expand...

Insightful. From everything i've heard it seems to be that GG is VERY unintelligent. He has definitely shown the skills to play in this league but watching him in Boston he actually looked lost ( ) on D and in a half court offensive set. I've never seen a player with his abilities appear so dumb. A guy like Ricky Davis had problems because he didn't want to play D and work hard, GG on the other hand seems unable to at time which is an even bigger problem.

professorjay · Jul 23, 2008

This definitely offers a chance for many to overcome odds and create a life not possible by few other means.

But one other thing to consider is for every Gerald Green (who at least made millions and has stepped foot onto an NBA court), how many don't? How many get a scholarship to a division one school, keep believing that they 'deserve' to go the NBA to the detriment of any academic education, but ultimately don't pan out? Not only has their basketball career effectively ended, they're education is equivalent to a high school drop out.

Not saying this happens, because frankly I don't know, but I'm trying to see this from all sides.

leebigez · Jul 23, 2008

I know AAU isn't good for college or pro ball. You never get to work on your game if you're constantly on trips. A lot of those AAU guys are uncoachable. Beasley,Mayo and guys that attend 4 high schools really just leave when they start getting coached up. In houston, we didn't have summer ball till '87. Before then it was illegal, so cats just worked on their game.

As far as the Academy go, I don't really mind because its no different than europe and other countries. If you're going to hoop, just hoop. Parker was playing pro ball at 15 and nothing was said. I do think AAU and the lack of working on your game hurts the game.

ClutchCityReturns · Jul 23, 2008

leebigez said:

As far as the Academy go, I don't really mind because its no different than europe and other countries. If you're going to hoop, just hoop. Parker was playing pro ball at 15 and nothing was said.
Click to expand...

I don't remember any Europeans coming into the NBA that were dumb as rocks. In fact most of them speak English (their second language) better than Gerald Green.

Not saying it's cut and dry, but for the most part I don't think those European players are spitting in the face of education en route to their basketball dreams like a lot of these American born AAU products appear to be.

apocclass · Jul 23, 2008

i'd still like to have GG on the rockets.... i just still believe he can be a player in the NBA.

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