Michael Duncan has been in AAU for 34 years. He runs Ohio Basketball Club and thinks the culture around grassroots basketball has regressed. It is designed to expose high school players to college coaches, but Duncan can think of at least one player who asked him for more.
“I’m not going to say his name, but he wanted me to pay for his cell phone bill,” Duncan said. “He said other coaches were paying for his bills.”
The FBI investigation alleges an Adidas executive conspired to pay $100,000 to a Louisville commit —
believed to be Brian Bowen — on the condition he signed with the shoe company next year when he turns pro.
Duncan’s experience is small in comparison, but it has convinced him this news will not dissuade some from offering money or others from asking for it.
“If you don’t think they’re out there finding another way to hustle the system, you’ve got it twisted,” he said.
His OBC program, like many, is sponsored by Adidas. Duncan said Adidas only partially sponsors his program. In return, OBC must participate in five Adidas-sponsored tournaments. This limits opportunities to play teams sponsored by Nike or Under Armour. It also can force colleges to recruit specific players.
“College coaches make comments that 'We can’t recruit that kid because we’re a Nike school and he plays for an Adidas AAU team,'” St. Edward coach Eric Flannery said.
As a result, a game takes place within the game.
