About the Host:

Ashley Roberts is the host of It’s Just Different Podcast and a trusted voice in the basketball community. With years of experience coaching, mentoring athletes, and guiding parents, Ashley helps families navigate the complex world of AAU basketball, college recruiting, and personal development.

She’s also the author of The Little Girl with Big Dreams and the creator of tools that empower parents to make informed decisions throughout their athlete’s journey.

Episode Summary:

In this solo episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts drops real talk for parents navigating the ever-changing world of AAU basketball and college recruiting.

Ashley pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in the recruiting landscape in 2025—from the dominance of the transfer portal to the mistakes parents make during AAU season.

This episode is your roadmap for understanding how to support your athlete without sabotaging their opportunities.

She breaks down why D1 isn’t the only path, how to evaluate whether a team is really helping your athlete, and what coaches are actually paying attention to when it comes to offers, exposure, and commitment.

If you’re a basketball parent trying to make the best decisions for your athlete — this is the one you don’t skip.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transfer Portal Changed the Game — fewer D1 spots are going to high school athletes.

• Stop Chasing the Name — focus on the fit, not the flash.

• Parents Play a Bigger Role Than They Think — in good and bad ways.

• Exposure ≠ Development — the wrong tournaments or teams can hurt more than help.

• Be Honest About Where Your Athlete Is — and make decisions from that place.👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

🎙️ About the Guest:

Pauline Love—known as Coach Love—is a respected coach at the University of Alabama with a rich background as both a player and mentor. Her candid voice on social media and experience in player development make her a powerful resource for athletes and families trying to understand the evolving world of college sports, especially as it relates to the transfer portal and recruiting realities.

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Pauline Love to talk about the real effects of the transfer portal on college basketball—and how it's impacting high school athletes today.

They break down the pressure-filled recruiting process, the role of financial incentives, JUCO vs. D2 paths, and what parents need to know as they help their athlete navigate a system that’s no longer built the way it used to be.

If you’re confused about how the transfer portal, NIL affects your child’s chances of being recruited, this episode breaks it all down in plain language—backed by experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transfer Portal = Fewer Spots for High School Players

• Not Every Offer Is Real — Beware of Offer Stacking

• JUCO Can Be the Best Route to D1

• Parents Must Learn How to Advocate Without Overstepping

• Relationships Still Matter — Not Just Rankings

Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe?_gl=1*cg1spn*_gcl_au*MTkzNTc3NTMzNi4xNzI4MDI3Mzgw 🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!? https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/the-ultimate-basketball-parent-digital-bundle👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:https://form.jotform.com/231157881368060 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest:

Michael Cooper, widely known as Coach Coop, is a respected AAU director and grassroots basketball coach with nearly 30 years of experience. As the current head of Team Lex 2031 and an event director for Queen of the Court, he’s been instrumental in developing youth talent and creating opportunities for athletes to succeed on and off the court. Episode Summary:

In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with grassroots veteran Coach Michael Cooper to talk about what’s really going on in youth basketball today.From unrealistic expectations to changes in the recruiting landscape, this conversation is packed with raw truths, real experience, and practical advice. Coach Koop shares the lessons he’s learned over three decades in AAU basketball and how parents can better support their athletes on and off the court.Whether you're trying to choose the right AAU team, balance development with exposure, or understand how college recruiting works today — this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:

Commitment is More Than Attendance – It’s about lifestyle, discipline, and staying the course.Parental Support is Critical – Parents must guide, not just cheer.Recruiting Has Changed – Between extended eligibility, transfers, and JUCO shifts, it’s more complex than ever.The “Right Fit” Matters – Athletes must find programs aligned with both athletic and academic goals.Grassroots Still Has Power – Community events like Queen of the Court still create real impact.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe?_gl=1*cg1spn*_gcl_au*MTkzNTc3NTMzNi4xNzI4MDI3Mzgw

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!?

https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/the-ultimate-basketball-parent-digital-bundle

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:https://form.jotform.com/231157881368060

🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠