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 ⁠

About the Guest:

Mike Simmons, also known as Lefty Mike, is a national basketball evaluator and co-director of Sudden Exposure. With years of experience in media scouting, player recruitment, and exposure, he has helped countless athletes gain visibility and secure scholarship opportunities.

Mike is known for his candid insights into youth basketball recruiting, offering real advice on how to stand out, avoid common mistakes, and navigate the recruiting process effectively.

Episode Summary:

AAU recruiting mistakes can cost players scholarships—and most families don’t even know they’re making them.

In this episode of "It’s Just Different Podcast," I sit down with National Evaluator & Sudden Exposure Director Mike Simmons to expose:

- The biggest AAU recruiting mistakes players & parents make

- Why some highlight tapes turn coaches away

- How non-live period events can actually help players get noticed

- The role of social media in recruiting & NIL deals

- How to choose the right AAU team & tournaments for exposure

If you want your athlete to get recruited, you NEED this episode!

Key Takeaways:

- Your Highlight Tape Matters. The first 20 seconds can make or break a player’s chances.

- Exposure Happens Beyond the Live Period. Media coverage & scouting events play a huge role.

- Social Media Can Make or Break Recruiting. NIL deals are shifting how players get noticed.

- Not All College Offers Are Real. Players & parents need to ask the right questions.

- Choosing the Right AAU Team is Critical. Exposure only works if you’re in the right place.

🔗 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 ⁠

About the Guest:

Kevina Lawrence is a respected basketball coach, mentor, and Texas Elite Basketball Operations with over 25 years of experience in the AAU basketball circuit.

She has coached for top programs like All Its Swoosh, Team Ichiban, Texas Express, and Texas Elite.

Kevina’s coaching philosophy extends beyond the court—she teaches life principles through basketball, emphasizing commitment, integrity, and player development.

She is widely known for her dedication to advocating for players and helping them secure college opportunities.

Episode Summary:

How do players REALLY get recruited in AAU basketball?

There’s so much misinformation out there, and today, we are talking about it!

.In this episode of "It’s Just Different Podcast," I sit down with Texas Elite Director Kevina Lawrence to break down:

- How to pick the RIGHT AAU team for college recruitment.

- Why parents & players often misunderstand the recruiting process.

- The financial realities of AAU basketball—beyond just team fees.

- The impact of NIL & the transfer portal on high school athletes.

- Why rankings don’t always matter when it comes to college offers.

If you're serious about your athlete's basketball journey, you CAN'T afford to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways:

- AAU Basketball is More Than Just Playing – It’s a platform for life skills, exposure, and relationships.

- Financial Investments Go Beyond Team Fees – Training, travel, and social media play a major role.

- Choosing the RIGHT School Matters More Than Prestige – Fit over rankings!

- Recruiting Can Be Misleading – Not every "offer" is real—players must be strategic.

- The Transfer Portal is Changing the Game – Players need long-term strategies to succeed.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide:

⁠Click Here⁠

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!?

⁠Click HERE⁠

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: ⁠Click Here⁠

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:

⁠Click Here⁠

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

⁠Click Here

About the Guest:

Katie Hensle is a highly respected coach and the Director of Southwest Select. With a background in both AAU and college basketball, Katie has coached at prestigious programs like Cy Fair and Team Texas and even won Nike Nationals.

She is also a member of the McDonald's All-American & Naismith Committees, making her a key voice in player development and recruitment.

As a 3SSB Director, Katie is committed to helping young athletes find the best opportunities for exposure and college recruitment through skill development, strategic team placement, and transparency in the recruiting process.

Episode Summary:

How do players REALLY get recruited in AAU basketball? There’s so much misinformation out there, but today, we break down what it really looks like.

In this episode of "It’s Just Different Podcast," I sit down with 3SSB Director Katie Hensle to break down:

- How to pick the RIGHT AAU team for college recruitment.

- The biggest recruiting mistakes parents & players make.

- Why visibility matters—but exposure isn’t everything.

- How NIL & the transfer portal are changing recruiting.

If you're serious about your athlete's basketball journey, you CAN'T afford to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways:

- The RIGHT Club Team Matters – College exposure depends on being in the right environment.

- Recruitment Isn’t Just About Division 1 – NAIA, JUCO, and lower divisions offer great opportunities.

- Relationships Drive Recruiting – Connections with coaches & programs can open doors.

- Transparency is Key – Honest communication between players, parents, and coaches avoids issues.

- The Game is Changing – NIL & the transfer portal are reshaping recruitment.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide:

Click Here

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!?

Click HERE

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: Click Here

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:

Click Here

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

About the Guest:

Earl Rooks is a renowned expert in sports marketing and management, specializing in basketball. He is the director of Pro Skills and a prominent trainer and coach, responsible for creating development exposure platforms for players ranging from grassroots to professional levels.

Earl has a deep understanding of the essentials in athlete development and recruitment, and his program has produced many successful college athletes. He is known for his ability to guide and prepare young athletes for the challenges of competitive basketball.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "It's Just Different Podcast," host Ashley Roberts sits down with Earl Rooks, the director of Pro Skills, to explore the intricate world of youth basketball recruitment and development.

With his extensive background in sports management, Earl shares invaluable insights into what truly matters in athlete recruitment, emphasizing the importance of development, exposure, and timing.

During the conversation, Earl provides an in-depth analysis of the current AAU basketball landscape, comparing it with the past. He highlights a shift in parental involvement and discusses the challenge many players face in navigating the recruitment process.

Earl offers practical advice for players and parents, advising them on managing expectations and understanding the recruiting timeline, especially in the context of an ever-evolving basketball environment, including the impact of recent rule changes and the transfer portal.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Recruitment Process: Earl emphasizes the critical components of development, exposure, and timing in recruiting student-athletes.

• Importance of the Right Fit: Choosing the correct AAU team and the importance of understanding an athlete’s individual needs and potential role within a program.

• Value of Relationships and Timing: Relationships with coaches and exposure are pivotal in the recruitment process. Timing effects changes in recruiting needs for college programs.

• Holistic Development: Preparing athletes not only for athletic performance but ensuring readiness for academic and personal success in college.

• Opportunities Beyond EYBL: Earl discusses the relevance and potential of programs outside the major circuits, highlighting the importance of role and development in other competitive settings.

🔗 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 ⁠