🏀 The Truth About AAU Basketball Circuits: What Parents & Players Should Know

The Youth Hoops Pod presented by Pro Skills Basketball

AAU basketball can be overwhelming—and one of the most confusing aspects is understanding the different circuits.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of AAU basketball shoe circuits and beyond.

We explain what Nike EYBL, Adidas 3SSB, and the Under Armour Association actually are, how they operate, and what kind of players typically compete on these teams.

But we don’t stop there.

We also cover independent teams, non-shoe circuit programs, and how exposure, recruiting, and development really work at each level.

Do you need to be on a shoe circuit team to get a college scholarship?

What should families look for when evaluating AAU programs?

And how can players stand out—regardless of what circuit they’re on?

Whether you're the parent of a young player just starting out or a high schooler chasing a scholarship, this episode will give you the honest, no-hype insight you need to make informed decisions.

✅ What are AAU shoe circuits?
✅ Who are they for—and who are they not for?
✅ Pros and cons of each circuit
✅ Why development and culture matter more than gear
✅ How to find the right AAU team for your child

Tune in for a real conversation about what matters most in youth basketball—and how to set your child up for success on and off the court.

Also, check out our blog on this topic here: https://proskillsbasketball.com/aau-basketball-shoe-circuits-guide