[goBIGblue82]

The state of Kentucky will never excel in football until we get Coaches that have the players best interests in mind. Basketball and Football coaches alike have to work together in order to get kids more recognition and notoriety on a national level. If you look at the 2016 Recruiting class, it's probably the deepest class this state has ever seen. But, that is also an outcome of those players being projected into the recruiting scene at an earlier age. There are some big opportunities for middle school football players such as the FBU National Tournament. Every year the top talent in the Nation comprise the 64 teams across the Nation. Talent evaluators use the tournament to begin their ranking lists for recruiting classes. Ask any of the top recruits in the state (the first group from Kentucky to compete) and they will tell how the tournament prepared them for the level of competition they would face going into high school and provided them with a sense of what was needed to be a top recruit. With that said I've found out that some middle school and high school coaches have demanded that their players not play in this tournament due to their own selfish agendas. Coaches giving players ultimatums to either pick the tournament or they would not be allowed to play basketball. Coaches hindering the future of their players. It's a shame that when their is a kid talented enough to be one of the top players in the Nation if not the top and his Middle School basketball and football coach will not let him compete in the tournament. If I was the kid I would be leaving town and looking for a place that I knew had my back.

[TigerBlues]

This is the time I started following the Ky kids because it gave you a good barometer of those kids playing against similar talent. It's a crime if what you say is true

[Real Badman]

The cream of the crop will always show up to play. Only .08% will play college athletics throughout the nation. Sounds like you just have a personal agenda to deal with.

[Fly Like a Duck]

My eyes hurt.

[goBIGblue82]

The cream of the crop will always show up to play. Only .08% will play college athletics throughout the nation. Sounds like you just have a personal agenda to deal with.

I look at players like Zy'Aire Hughes, Drake Jackson, Landon Young, and Kash Daniel who all have Division 1 scholarship offers. What do these have in common with many of the other top recruits in the state? They played on a National Stage at an early age. I believe the number I was given was 16 of the 35 players from this 2016 graduating class that participated on Team Kentucky hold Division 1 scholarship offers. The players themselves have spoke of the doors it opened and how it prepared them. I don't have a personal agenda I just hate seeing a kid that desires the chance to be able to play, but a middle school coach do everything he can to prevent it.

[goBIGblue82]

This is the time I started following the Ky kids because it gave you a good barometer of those kids playing against similar talent. It's a crime if what you say is true

Some people don't understand, don't want to understand, or are too ignorant to understand the role this has played in getting our Kentucky guys recognized. The talent level in Kentucky isn't necessarily growing we've always had the talent, but the recognition was limited.

[Spirit100]

Ok...

So what states then do excel???

[goBIGblue82]

Ok...

So what states then do excel???

Looking back I think I could have done a better job with the title of the thread. Never is a big word in regards to the future. I just hate seeing kids taken advantage of, especially when they have so much to gain from the opportunity. To answer your question I guess states that have coaches that understand their players need to better their future. Instead of coaches that will kick players off their basketball team if said kids pursue such opportunities and have high school coaches threaten the possibility of playing in high school. States excel when they want to see as many players possible in their state recognized. In order to improve as a whole it has to be out players first. Players Needs over Team Needs and Team Goals over Player Goals.

[pjdoug]

The state of Kentucky will never excel in football until we get Coaches that have the players best interests in mind. Basketball and Football coaches alike have to work together in order to get kids more recognition and notoriety on a national level. If you look at the 2016 Recruiting class, it's probably the deepest class this state has ever seen. But, that is also an outcome of those players being projected into the recruiting scene at an earlier age. There are some big opportunities for middle school football players such as the FBU National Tournament. Every year the top talent in the Nation comprise the 64 teams across the Nation. Talent evaluators use the tournament to begin their ranking lists for recruiting classes. Ask any of the top recruits in the state (the first group from Kentucky to compete) and they will tell how the tournament prepared them for the level of competition they would face going into high school and provided them with a sense of what was needed to be a top recruit. With that said I've found out that some middle school and high school coaches have demanded that their players not play in this tournament due to their own selfish agendas. Coaches giving players ultimatums to either pick the tournament or they would not be allowed to play basketball. Coaches hindering the future of their players. It's a shame that when their is a kid talented enough to be one of the top players in the Nation if not the top and his Middle School basketball and football coach will not let him compete in the tournament. If I was the kid I would be leaving town and looking for a place that I knew had my back.

great post. some changes definitely need to be made.

[goBIGblue82]

The cream of the crop will always show up to play. Only .08% will play college athletics throughout the nation. Sounds like you just have a personal agenda to deal with.

As for a personal agenda, you're right It's personal for me. I put in countless hours (most away from my family), travel weekly throughout football season, there are many costs that go into what I do(time is the biggest cost). All for nothing in return except the blessings of coaching the kids and seeing them succeed. Let me say that again so you understand everything I do is completely on a volunteer basis. I've never been paid a penny. My personal agenda is to make sure the kids have the knowledge, work ethic, heart, and opportunities to succeed in this sport and in life.

[Spirit100]

As for a personal agenda, you're right It's personal for me. I put in countless hours (most away from my family), travel weekly throughout football season, there are many costs that go into what I do(time is the biggest cost). All for nothing in return except the blessings of coaching the kids and seeing them succeed. Let me say that again so you understand everything I do is completely on a volunteer basis. I've never been paid a penny. My personal agenda is to make sure the kids have the knowledge, work ethic, heart, and opportunities to succeed in this sport and in life.

Well if that's the case why didn't you just say so in the first place...

I kid, I kid...

I think you'll find many share your viewpoint. Sorry to hear about the struggle which many can identify with as well. Coaches due tend to guard their interests and you'll find less than more will collaborate with other sports coaches with the mindset of what's best for the student-athlete.

I will suggest this....before you lob more grenades on a prep sports forum chat I would re-visit ( if you haven't already done so before ) a meeting with the coaches impacted. And bring your son as well. You may get "Adult Behaving Badly" which will confirm the above... however, you might get a breakthrough, some consensus building, and be pleasantly surprised.

I'm a glass half full guy...so please excuse my optimism if you've been that route and it didn't go well!

:Thumbs:

[anotherfootballnut]

ive had kind of the same experience with my oldest son , the football and baseball coaches are a lot more understanding than the basketball coaches . He played in the east /west game so he missed one weekend of basketball and the displeasure of him missing was made very clear . I would think they would be happy that he got to play in the game but not at all

[The_Rock]

I think playing 35 football games in one season is WAY to many. This FBU stuff is crazy. Pretty much a rich mans game to. You better just focus on football if you are gonna play it August through December in grade school especially. If I coached basketball and your kid missed 6 weeks of the season to go play football, he probably wouldn't be starting on my team as soon as he walked in the gym. But he could earn his spot through time. Its a two way street. Kind of like Travel Baseball and Little League.

[goBIGblue82]

I think playing 35 football games in one season is WAY to many. This FBU stuff is crazy. Pretty much a rich mans game to. You better just focus on football if you are gonna play it August through December in grade school especially. If I coached basketball and your kid missed 6 weeks of the season to go play football, he probably wouldn't be starting on my team as soon as he walked in the gym. But he could earn his spot through time. Its a two way street. Kind of like Travel Baseball and Little League.

Were you are confused is players don't miss 6 weeks. It only takes place over weekends. Almost every participant is a top player on their middle school basketball teams as well. I know many kids that have done it and had little to no interference with basketball. I'm not sure where you got 35 football games, but this is nowhere close to that. The hypocrisy is crazy. Football players shouldn't play into December, yet that is still football season. So let me get this straight basketball runs from November to August, but it's too much for football to run August through December.

[goBIGblue82]

I think playing 35 football games in one season is WAY to many. This FBU stuff is crazy. Pretty much a rich mans game to. You better just focus on football if you are gonna play it August through December in grade school especially. If I coached basketball and your kid missed 6 weeks of the season to go play football, he probably wouldn't be starting on my team as soon as he walked in the gym. But he could earn his spot through time. Its a two way street. Kind of like Travel Baseball and Little League.

You need to educate yourself a little more about the situation instead of throwing random false statements out.

[Gitback Coach]

I think playing 35 football games in one season is WAY to many. This FBU stuff is crazy. Pretty much a rich mans game to. You better just focus on football if you are gonna play it August through December in grade school especially.

Couldn't agree more. All of this FBU-Combine-Elite-All-Star-Camp-Classic stuff is largely a money grab. Even worse, however, it fosters a very self-centered, "me-first" perspective/agenda in kids and parents that undermines the very purpose of team sports.

Hard to be a teammate when you're out doing your own thing.

[Ghostofjoey]

Everyone has to make choices in life. The world is not always going to cater to your individual interests.

[DarthVader]

Most of this FBU/NUC stuff is just a money racket that takes advantage of overzealous parents that are willing to put the money out.

[Wildcat18]

This FBU event is the largest football national championship tournament for this age group. It is strongly compared to the Little League World Series that you see on ESPN yearly. The championship games are now streamed on ESPN 3, which to me is a huge stride. I think some of you are misunderstanding this whole FBU thing. This particular event is not a camp or a combine. Same company, yes, but it shows true competition across a national level. I'm not denying the money issue. A lot of volunteer work goes into it as far as raising money for kids who's family may not be able to afford this opportunity. It is a TEAM of the best 35 players in the state traveling the United States to bring recognition to our state. Texas beat Florida in last years championship. Those two are getting it done on all levels as far as this sport goes. I say that to say this. Last year, Kentucky lost to that Florida team by 1 score and very easily could have been in the title game. That's how close our state is to taking more of a football focus in a basketball state at a much earlier age.

[Ghostofjoey]

What good does it do my middle school son to be coached by a bunch of people I don't know and get hurt playing meaningless football games?

[goBIGblue82]

Couldn't agree more. All of this FBU-Combine-Elite-All-Star-Camp-Classic stuff is largely a money grab. Even worse, however, it fosters a very self-centered, "me-first" perspective/agenda in kids and parents that undermines the very purpose of team sports.

Hard to be a teammate when you're out doing your own thing.

Everyone has to make choices in life. The world is not always going to cater to your individual interests.

Most of this FBU/NUC stuff is just a money racket that takes advantage of overzealous parents that are willing to put the money out.

Once again you need to educate yourself about the situation. I'm not talking about FBU/NUC Combines or Camps. I'm referring to a team event. The price to play in this is miniscal compared to the other events you're referring to, and is all about the team's success. It's humbling for the kids coming from a team that they were the guy and learning how to take on a role player mentality that will prepare them for the next level, and the same time putting them on a National Stage. Coule you imagine what it's like for these kids to play on a National Broadcast and the exposure of the team stemming from that. BTW, players that may have financial hardships are not turned away from this event.

[Wildcat18]

What good does it do my middle school son to be coached by a bunch of people I don't know and get hurt playing meaningless football games?

Ask the the guys from the FBU 2011 team. 16 of those 35 players now hold Division 1 scholarship offers, most of the rest hold D-2 or NAIA offers. They're getting their college education paid for with the help of football. Guys like Drake Jackson, Kash Daniel, Zy'aire Hughes, Landon Young, etc. seem to have done well with it. If you ask them (like I already have), they'll tell you that it started with this Kentucky team in middle school.

[RicFlair]

What good does it do my middle school son to be coached by a bunch of people I don't know and get hurt playing meaningless football games?

Exposure, better competition, likely better coaching, a chance to rep his respective state, and school, and a chance to win a national championship

[goBIGblue82]

What good does it do my middle school son to be coached by a bunch of people I don't know and get hurt playing meaningless football games?

If the game of football is meaningless, then there is no need for your son to be playing at all...

[The_Rock]

I love football as much as anyone but the game is a lot more brutal and taxing on the body. Basketball doesn't even compare to football. One of our best football players got hurt in the FBU tournament and was lucky to play 5 games during the basketball season. All that matters is playing at the high school level any way. By that time, you should know whether or not you are a football player or a basketball player. Kids are specializing more and more these days and I for one cant blame them. And that's great that the kids that played in the FBU years ago are getting D1 rides in football, I love that. But how many D1 football players are going to get D1 offers in basketball as well? Probably none. Its just a choice you have to make. I say if you love football and excel at it, go play in the FBU tournament. When you get done, go out and play basketball if your coach will let you. If you are good at basketball as well, then that's great. No sport is meaningless. If I could hit rewind and go back 20 years, believe me I would love to be playing again. Wished I had the opportunity to play the in the FBU when I was in Middle School. But you cant have your cake and eat it to. Sometimes you gotta choose. Other people are not gonna set back and wait on you.

[E's Army]

A lot of 6'4" post players in Kentucky. Perfect size to play DI football but a tweener in basketball. A kid who is under 6'6" who is not super skilled is not a DI basketball player. A lot of kids could have been great football players who think they are going to play basketball in Rupp Arena. A lot more scholarships available in football.

[The_Rock]

A lot of kids regardless of their size, may not like getting knocked on their hindends by smaller guys. LOL. Just cause you are 6'4 doesn't make you a football player. Nothing wrong with having a great high school career as a 6'4 post player. Everyone isn't cut out for college ball, even at the NAIA level they are very tall and athletic.

[anotherfootballnut]

I think some are confused and rightly so , there are tons of recruiting agency's and football / baseball camps wanting you to bring your son for a weekend camp and pay 2,000.. And those agency's want you to pay round the same to help you get your son a scholarship those are imo money rackets but the team ky doesn't seem to be at all but is costly just in travel alone

[Wildcat18]

I love football as much as anyone but the game is a lot more brutal and taxing on the body. Basketball doesn't even compare to football. One of our best football players got hurt in the FBU tournament and was lucky to play 5 games during the basketball season. All that matters is playing at the high school level any way. By that time, you should know whether or not you are a football player or a basketball player. Kids are specializing more and more these days and I for one cant blame them. And that's great that the kids that played in the FBU years ago are getting D1 rides in football, I love that. But how many D1 football players are going to get D1 offers in basketball as well? Probably none. Its just a choice you have to make. I say if you love football and excel at it, go play in the FBU tournament. When you get done, go out and play basketball if your coach will let you. If you are good at basketball as well, then that's great. No sport is meaningless. If I could hit rewind and go back 20 years, believe me I would love to be playing again. Wished I had the opportunity to play the in the FBU when I was in Middle School. But you cant have your cake and eat it to. Sometimes you gotta choose. Other people are not gonna set back and wait on you.

That's a good point. However, that is not what gobigblue82 meant by starting this thread. Coaches making the decision for the kid and his family is the problem. What are your thoughts on a kid wanting to do both football and basketball when the dates align to do so, but a coach telling him he can't? That is the problem. My view is that you let him choose and if he does choose football, the player completes a "late arrival" suspension of some sort. To me, the coach is dictating the decision for the player by not allowing him to play. My kid is finding another school if one or the other is the only option. Can't blame the kid for wanting to compete in both as a middle schooler.

[The_Rock]

If the timeframe didn't cause many problems, if I were a coach I would let your son play. That's just me. There a lot of high school coaches in the mountains that don't like their basketball players and to play football and that I feel has hurt their team some. I for one love having some physical football players on my basketball team. Nothing like a 6'2-6'4 - 240-270 kid pushing people around in the middle. I love it. Hope everything works out for your son Wildcat. They are only young once. That FBU does sound amazing.