I once drove all the way to New Orleans for a “can’t-miss” tournament. My son’s team was ranked fifth in the country, and that number made it feel like we had to be there. It promised exposure, high-level competition, and a chance to prove ourselves on a national stage.
After all that travel, the hotel costs, and an entire weekend spent in gyms, my son played five minutes.
That was it.
I sat there wondering what that ranking really meant.
What I Realized About Early Rankings
The truth is that rankings at the sixth-grade level mean very little for the kids. They build hype for teams, organizations, and social media pages far more than they build players. At that age, no college coach is watching. No scout is circling names. A “Top 5” label doesn’t shape a future; it mostly keeps parents chasing status.
And here’s the part most people overlook. Many of those same teammates from that “Top 5” team don’t even play basketball anymore. Some stopped in middle school. Others quit before high school ended. The ranking didn’t guarantee anything.
The Allure vs. The Reality
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Travel ball feels big. You see kids from across the country, national jerseys, and highlight cameras. It feels like exposure.
But exposure without development is empty.
Young athletes need something much simpler:
- Reps and minutes on the floor to apply what they practice.
- Focused skill work on the fundamentals—ball handling, footwork, shooting form.
- A love for the game that grows through playing, not watching.
What Changed After That Weekend
That trip to New Orleans became a turning point. I stopped chasing rankings and started focusing on what truly mattered.
I made sure my son played locally and got real minutes. We poured energy into development instead of constant travel. By building his confidence and skill set one step at a time, he developed a lasting love for the game.
The result speaks for itself. That same kid who barely touched the court in sixth grade is now playing high-major basketball. Not because of a ranking, but because of development, persistence, and passion.
Final Thought
There will be plenty of time for exposure and national tournaments later. The foundation years should be about joy, growth, and getting touches on the ball.
Don’t let early rankings steal that away.
When your child truly loves the game and has the skills to back it up, the right opportunities will come naturally. Growth lasts longer than hype.