What is AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union, or AAU, is a non-profit organization that has been providing organized sports programs for children and adults since 1888. AAU offers a wide range of activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, and track and field. AAU is also known for its highly competitive and intense summer basketball tournaments, which have become a rite of passage for many of the nation’s top basketball prospects.
Who Plays AAU?
AAU basketball tournaments are open to boys and girls of all ages. Many of the nation’s top high school basketball players compete in the AAU circuit, and many of the nation’s top college basketball programs recruit players from AAU tournaments.
What NBA Players Played AAU?
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the highest level of professional basketball in the United States. Many of the league’s top players can trace their basketball roots back to their days playing in the AAU circuit. Here is a list of some of the NBA’s top players who played AAU:
LeBron James
LeBron James is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played AAU basketball with the North Coast Blue Chips and was a standout performer in the tournaments. James went on to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is another NBA great who made his mark in the AAU circuit. He played for the Lower Merion AAU team in Pennsylvania and was a dominant force in the tournaments. Bryant was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers. He played AAU basketball with the PG Jaguars and was one of the top performers in the tournaments. Durant was selected with the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is one of the most popular players in the NBA today. He played AAU basketball with the D1 Greyhounds and was a standout performer in the tournaments. Curry was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is a three-time NBA champion and one of the most decorated players in the league. He played AAU basketball with the Miami Tropics and was a force to be reckoned with in the tournaments. Wade was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best point guards in NBA history. He played AAU basketball with the We-R1 team and was a star in the tournaments. Paul was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. He played AAU basketball with the Baltimore Select and was one of the top players in the tournaments. Anthony was selected with the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets.
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose is a former NBA MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the league. He played AAU basketball with the Mean Streets Express and was a standout performer in the tournaments. Rose was selected with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
James Harden
James Harden is a former NBA MVP and one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. He played AAU basketball with the Houston Hoops and was a force to be reckoned with in the tournaments. Harden was selected with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Conclusion
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a non-profit organization that has been providing organized sports programs for children and adults since 1888. Many of the NBA’s top players have been part of the AAU circuit, including superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, and James Harden. AAU tournaments are a great way for young basketball players to hone their skills and prepare for the rigors of the NBA.