ESPN's OTL reports on the rise of AAU basketball and its effect on high school programs

Nothing groundbreaking reported here, but it's nice to see names and faces involved in this prep ball commercialization movement. While I empathize with high schoolers wanting better competition, I question their seeking it in the AAU circuit. There is no place for fundamentals skills development in me-first, highlight-reel AAU basketball. In Sonny Vaccaro's ideal world, when do AAU-to-pro athletes develop court vision, defensive aptitude, work ethic, resilience, and team ball?

Am I giving AAU ball an unfair shake? The talent level is definitely better, especially on the top AAU teams that recruit and train multiple top players. Awhile back, Dallas Mavericks forward Brandon Bass talked about his decision to play for the AAU's New Orleans Jazz and the effects of that decision. Bass was Rivals' 7th ranked player in the 2003 class.