About the Guest(s):

Anthony Anderson is an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Houston, known for his valuable insights into the college recruitment process. With experience in both men's and women's basketball, Anthony has a rich history working with student-athletes to help them find the right fit and maximize their potential in the competitive world of college sports.

He started on the boys' side at Paul Quinn College and then moved to the women's side at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley under coach Larry Tidwell. Eventually, he joined the University of Houston, where he continues to support and develop talented players.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "It's Just Different," hosted by Ashley Roberts, listeners gain insider knowledge into the college basketball recruitment process from Anthony Anderson, assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Houston.

The conversation starts with three critical factors parents should consider during recruitment: finding the right school fit, conducting thorough research, and establishing a relationship with the head coach.

Anderson stresses the importance of aligning a student's skills and goals with a prospective school’s environment to ensure a successful college experience.

The dialogue delves into the transformative effects of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals on college sports. Highlighting changes in recruitment, Anthony elaborates on how monetary influences have shifted the focus from traditional player development to financial negotiations.

The episode also touches on how these dynamics affect aspiring high school athletes, the role of JUCO pathways, and the significance of choosing between D2 and JUCO offers. The host and guest reiterate the value of building genuine relationships within the sports community, ensuring young athletes receive sound guidance and opportunities to fulfill their potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents should prioritize finding a suitable college environment that matches their child's academic and athletic aspirations.

• The college recruitment landscape has been significantly influenced by the NIL and transfer portal, shifting the focus towards financial aspects.

• JUCO programs still hold substantial value for athletes, offering a viable path to higher-level competitions.

• Establishing strong, long-lasting relationships with college coaches is essential for athletes to navigate the recruitment process successfully.

• High school athletes should focus on personal development and seizing opportunities to showcase their skills.

🔗 Helpful Links:👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

In today’s episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Clemson Associate Head Coach Chris Ayers to break down one of the most overlooked truths in college basketball recruiting: talent alone isn’t enough anymore.

With the rise of NIL deals, transfer portals, and evolving recruiting strategies, more athletes than ever are slipping through the cracks — not because they aren't good enough, but because they’re chasing the wrong fits, ignoring critical feedback, or focusing too much on offers instead of development.

Coach Ayers shares insider insights on:

- Why so many players get overlooked despite having talent

- How NIL and the transfer portal have shifted recruiting priorities

- The biggest mistakes families make during the recruiting process

- How to align skills, mindset, and exposure to find the right college fit

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate the competitive world of college basketball in 2025, this episode will show you how to avoid common pitfalls and stay focused on long-term success.

🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest:Jordan Jones is a McDonald’s All-American, former Texas A&M standout, and an accomplished coach at every level — from college basketball as a defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois, to high school state champion at Faith Family Academy, to AAU coaching with Team Mo Jeff, and now a respected trainer and mentor for young athletes.Her experience on every side of the game gives her a rare and powerful perspective on what young athletes really need to succeed. Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Jordan Jones to dig deep into the real issues shaping today’s basketball culture — from recruiting and NIL hype to parenting and player development.Jordan doesn’t hold back as she shares her journey as a player, college coach, state champion, AAU coach, and trainer. She challenges parents, athletes, and even other coaches to rethink what success looks like in 2025 — and why “microwave success” is doing more harm than good.This is an episode for anyone who’s serious about building real players — not just highlight reels. Key Takeaways:- Microwave Success Is Dangerous — Quick hype can ruin long-term growth.- Parents Must Be Involved — Ask questions. Support. Guide.- Run Your Own Race — Every journey is different — and that’s okay.- Intangibles Are Everything — Coaches want more than talent. They want energy, leadership, and coachability.- Coaching Is Bigger Than Basketball — The best coaches prepare kids for life.🎧 Don’t miss this episode.Coach Jordan Jones has been there and done it all — and she’s here to help you do it right.Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this one is required listening.🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Host:

Ashley Roberts is the host of It’s Just Different Podcast and a trusted voice in the basketball community. With years of experience coaching, mentoring athletes, and guiding parents, Ashley helps families navigate the complex world of AAU basketball, college recruiting, and personal development.

She’s also the author of The Little Girl with Big Dreams and the creator of tools that empower parents to make informed decisions throughout their athlete’s journey.

Episode Summary:

In this solo episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts drops real talk for parents navigating the ever-changing world of AAU basketball and college recruiting.

Ashley pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in the recruiting landscape in 2025—from the dominance of the transfer portal to the mistakes parents make during AAU season.

This episode is your roadmap for understanding how to support your athlete without sabotaging their opportunities.

She breaks down why D1 isn’t the only path, how to evaluate whether a team is really helping your athlete, and what coaches are actually paying attention to when it comes to offers, exposure, and commitment.

If you’re a basketball parent trying to make the best decisions for your athlete — this is the one you don’t skip.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transfer Portal Changed the Game — fewer D1 spots are going to high school athletes.

• Stop Chasing the Name — focus on the fit, not the flash.

• Parents Play a Bigger Role Than They Think — in good and bad ways.

• Exposure ≠ Development — the wrong tournaments or teams can hurt more than help.

• Be Honest About Where Your Athlete Is — and make decisions from that place.👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

🎙️ About the Guest:

Pauline Love—known as Coach Love—is a respected coach at the University of Alabama with a rich background as both a player and mentor. Her candid voice on social media and experience in player development make her a powerful resource for athletes and families trying to understand the evolving world of college sports, especially as it relates to the transfer portal and recruiting realities.

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Pauline Love to talk about the real effects of the transfer portal on college basketball—and how it's impacting high school athletes today.

They break down the pressure-filled recruiting process, the role of financial incentives, JUCO vs. D2 paths, and what parents need to know as they help their athlete navigate a system that’s no longer built the way it used to be.

If you’re confused about how the transfer portal, NIL affects your child’s chances of being recruited, this episode breaks it all down in plain language—backed by experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transfer Portal = Fewer Spots for High School Players

• Not Every Offer Is Real — Beware of Offer Stacking

• JUCO Can Be the Best Route to D1

• Parents Must Learn How to Advocate Without Overstepping

• Relationships Still Matter — Not Just Rankings

Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe?_gl=1*cg1spn*_gcl_au*MTkzNTc3NTMzNi4xNzI4MDI3Mzgw 🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!? https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/the-ultimate-basketball-parent-digital-bundle👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:https://form.jotform.com/231157881368060 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest:

Michael Cooper, widely known as Coach Coop, is a respected AAU director and grassroots basketball coach with nearly 30 years of experience. As the current head of Team Lex 2031 and an event director for Queen of the Court, he’s been instrumental in developing youth talent and creating opportunities for athletes to succeed on and off the court. Episode Summary:

In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with grassroots veteran Coach Michael Cooper to talk about what’s really going on in youth basketball today.From unrealistic expectations to changes in the recruiting landscape, this conversation is packed with raw truths, real experience, and practical advice. Coach Koop shares the lessons he’s learned over three decades in AAU basketball and how parents can better support their athletes on and off the court.Whether you're trying to choose the right AAU team, balance development with exposure, or understand how college recruiting works today — this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:

Commitment is More Than Attendance – It’s about lifestyle, discipline, and staying the course.Parental Support is Critical – Parents must guide, not just cheer.Recruiting Has Changed – Between extended eligibility, transfers, and JUCO shifts, it’s more complex than ever.The “Right Fit” Matters – Athletes must find programs aligned with both athletic and academic goals.Grassroots Still Has Power – Community events like Queen of the Court still create real impact.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe?_gl=1*cg1spn*_gcl_au*MTkzNTc3NTMzNi4xNzI4MDI3Mzgw

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!?

https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/the-ultimate-basketball-parent-digital-bundle

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:https://form.jotform.com/231157881368060

🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest:

Mike Simmons, also known as Lefty Mike, is a national basketball evaluator and co-director of Sudden Exposure. With years of experience in media scouting, player recruitment, and exposure, he has helped countless athletes gain visibility and secure scholarship opportunities.

Mike is known for his candid insights into youth basketball recruiting, offering real advice on how to stand out, avoid common mistakes, and navigate the recruiting process effectively.

Episode Summary:

AAU recruiting mistakes can cost players scholarships—and most families don’t even know they’re making them.

In this episode of "It’s Just Different Podcast," I sit down with National Evaluator & Sudden Exposure Director Mike Simmons to expose:

- The biggest AAU recruiting mistakes players & parents make

- Why some highlight tapes turn coaches away

- How non-live period events can actually help players get noticed

- The role of social media in recruiting & NIL deals

- How to choose the right AAU team & tournaments for exposure

If you want your athlete to get recruited, you NEED this episode!

Key Takeaways:

- Your Highlight Tape Matters. The first 20 seconds can make or break a player’s chances.

- Exposure Happens Beyond the Live Period. Media coverage & scouting events play a huge role.

- Social Media Can Make or Break Recruiting. NIL deals are shifting how players get noticed.

- Not All College Offers Are Real. Players & parents need to ask the right questions.

- Choosing the Right AAU Team is Critical. Exposure only works if you’re in the right place.

🔗 Helpful Links:

📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe?_gl=1*cg1spn*_gcl_au*MTkzNTc3NTMzNi4xNzI4MDI3Mzgw

🛒 Get The Ultimate Basketball Parent Digital Bundle Now!? https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/the-ultimate-basketball-parent-digital-bundle

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

🎙️ Book Me for Speaking Engagements:https://form.jotform.com/231157881368060

🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠