Coach Mike Peterson started the Indy Hoosiers Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball organization in 2005 to create opportunities for urban youth who did not have the opportunity to play organized basketball.
Six years after its start, the Indy Hoosiers basketball organization has won 26 Indiana State Titles and two National Titles. Coach Peterson’s teams have had a total of 11 Final Four appearances and won three AAU State Titles in 2011 in grades 5th – 7th. They also came in third in the 8th grade division.
I sat down with Coach Peterson this weekend at the Adidas Junior May Classic AAU tournament to discuss the success he has had with the Indy Hoosiers.
Coach E: Why is it important for 4th, 5th and 6th graders to play AAU basketball?
Coach Mike Peterson: It is very important for kids that want to play basketball at a high level to play AAU ball. This type of play and competition not only humbles kids, it makes them work harder and keeps them busy and healthy. AAU basketball gives them an avenue to success and the drive to improve individually and compete at a high level. This will hopefully carry over to life and whatever challenges confront them. Organized basketball teaches teamwork, togetherness and trust. These kids will be better prepared to work with others and adhere to group instructions. In general, sports are a great tool for life.
What do you say to coaches who believe AAU basketball is ruining high school basketball?
High schools are benefiting from AAU ball. Most high schools that get attention now wouldn’t have if their star player had not played AAU basketball in the summer to become the star he is today. In today’s basketball world, only playing high school basketball no longer makes you a star. A star is born by playing with the best against the best and having success during the AAU season. You must get on the road to other states and regions to play against the best players and teams. This is becoming the norm for the top high school programs in the nation. College coaches are now going to AAU events to see multiple kids perform at a big tournament, rather than fly to a small high school to watch one kid dominate a team of kids with lesser talent. What these kids are doing in the summer brings attention to the high school they attend, so if anything it helps, not hurts. Lastly, the kids that get the extra 40 to 60 games in the summer are going to be better and more experienced.
What does it take to play for the Hoosiers?
We are always looking for kids with a burning desire to be great in basketball and in the classroom. If a kid has the desire, it makes developing them and winning easy.
How can an individual or organization support Indy Hoosiers?
Indy Hoosiers is a non profit 501 organization. We will greatly appreciate any assistance, funding, sponsorship and avenues to raise money. We need all the help we can get. With the economy the way it is parents are struggling to pay for tournaments and the kids will not get the exposure they need. Please visit www.indyhoosiersbball.com or call (317) 716-9692 for more information.
