[Paint Touches] Sandy Cohen’s jump from anonymity to Marquette

[PaintTouches]

When Sandy Cohen entered the AAU season he had one scholarship offer from powerful North Dakota. When he finished he had 15 from schools like Gonzaga, Virginia and Minnesota. 

http://painttouches.com/2013/08/01/sandy-cohens-jump-from-anonymity-to-marquette/

[Dawson Rental]

Nice background story on how Sandy's stock blew up.  Thanks.

[CAGASS24]

What strikes me about this article is that you will hear many a coach (Buzz included) lament how many kids today are not very 'fundamentally sound' because all kids do is play games, play games, play games (referring mostly to AAU).  Well, just take a look at this story to see why.  I mean, realistically, was there that much of a difference between Cohen that season in high school and the Cohen who played on playgorund elite? No, but playing high school (especially in Green Bay) and working ALL DAY EVERY DAY on your fundamentals is not going to get a kid (even one apparently a consensus top 100 talent NATIONALLY) a sniff from any major players.  These kids HAVE TO play AAU all Summer long to stand a chance. 

Its sad, really, because AAU travel is expensive and opens the door to alot of shady AAU programs and 'handlers' out there that might end up even costing a kid his chance.

Now, Cohen, spend your time NOW working working working on those fundamentals and see you soon!

[tower912]

When discussing AAU, remember that JFB was too poor to play AAU.   Ergo, he was nearly unknown.  Until JUCO.....and Buzz.

[jesmu84]

These kids HAVE TO play AAU all Summer long to stand a chance. 

Like Otto porter?

[TinyTimsLittleBrother]

Good players rise to the top regardless if they participate in AAU.  If he is as good as advertised, he will have a big high school season, and if he wasn't committed he will likely would have signed somewhere during the late signing period.

[CAGASS24]

Like Otto porter?

95-98% of these kids; better?

[boyonthedock]

Yeah, if there 50 Otto Porters in the top 100, that would be one thing, but there isn't so AAU it is. Plus, I feel like playing AAU is probably fun for the kids.

[77ncaachamps]

This kid is a good get.

I appreciate his commitment...as well as Malek's and Nick's!

Big Sandy and his Fly--Rite Boys!