I had Google Gemini write some show notes from my 30 minutes of rambling…
Podcast Episode: “GWC, Juco, New Rankings, and more parent advice!”
Host: Adam Peek (UtahBasketball.net)
Key Discussion Points:
Baller TV/Baller Cam (0:30-2:25): The host talks about using the Baller Cam to record games for family (like his family in Colorado) and as a better alternative to poor quality, inconsistent phone streaming. He mentions watching parents recording with their phones and missing the game. He notes that the Baller Cam gives parents back control and allows them to be present. He also mentions a promo code for a discount (VIPADAM for $25 off an accessory)
The Great Western Classic (2:25 - 8:50):
Main Observation (3:20): It’s still October, and teams/players are using these fall leagues to figure out what they need to work on. Many teams were playing “bad basketball,” but that’s the point of pre-season events.
Layton High School (6A) (5:20): The host was impressed with Layton’s tough-nosed, gritty defense and good shooting. He highlights junior Karter Miller as a “tough, tough, tough shot-maker” and a player the team can rely on late in the shot clock.
Orem High School (4A) (7:25): Orem looked good, especially sophomore Kekani Manuia (2028 class), who was noted for an impressive shooting performance in one of the games.
Lone Peak High School (6A) (8:10): The addition of Saxon Young at point guard makes this team “scary” alongside other talent like Crew Fotheringham.
Cottonwood (8:45): Mentioned as a team that was the “talk” of the tournament for looking good after they beat Team Utah.
Juco Basketball (8:50 - 15:55):
The host highly recommends players who are serious about playing college basketball to watch Juco (Junior College) games to see the significant difference in physicality, execution, and intensity compared to high school.
He highlights Jacovey Campbell, a point guard from Western Wyoming who was undersized but was the best player on the court due to his high basketball IQ, speed, defensive tenacity (fighting through every screen), and decision-making in the pick-and-roll.
He notes that watching a Juco game will give players a clear, honest picture of the level required to play in college, even if it’s not Division I.
New Rankings Website (15:55 - 23:20):
The host introduces the new rankings page on the website: rankings.utahbasketball.net.
He reiterates that the rankings for team power and classes (2026, 2027) are currently based on early season observations and available data, acknowledging that some roster and player information might be incomplete or incorrect at this stage. He asks for player/parent feedback, preferably on the Substack threads, to help correct the data. (thread is linked)
The ranking site displays team rankings by classification (6A, 5A, 4A, etc.) and player rankings with height, position, and college offers/commitments.
Parent Corner / Advice for Parents (23:20 - 27:35):
In-Game Behavior (23:20): Parents should stop yelling at scorekeepers and officials. He stresses that officials are also trying to get better, and parents yelling about the score or “call it both ways” makes the game experience worse.
Recruiting Realities (27:35): The chances of a player getting a full ride scholarship are “insanely low.”
He advises parents to act as if their child is going to college without playing basketball, and that college coaches are being tight on budgets. Money will be tight at the D2, D3, NAIA, and Juco levels, meaning players often rely on academic aid and other scholarships.
Focus on Development (28:18): Instead of wasting money on excessive AAU/Club travel for the sake of “exposure,” especially before 16U/17U, parents should focus their resources on genuine player development, skill training, nutrition, and strength training.
Exposure (28:44): The host notes that live period exposure isn’t impactful until around the 17U or senior year of high school. Players who want to be recruited need to put themselves out there, network with coaches, and ensure the highlight videos/stats they send out are accurate to avoid having coaches show up and be disappointed.
