Episode 19: Scott Strode (Blue Chips Nation/Prep Hoops Scout)

- Scott Strode works as a basketball writer/scout for PrepHoops 

- Strode sees himself as a connector/referral service between college coaches and players, helping both sides to streamline the recruiting and evaluation process. 

- With many colleges operating on $500 recruiting budgets (No, seriously!), efficiency is crucial. 

- We discuss the obsession with rankings, especially on the side of the parents and players. But guess who really does NOT care about rankings? THE COLLEGE COACHES. Not one time has Strode ever been asked where a player was ranked. 

- What is the 1st question college coaches ask Strode? "Can they defend?"

- Youth sports has become a free market enterprise. No one is forcing parents to spend the $, but at the same time... Are those who stand to gain from their business financially being honest with parents?

- Are people more worried about the attention/social media posts when it comes to offers, commitments, camp invites, etc. than the substance behind it?

- Strode breaks down the current state of AAU basketball and the obsession with shoe circuits. Not necessarily enough talent to justify that many teams in small areas, traveling all over the country for these events. 

- Real talk: Most kids attend college regionally. Most basketball coaches (outside of maybe D1) recruit regionally. 

- And a serial killer comparison you simply were not ready for...

- The HOT TAKES are back! (Tucker/Strode 2028)