A Guide to AAU Basketball Shoe Circuits
- The Hoops World Elite Team
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
What’s All the Hoopla About?
AAU basketball is where young ballers unleash their inner LeBron. The crème de la crème of teams strut their stuff in what’s known as shoe circuits: fancy leagues created by sneaker giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. These leagues are like magnets for college coaches and even pro scouts, who are always on the lookout for the next big thing.
What Is a Shoe Circuit?
A shoe circuit is a series of tournaments where only the coolest cats in basketball get to play. Big brands like Nike and Adidas foot the bill for the team’s shoes, uniforms, and gear, saving families some serious cash. In return, these brands get first dibs on tomorrow’s superstars. It’s a win-win!
There are also secondary circuits, which are essentially the junior varsity of shoe circuits. Teams here usually pay their own way, but the games are still a blast and fiercely competitive.
The Big 5 Shoe Circuits (and Their Junior Leagues)
Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League)
Main league: EYBL
Junior league: EYCL
Famous for: Peach Jam, the ultimate showdown where stars are born.
Adidas 3SSB (3 Stripes Select Basketball)
Main league: 3SSB
Junior league: Adidas Gold Gauntlet
Known for: Big-name players and a swarm of college scouts.
Under Armour Association (UAA)
Main league: UAA
Junior league: UA Rise
Great for: Player growth and a chance to catch the eye of college coaches.
PUMA Pro16
Main league: Pro16
Junior league: NXTPRO
New, but racing ahead like a cheetah.
New Balance P32
Main league: P32
No junior league (yet!)
Popular in: Northeast and West Coast.
What About the Junior Leagues?
Junior leagues (like EYCL or UA Rise) are a notch below the big time. The games are still epic, but teams usually cover their own costs for uniforms and travel. Plus, you might not see as many scouts, especially if the games are in the middle of nowhere.
These leagues are crucial because they help keep the big leagues running smoothly. Without the junior teams, the show wouldn’t go on!
Independent Circuits (No Shoe Deal Needed)
Not every team is tied to a shoe circuit. There are plenty of independent circuits where players can still catch the spotlight:
Hoop Group – East Coast talent
NY2LA Sports – Midwest tournaments
Prep Hoops – All over the U.S.
Zero Gravity – Mostly East Coast
Big Shots – Popular in the South
Premier Basketball – Big in Texas
Made Hoops – Started with middle school, now includes high school
On the Radar Hoops – Focus on the Southeast
How to Pick the Right Circuit
Ask yourself:
How good is your game? Top players usually get a golden ticket to the big leagues.
What are your college goals? Dreaming of Division I? Aim for the top circuits. Shooting for Division II or III? A junior or independent circuit might be your jam.
Who’s watching? More scouts flock to top circuit events, but remember, talent shines anywhere.
Note: You don’t choose the top circuits. They choose you. Shoe brands handpick the elite players to sport their gear and dazzle in their events.
One Last Thing
Being on a shoe circuit sounds like being a rock star (and it kind of is). But it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Some players find their groove on independent teams, where they get more playtime and top-notch coaching.
Don’t chase the biggest name: chase the best fit for you.
In Short: Shoe circuits are awesome, yet they’re not the only game in town. Play where you can grow, get noticed, and most importantly, have a blast. That’s the real slam dunk!
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