About the Host:

Ashley Roberts is the host of It’s Just Different Podcast and a trusted voice in the basketball community. With years of experience coaching, mentoring athletes, and guiding parents, Ashley helps families navigate the complex world of AAU basketball, college recruiting, and personal development.

She’s also the author of The Little Girl with Big Dreams and the creator of tools that empower parents to make informed decisions throughout their athlete’s journey.

Episode Summary:

In this solo episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts drops real talk for parents navigating the ever-changing world of AAU basketball and college recruiting.

Ashley pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in the recruiting landscape in 2025—from the dominance of the transfer portal to the mistakes parents make during AAU season.

This episode is your roadmap for understanding how to support your athlete without sabotaging their opportunities.

She breaks down why D1 isn’t the only path, how to evaluate whether a team is really helping your athlete, and what coaches are actually paying attention to when it comes to offers, exposure, and commitment.

If you’re a basketball parent trying to make the best decisions for your athlete — this is the one you don’t skip.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transfer Portal Changed the Game — fewer D1 spots are going to high school athletes.

• Stop Chasing the Name — focus on the fit, not the flash.

• Parents Play a Bigger Role Than They Think — in good and bad ways.

• Exposure ≠ Development — the wrong tournaments or teams can hurt more than help.

• Be Honest About Where Your Athlete Is — and make decisions from that place.👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠