Before You Pay for Another Camp or Trainer...Listen to This

What Elite Basketball Parents Do Differently (From an EYBL Director)

Should parents be more involved in their athlete's recruiting journey...or take a step back? What really separates elite athletes and elite families from everyone else? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Kim Nakamura, Director of Why Not Premier, to discuss what truly sets top athletes apart in today's youth basketball landscape. With more than 18 years of coaching and leadership experience, Kim shares what she has learned from helping athletes navigate recruiting, player development, and the changing world of youth sports. From the impact of NIL at the high school level to the new NCAA eligibility rules, this conversation is filled with practical advice for players, parents, and coaches trying to make informed decisions throughout the recruiting process. Kim also explains why mindset matters more than rankings, what elite parents consistently do well, and how athletes outside the Top 100 can still create incredible college opportunities. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this episode offers valuable insight into navigating today's basketball landscape with confidence and purpose. * What separates elite athletes from everyone else * The role elite parents play in their athlete's development * How NIL is changing youth and high school basketball * The impact of the NCAA's new eligibility rules * Why athletes outside the Top 100 still have major opportunities * Balancing development, competition, and travel basketball * How social media influences recruiting * What college coaches are really looking for during the recruiting process About the Guest Kim Nakamura is the Director of Why Not Premier, one of California's premier girls basketball programs. With more than 18 years of coaching and leadership experience, she has helped develop athletes at every level while guiding families through the ever-changing recruiting landscape. Her expertise includes player development, team culture, recruiting strategy, and navigating today's NIL environment. Key Takeaways * Elite athletes separate themselves through consistency, discipline, and their love for the game. * Great parents trust the process, support their athlete, and allow coaches to coach. * NIL creates exciting opportunities, but development should always remain the priority. * Recruiting success is about finding the right fit—not chasing rankings. * Preparation, relationships, and mindset often matter more than talent alone. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community [https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community] Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com [https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com] Follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en] Follow Why Not Premier: https://www.instagram.com/whynotpremier/ [https://www.instagram.com/whynotpremier/]

Before You Pay for Another Camp or Trainer...Listen to This

What if one month could completely change your recruiting journey? Are you making the most of the July live period? In this solo episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts shares the strategies every basketball player and parent should know before stepping into the biggest evaluation period of the summer. From setting intentional recruiting goals to improving your social media, highlight tape, and coach communication, this episode is your roadmap to maximizing every opportunity during AAU season. Whether you're hoping to earn your first college interest, increase your visibility, or simply make the most of your final summer on the circuit, this episode will help you approach recruiting with confidence, preparation, and purpose. In This Episode: - Why every athlete needs dream, realistic, and July recruiting goals - How to make your social media profile coach -friendly - What coaches actually want to see in your highlight tape - Building and organizing your target school list - The importance of consistent communication with college coaches - Ways to stand out without relying solely on scoring - Why recruiting success is about more than scholarship offers - How parents can best support their athlete throughout the process - Staying patient and trusting your recruiting journey Key Takeaways: - Set clear recruiting goals before every evaluation period. - Your social media and highlight tape should work for you—not against you. - Communicating with coaches consistently creates more opportunities. - Coaches evaluate much more than points scored. Your recruiting journey doesn't have to follow anyone else's timeline.About The HostAshley Roberts is the host of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who transferred to the University of Texas. As a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley helps parents confidently navigate their athlete’s basketball journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose.Resources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community [https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community]Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?... [https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?...]Keep in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/ [https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/]

The Biggest Mistake Athletes Make When Choosing a College

Should NIL money be the biggest factor when choosing a college? What happens when rankings, recruiting, coaching changes, and the transfer portal all influence one of the biggest decisions of your life? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former Wake Forest and Tennessee standout and current professional basketball player Jewel Spear to discuss what really matters when choosing a college. Jewel shares how she navigated recruiting, transferred to Tennessee, handled multiple coaching changes, and balanced NIL opportunities with her long-term goals. She also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of college basketball, why mental health became a priority, and the lessons she hopes the next generation of athletes will learn before making their own decisions. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into today's college sports landscape. In This Episode - Why rankings don't define your future - How to evaluate NIL opportunities the right way - The real reason Jewel transferred from Wake Forest to Tennessee - Navigating coaching changes during your college career - Why campus visits matter more than social media - The importance of finding the right fit over chasing money - Mental health, therapy, and building resilience as an athlete - Advice for athletes preparing for the recruiting process About Jewel Spear Jewel Spear is a professional basketball player who starred at Wake Forest before transferring to the University of Tennessee. Known as one of the nation's top shooters, she has built her career through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continual growth. Off the court, Jewel is passionate about mentorship, communication, and pursuing opportunities in sports broadcasting. Key Takeaways - Choose the school that's the best fit—not just the biggest NIL offer. - Rankings may open doors, but they don't determine your success. - Coaching changes are part of college athletics, and adaptability is essential. - Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as developing your game. - Building meaningful relationships can have a lasting impact far beyond basketball. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWw4TTc5THpUS3otNEQ2YjdFNGRsd1NtdkFJUXxBQ3Jtc0ttYWt1VjhESzN5NkFpQWwzbEZLMmZEVV81ZE0xSjlzYkU2M290NU9NbHE3YTZEeW1tNXdkcVhaU3M0ektILUVPV2lTXzdvejNmTHdTR18wa0FZSjRaamFXUjM0eDhIMFNHdVNKT1hWd19zc1FQVHJ1VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashleynroberts.com%2Fcommunity&v=SeoHc50z1K8] Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2NQb0J1UTdJeEtfTWM5c28tUE9qZnhvMU1lZ3xBQ3Jtc0trWE52VmVQWWh1U28wa25hLTF4MVZBZkt2WGZNWUhBakdvRkRjblhrcHZ2cDVDVU5wVXBvVFZZVHFEYlpndUhxOThnc0dmc0FzUEtwUDVVVnBvNFBYZVU2Z1hrUUh1VUhsOWFiM2pEd3RRc2l6NlNfdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitsjustdifferentapparel.com%2F&v=SeoHc50z1K8] Keep in Touch: Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en] Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en] https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en

The Development Blueprint Elite AAU Parents Follow

What does it really take to raise and develop elite basketball players in today’s youth sports landscape? In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former high school coach, program director, and parent of an elite athlete Chris Hunt to break down the realities behind youth basketball development, parenting decisions, and the shifting culture of exposure and recruitment. From navigating championship-level programs like Duncanville to understanding what actually matters in athlete development, Chris shares a grounded perspective on what helps young athletes succeed—and what often gets in the way. The conversation dives into the importance of finding the right fit, balancing structure with childhood, and how parents can unintentionally impact their child’s long-term development. Chris also opens up about nutrition, mentorship, and his journey into entrepreneurship with More Gains, a meal prep business focused on fueling athletic performance.If you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will challenge how you think about development, opportunity, and success in youth sports. In This Episode: - The truth about raising elite athletes- Why “fit” matters more than exposure - Lessons from Duncanville’s championship culture- How parents influence athlete development - Balancing structure, pressure, and childhood - The role of nutrition in performance - Building confidence through environment and mentorship - Chris Hunt’s journey from coaching to entrepreneurship with More Gains - Finding the right program fit is more important than chasing exposure or status. - Parents play a critical role in shaping their athlete’s environment and decisions. - Youth athletes need balance between structure, development, and enjoying childhood. - Nutrition and off-court habits directly impact on-court performance. About the Guest Chris Hunt is a former high school coach and program director with deep experience in athlete development and mentoring. As a parent of an elite basketball player, he brings a unique perspective on balancing performance, family, and long-term growth in youth sports. He is also the founder of More Gains, a meal prep business designed to support athletic performance through proper nutrition. Key Takeaways - Finding the right program fit is more important than chasing exposure or status. - Parents play a critical role in shaping their athlete’s environment and decisions. - Youth athletes need balance between structure, development, and enjoying childhood. - Nutrition and off-court habits directly impact on-court performance. - Mentorship and community are essential for long-term athlete success. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazl6RnVWVHZMSHkyR1hza0xjOTVZTmgyMm1Fd3xBQ3Jtc0tua2dMcEZRc3FOZ0QtTXZpSURpZVFCZDhJa2hXdmVVUHVlcUFNVHRlS2F5Nl9ac0NUR1QyOE5MOC1JcTdCaE1qX3prZXp2UDBhQTA4MFRyNnMzekxJZzQ1VnZscTN3X3YyR1VDbUFDcG1rQ2FzT0s5Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashleynroberts.com%2Fcommunity&v=uQCVgq1glXo] Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHI3ZzBydHJfZlJjYjFYOUZOZEFQVFg2b1R5d3xBQ3Jtc0tuVU9oMGNldGNEQV9mYXZUel9Cd2s4ZTBNVk1zckpuZHpvS2F0Z21uS0czYmNCVU1iQUhvQmU2ZWc0QUpjSDhGX1FuRmNpanFBcy13bnRzWGFncThZOXdidUU4cC1GeEFnbXF6T1c0VFRiMnJpVkl5WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitsjustdifferentapparel.com%2F&v=uQCVgq1glXo] Keep in Touch Ashley:  https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGc0OFVHXzNxNTQwM2lPYTd0bHRwcFJET1AyUXxBQ3Jtc0tudl95bHNDdmNrLU8wSVBLaWdRS0IweEJ3M2ZFOWVUc0tTS3hMQndZTFNUQkplU2lmNkJ5QXNLUGYxY28wRXRDVkU5UEJCRW1SR041VHUwOHJWR3NmUWpqLTVGS3dlTmtjUEQxamNXRTI2dnVWSjN1cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F_thisisashleyr%2F&v=uQCVgq1glXo] Chris:   https://www.instagram.com/coach_chris_cool/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU80X09JOFpReEVFVlZnQXdSNHFVUmhWcHV2Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttLXpNRnhyaEl2ZHFrRFBsVDhmM2IzaGcwUXlBN0ZvMmVSNF9nODRYLWhVM3NVMGN3V01ObEJWNU5JQXN4ZjBpRkFYaGVRd3JjR2djckFEajkxRWlNaVRmYlZPRUZTRFZ1WTdDamhNejY0cFF5RWR0RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcoach_chris_cool%2F&v=uQCVgq1glXo]

Former College Athlete Could Have Quit.. Why Strong Mindset Is Important

Former college athletes often spend years chasing goals on the court, but what happens when the game ends? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former SMU and Wake Forest basketball player Tamia Jones to discuss the challenges of college athletics, overcoming injuries, building confidence, and transitioning into entrepreneurship. Tamia shares how her experiences as an athlete shaped her approach to training and led her to create TJ Elite Performance. From navigating adversity to helping young athletes train smarter and stay healthy, this conversation is full of valuable lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. This Conversation Dives Into: - Life as a student-athlete at SMU and Wake Forest - Overcoming injuries and building mental resilience - Navigating the challenges and growth opportunities in college athletics - Transitioning from basketball to entrepreneurship - Developing young athletes while prioritizing injury prevention - Balancing training, recovery, and long-term development - Why trusting yourself and your journey matters - Mental resilience is one of the most important skills athletes can develop. - Individualized training helps athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk. - Life after sports can create uncertainty, but pursuing your passions can lead to new opportunities. - Recovery and long-term development should be prioritized over short-term results. - Trusting yourself and staying committed to your goals are essential for long-term success. About the Guest Tamia Jones is a former collegiate basketball player who competed at both SMU and Wake Forest. Following her playing career, she turned her passion for athlete development into a business by founding TJ Elite Performance.Drawing from her own experiences as an athlete, Tamia focuses on helping players improve performance, prevent injuries, and build confidence both on and off the court. Key Takeaways - Mental resilience is one of the most important skills athletes can develop. - Individualized training helps athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk. - Life after sports can create uncertainty, but pursuing your passions can lead to new opportunities. - Recovery and long-term development should be prioritized over short-term results. - Trusting yourself and staying committed to your goals are essential for long-term success. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnp1VFpkMjZWbHZmRURFVnlqblZ0VmRoRFhWUXxBQ3Jtc0tuVFdrWllfcUJaRWtfNFRiSlZjVlV5SzMwU2pJbjMyY3I1R3NTX0xGajJXSFlmS3RaOUJodlQ5U0UwYzAzVXoxZEQ0aWd3VlN1NUQ3QUc0X1BXdDNSbFVQakxMZUM3VmI1WHVpS0wtdFZ5YUJYZ0U0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashleynroberts.com%2Fcommunity&v=xnTmiJ35jbc] Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkZZcWYxZkhnNXlZLTNkS296MHduQVdDMU5EQXxBQ3Jtc0tucW5aeG9GRGRnNGlVcnRXdDlLdXNVRHRiZG5qcFZUaXQzS3dZQjhmdUc3U3lzcTZLNm5WbmJyYXVRMG11Skl2eVk2MG1aVklpcnhBRFdRVkxKdHZoNTlwczhPNGlHQy10MXVEc29CYUZ6S29DWHRGSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fitsjustdifferentapparel.com%2F&v=xnTmiJ35jbc] Keep in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/ [https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/] Tamia: https://www.instagram.com/tamia.jones14/ [https://www.instagram.com/tamia.jones14/]