“Carmelo Anthony Takes Charge: Revamps AAU Basketball with Bold Vision for Youth Development”
In a game-changing move for grassroots basketball, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony is leading a powerful initiative to reshape the future of AAU basketball. As chair of the Youth Basketball Advisory Council, Anthony is championing reforms focused on equity, safety, and player development—signaling a new era for the country’s most influential youth basketball platform.
Anthony, who credits his early AAU experience for launching his Hall of Fame-worthy career, is now returning the favor by working to ensure today’s young athletes have access to better coaching, healthier environments, and more transparent recruiting opportunities.
“AAU basketball shaped my journey,” Anthony said in a recent statement. “Now it’s my turn to help shape AAU for the next generation.”
Under his leadership, AAU has rolled out several new initiatives in 2025, including:
Mental Health and Wellness Programs for players and coaches
Certified Coaching Standards to elevate training quality
Expanded Scholarship Access through verified recruiting showcases
Anthony has also been a visible presence at top AAU tournaments this year, including the upcoming AAU Boys Basketball World Championships in Orlando, where he’s expected to address players and families about balancing ambition with education and well-being.
As summer competition intensifies, the basketball world is taking note: with Carmelo Anthony at the helm, AAU isn’t just about building stars—it’s about
building futures.
