Can Carmelo Anthony restore the reputation of the Amateur Athlete Union? Established in 1888, the Union, which includes over 700,000 members and 150,000 volunteers, has been dealing with image issues for quite some time. And this includes accusations from NBA legends like Alonzo Mourning stating, “AAU basketball is tainted”. However, from the recent developments, it seems AAU might have hope after all.

The AAU Basketball, celebrating World Basketball Day, recently credited the Youth Basketball Advisory Council (YBAC) for helping reshape the Union’s vision for the future. And responding to the same, one of its proudest members, Carmelo Anthony, couldn’t hold back his excitement.

“Honored to be a part of the @aaubasketball Youth Basketball Advisory Council. #WorldBasketballDay…” Anthony wrote in his IG story. For those unaware, the YBAC was launched earlier this year in April with an inspiring mission: to ensure young athletes and coaches can enjoy the sport as wholeheartedly as the generations before them.

Speaking about the council’s vision, Carmelo Anthony emphasized, “The AAU YBAC is committed to providing young athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to develop into well-rounded players. Our goal is to help them understand that there are many paths to achieving the success and growth they aspire to.”

Since its formation, the council has been hard at work. Multiple meetings have focused on making basketball more accessible and ensuring fair play across the board. With their first initiatives set for 2025, it’s clear the YBAC is taking steps to restore faith in the AAU, especially after concerns raised by multiple NBA legends.

The allegations against AAU from former NBA stars

AAU basketball has long been seen as a stepping stone for aspiring players. But some former NBA stars feel it’s not what it used to be. Alonzo Mourning echoed these concerns in All the Smoke Podcast. Talking about his son Alijah’s journey, he got straight to the point. “AAU basketball is tainted… It’s tainted by these industries.” For Mourning, trusting AAU alone isn’t enough anymore. Dealing with image issues, it’s clear why AAU Basketball would trust a name like Carmelo Anthony to lead the charge for its newly established YBAC. Moreover, there’s another legend who thinks along the same line as Mourning.

Matt Barnes, a 2017 NBA champion, shared his candid thoughts on the Sloane Knows podcast. And if you’ve ever wondered how much the game has changed, his words hit hard.

Reflecting on the AAU of his youth compared to what his sons experience now, Barnes didn’t hold back. “The game, now there’s others very, very watered down. I think back when I was growing up, AAU was for the best kids. And if you weren’t one of those top-tier kids, you would just kind of play in your local league.”

It’s not just the level of competition that’s shifted, though. Barnes pointed out how the league has turned into a profit-driven machine. With discontented parents forming new teams whenever their kids feel left out. From bronze to platinum tiers, it’s no longer about just the game, according to Barnes.

Now, the question remains, will Carmelo Anthony be able to bring AAU back to its former glory? Or will things keep going downhill for the league? Let us know in the comments below.