Your athlete is being evaluated before the first basket. KP explains why communication, body language, response to mistakes, role value, and projection can matter more than points or highlights—and how parents can help without taking over the journey.Kenneth “KP” Pannell is a national girls' basketball evaluator whose current work includes the ESPNW Top 100 team and ESPN HoopGurlz scouting. He is a voting member of the McDonald's All American selection committee and also works with Select Winter Series, USA Basketball championship selection, the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors, and the Basketball Hall of Fame's Wootten Award Committee. He evaluates elite players across major grassroots circuits, which is exactly why parents should pay attention to what he notices before an athlete scores.Ashley and KP break down:- The difference between getting exposure and getting exposed- What earns an evaluator's attention before the box score- Why mistakes can reveal more than perfect possessions- How role players create real college value- How to evaluate camps before spending money- Why youth rankings should not control development decisionsKEEP IN TOUCHAshley Roberts: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/KP: https://www.instagram.com/kpannell_/RESOURCES FOR BASKETBALL PARENTSJoin the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch and use code Podcast for 15% off: https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comSubscribe for weekly conversations that help basketball parents make smarter decisions.

Getting the offer is exciting. But choosing the wrong level, roster, role, or coaching fit can leave a talented athlete unprepared for the reality of college basketball.Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich joins Ashley Roberts to explain what families should evaluate after a college coach shows interest—and before an athlete commits. Coach Gerlich knows this journey from every side: she was an All-American guard on Texas Tech’s 1993 national championship team and is now the 2026 Big 12 Coach of the Year leading the same program.In this conversation, Krista explains why a phone call is not the same as an offer, why an offer does not guarantee playing time, what college coaches evaluate beyond talent, and how families can judge the right level and roster opportunity.IN THIS EPISODE:- Why recruiting has become more transactional- What “fit” really means to a college coach- What coaches evaluate after an athlete gets their attention- Why a recruiting phone call is not automatically an offer- How parents can judge the right college level- Why strong high-school statistics can be misleading- Questions families should ask during official visits- What coaches notice about athletes and parents- Why talented freshmen struggle with college practices- How athletes earn roles and playing time- Advice for 2027 recruits who still have no offersJOIN THE BASKETBALL PARENT COMMUNITY:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityLEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTA GERLICH AND TEXAS TECH:https://texastech.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/krista-gerlich/4327

What does it really take to build a winning basketball program—and how can parents and athletes make sure they’re choosing the right path to get there?In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Stan Delus, head coach of Etiwanda Girls Basketball and Sports Academy to talk about building championship culture, developing athletes, and preparing players for the next level.With more than 27 years of coaching experience and a recent EYBL Nike Nationals Championship, Coach Delus shares his perspective on the evolution of AAU basketball, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and why finding the right fit matters more than simply chasing the biggest name.The conversation also explores player development, confidence, mentorship, college recruitment, and the importance of setting realistic expectations for young athletes and their families.Whether you're a parent navigating AAU basketball, an athlete pursuing the next level, or a coach focused on developing players the right way, this episode is full of insight on building a successful basketball journey—both on and off the court.In This Episode:- Building a championship culture in girls' basketball- How AAU basketball has evolved with space, pace, NIL, and the transfer portal- Why training and preparation matter at every level- Balancing basketball, family, education, and career- Building confidence and mentorship in the social media era- The importance of development for young athletes- Navigating college recruitment beyond the elite level- How coaches build trust with players and families- Finding the right AAU team and program for your athlete- Setting realistic expectations for the college basketball journeyAbout Coach Stan Delus:Coach Delus is the head coach of Etiwanda Girls Basketball and Sports Academy. With more than 27 years of coaching experience, he has built a reputation for developing athletes and creating winning cultures. He has coached top-tier talent, earned national recognition as a coach of the year, and most recently led his team to an EYBL Nike Nationals Championship.Key Takeaways:- Development takes time: Even elite athletes need consistent training, structure, and intentional development.- Maturity matters: Basketball can teach young athletes how to balance competition, education, relationships, and personal growth.- Find the right fit: The biggest or most recognizable program isn't always the best fit for an athlete's goals.- Coaching goes beyond tactics: Great coaches build trust, provide mentorship, and genuinely invest in their athletes.- Set realistic expectations: There are multiple pathways to playing college basketball, and understanding those pathways can help athletes and families make better decisions.- Culture creates consistency: Championship programs are built through standards, accountability, preparation, and a shared commitment to getting better.Resources for Basketball Parents:Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityShop DIFFERENT apparel and use code Podcast for 15% off: https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comFollow Ashley:https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/Follow Coach Delus:https://www.instagram.com/coach_delus/

The AAU season is over—but your development doesn't stop here.What should athletes be doing after months of tournaments, travel, and competition? Should you jump into another camp, take time off, or start training immediately?

In this solo episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts shares the five-step post-AAU game plan every athlete and parent should follow to maximize growth before the next season.

From recovery and goal setting to choosing the right camps and making smart investments, this episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes improve with purpose—not just stay busy.Whether you're preparing for your school season or planning for next summer, these strategies will help you make the most of the offseason.

In This Episode:

• Why recovery should come before more basketball
• How to evaluate your AAU season honestly
• Setting goals that actually improve your game
• Choosing camps, trainers, and opportunities strategically
• Measuring progress and maximizing every investment

About The Host

Ashley 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 Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?...

Keep in Touch

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashl...

Can you really handle playing college basketball?

Playing for the University of Hawaii isn't just about basketball—it's about independence, emotional maturity, and embracing a completely different culture.

In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with University of Hawaii Head Coach Khalilah Mitchell to discuss what she looks for in recruits, how the transfer portal is changing the recruiting landscape, and the advice every athlete and parent needs to hear during the recruiting process.

Whether you're hoping to earn a college basketball scholarship or simply want to better understand what coaches value beyond the stat sheet, this conversation offers practical insight into recruiting, player development, and finding the right fit.

In This Episode

- Why culture fit matters just as much as talent

- What Coach Mitchell looks for at every position

- How the transfer portal is impacting high school recruiting

- Why emotional maturity is a recruiting advantage

- The importance of embracing your role on the court

- Common mistakes parents make during the recruiting process

- Developing leadership through adversity and failure

- How Hawaii prepares players for opportunities beyond college

About the Guest

Khalilah Mitchell is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Hawaii. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, she has built a reputation for player development, relationship building, and preparing athletes for success at the collegiate and professional levels. Her approach emphasizes emotional maturity, culture fit, and helping players maximize their unique strengths on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

- Talent gets attention, but character and culture fit earn opportunities.

- Every position requires a different skill set, and coaches recruit with specific roles in mind.

- The transfer portal continues to reshape how college programs build their rosters.

- Player development is about mastering the small details that create long-term success.

- Parents can have the greatest impact by supporting—not controlling—the recruiting journey.

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Keep in Touch

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/

Coach K: https://www.instagram.com/coachkmitch/

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

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):
https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en

Follow Why Not Premier: https://www.instagram.com/whynotpremier/

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/communityShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?...Keep in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/