High school boys basketball has a clean dual-track shape. November through March is the school season. April through July is the AAU/travel season. The eight-week stretch where the school season ends and AAU begins is the part parents miss — there’s no real off-season unless the family makes one.
The AAU live periods in May and July are the recruiting moments. NCAA rules limit when college coaches can watch players in person. April, May, and July live periods are when most college recruiting happens. The biggest AAU circuits (Nike EYBL, Adidas Gauntlet, Under Armour Association) host their major events during these windows.
The school-team-vs-AAU question has been settled at most levels. Both. School team for the school community, the in-school identity, and the program tradition. AAU for the recruiting exposure and additional reps. Skipping AAU is fine for kids not pursuing college basketball; required for kids who are.
Cost structure: school basketball is mostly free (some pay-to-play fees). AAU is where the spend is. Mid-tier AAU programs are $1,500-2,500 per year plus tournament travel. Top-tier (Nike EYBL teams) are $3,000-5,000 plus travel that often hits $4,000-6,000 across the spring and summer.
The body conversation: AAU schedules are brutal. Many AAU kids play 80-100 games per year between school and travel. AAP recommends one full day off per week and two months off per year. Nearly impossible inside the standard AAU calendar. The August two-week shutdown is the only real rest most kids get. Take it.
Last updated April 2026.