About the Guest:Charles Stoker is a respected basketball developer in the DFW Metroplex known for building players from the ground up. Notable for helping NBA athlete Jordan Walsh, Charles is committed to real development—not just flashy training. As a coach, father, and mentor, his approach is rooted in fun, consistency, and fundamentals. Episode Summary:In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Charles to expose the difference between training and development. They break down what parents are getting wrong, how to choose the right person to guide your athlete, and the power of building a strong foundation—physically and mentally. If you're a basketball parent, this is the truth you’ve been needing. Key Takeaways:- Training ≠ Development – There’s a difference, and most parents don’t know it.- Development requires patience, not just reps.- You need someone who can grow the full player, not just their bag.- Family, fun, and fundamentals still win.🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community for a FREE 7 DAY TRIAL https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:In this solo episode of It’s Just Different, host Ashley Roberts breaks down what every parent of an aspiring college athlete needs to know before the next live period. From choosing the right camps to managing AAU communication, this episode is your roadmap to navigating basketball recruitment the smart way.Ashley shares honest insight on how to maximize your athlete’s exposure, when to play up versus stick to grade level, and how highlight reels and outreach strategies are really viewed by coaches. Whether you’re new to the AAU scene or knee-deep in recruiting chaos, these strategies will help you prioritize what matters — and avoid costly mistakes.🎯 Want to make sure your athlete isn’t getting overlooked? This episode is packed with tips that will help parents stay ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways:- Recruitment Priorities by Class Year: Know what really matters in each phase of your athlete’s journey.- AAU Communication Strategy: Build strong relationships with coaches to understand where your athlete truly stands.- Camp Strategy: Focus on regional or local camps tied to real offers — not hype events.- Highlight Reels That Work: It’s not about fancy edits — it’s about what coaches need to see first.- Real Practice Over Politics: Get in the gym, get feedback, and stay consistent. That’s how you move forward.🔗 Helpful Links:👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with three standout players from New Mexico Junior College to discuss the often-overlooked journey through JUCO basketball.

Hear directly from athletes navigating their path to Division 1 success, including one who earned National Player of the Year honors!From overcoming language barriers to building team chemistry and chasing D1 dreams, this episode offers powerful lessons for parents, athletes, and coaches about growth, resilience, and making the right college decision.🔥 Key Takeaways:✔️ Why JUCO is a powerful stepping stone for D1 success✔️ How social media plays a critical role in today’s recruitment✔️ The mental and physical growth required to make the D1 leap✔️ Why personal development and team chemistry matter most🔗 Helpful Links:👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:

Think JUCO is just a fallback plan? Think again.In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Mefford of New Mexico Junior College to expose the real advantages of taking the JUCO path. From producing National Players of the Year to building programs that rival Division 1 facilities, this conversation will completely change the way you think about junior college basketball.If your athlete has Division 1 dreams, this episode shows why JUCO might actually be the BETTER path—providing elite development, game experience, and the exposure needed to level up.👀 Don’t miss this one—your athlete’s future could depend on it. Key Takeaways:- JUCO as a Launchpad: Why JUCO offers real opportunities for high-level development and D1 transfers.- Parents’ Role: How to guide without overstepping and help your athlete find the right fit.- D1 Isn’t Always the Best First Step: How JUCO helps athletes truly prepare for higher competition.I- International Influence: How JUCO is becoming a hub for global basketball talent.- Facilities and Development: Why some JUCO programs are outpacing D1 schools in athlete growth.🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest(s):

Anthony Anderson is an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Houston, known for his valuable insights into the college recruitment process. With experience in both men's and women's basketball, Anthony has a rich history working with student-athletes to help them find the right fit and maximize their potential in the competitive world of college sports.

He started on the boys' side at Paul Quinn College and then moved to the women's side at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley under coach Larry Tidwell. Eventually, he joined the University of Houston, where he continues to support and develop talented players.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "It's Just Different," hosted by Ashley Roberts, listeners gain insider knowledge into the college basketball recruitment process from Anthony Anderson, assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Houston.

The conversation starts with three critical factors parents should consider during recruitment: finding the right school fit, conducting thorough research, and establishing a relationship with the head coach.

Anderson stresses the importance of aligning a student's skills and goals with a prospective school’s environment to ensure a successful college experience.

The dialogue delves into the transformative effects of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals on college sports. Highlighting changes in recruitment, Anthony elaborates on how monetary influences have shifted the focus from traditional player development to financial negotiations.

The episode also touches on how these dynamics affect aspiring high school athletes, the role of JUCO pathways, and the significance of choosing between D2 and JUCO offers. The host and guest reiterate the value of building genuine relationships within the sports community, ensuring young athletes receive sound guidance and opportunities to fulfill their potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents should prioritize finding a suitable college environment that matches their child's academic and athletic aspirations.

• The college recruitment landscape has been significantly influenced by the NIL and transfer portal, shifting the focus towards financial aspects.

• JUCO programs still hold substantial value for athletes, offering a viable path to higher-level competitions.

• Establishing strong, long-lasting relationships with college coaches is essential for athletes to navigate the recruitment process successfully.

• High school athletes should focus on personal development and seizing opportunities to showcase their skills.

🔗 Helpful Links:👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

In today’s episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Clemson Associate Head Coach Chris Ayers to break down one of the most overlooked truths in college basketball recruiting: talent alone isn’t enough anymore.

With the rise of NIL deals, transfer portals, and evolving recruiting strategies, more athletes than ever are slipping through the cracks — not because they aren't good enough, but because they’re chasing the wrong fits, ignoring critical feedback, or focusing too much on offers instead of development.

Coach Ayers shares insider insights on:

- Why so many players get overlooked despite having talent

- How NIL and the transfer portal have shifted recruiting priorities

- The biggest mistakes families make during the recruiting process

- How to align skills, mindset, and exposure to find the right college fit

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate the competitive world of college basketball in 2025, this episode will show you how to avoid common pitfalls and stay focused on long-term success.

🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest:Jordan Jones is a McDonald’s All-American, former Texas A&M standout, and an accomplished coach at every level — from college basketball as a defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois, to high school state champion at Faith Family Academy, to AAU coaching with Team Mo Jeff, and now a respected trainer and mentor for young athletes.Her experience on every side of the game gives her a rare and powerful perspective on what young athletes really need to succeed. Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Jordan Jones to dig deep into the real issues shaping today’s basketball culture — from recruiting and NIL hype to parenting and player development.Jordan doesn’t hold back as she shares her journey as a player, college coach, state champion, AAU coach, and trainer. She challenges parents, athletes, and even other coaches to rethink what success looks like in 2025 — and why “microwave success” is doing more harm than good.This is an episode for anyone who’s serious about building real players — not just highlight reels. Key Takeaways:- Microwave Success Is Dangerous — Quick hype can ruin long-term growth.- Parents Must Be Involved — Ask questions. Support. Guide.- Run Your Own Race — Every journey is different — and that’s okay.- Intangibles Are Everything — Coaches want more than talent. They want energy, leadership, and coachability.- Coaching Is Bigger Than Basketball — The best coaches prepare kids for life.🎧 Don’t miss this episode.Coach Jordan Jones has been there and done it all — and she’s here to help you do it right.Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this one is required listening.🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠