Posted by Coach on January 27, 2023 at 08:32:47:
In Reply to: Juniors on JV posted by Old Coach on January 26, 2023 at 22:06:22:
: Wrong generation, I guess, but getting pushback from having juniors on JV. Solid players, but just not to varsity level. Would rather stay on varsity and wait for a late game 25 point lead or deficit to play than play 25-30 minutes and get plenty of shots on JV. I hate burying kids on the bench, but might have to be my choice for next year. Parents/kids indignant. Bummer is losing high quality kid for next year. Will get limited minutes (4 max), an overall positive influence. BTW-this year's team has 14 already. Got any opinions on how to handle in the future?
I think it all depends on the kid/parent. Hopefully you have a good relationship with them and can be straightforward with them. Some kids will prefer varsity no matter what, some want play a lot, others will prefer to be on the team that has the majority of their friends.
If we are talking about a teenager who isnt going to college to play basketball...in my experience the majority will choose the team that they will have the more enjoyable time with friends.
The parents could be the thorn in this if they push the kid to varsity and then complain about the lack of playing time, but again having communication early in the process helps.
I also recommend using the off season games as a trial run where they play both levels and then be able to talk with them and say which of these 2 scenarios would you prefer for season.
With all this said the final decision is yours and if you need the player on varsity due to injuries,grades, etc. they will hopefully be prepared.