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What’s Happening to Grassroots Basketball?
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Joyce Ekworomadu
DIRECTOR, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS
Joyce attended Texas State University where she averaged 18.9 points a game, was Southland Conference Player of The Year, led the team to the school’s first ever Conference Championship, became the 5th player in Texas state history to record over 1500 points and 600 rebounds, became the 1st player in the Southland Conference to sign a WNBA contract and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. Post college, she played in the WNBA, Poland, Italy, the National Nigerian Basketball Team and is the 12th female of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. She has traveled to over 40 countries playing the game of basketball. As the Director of Basketball Operations and Account Manager at Ballogy, she blends her extensive experience in basketball with a deep commitment to operating and constructing player development curriculum. With a focus on strategic planning and execution, she contributes to the continuous enhancement of Ballogy’s training programs and user experience. In her role as an Account Manager, she cultivates lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their success by tailoring solutions to their unique needs. Joyce is dedicated to shaping the future of basketball through innovative technology and collaborative leadership at Ballogy.
I’ve been around this game my whole life. I’ve played professionally. I’ve coached for over 15 years at the grassroots level. I’ve worked with middle schoolers learning how to pivot, high schoolers chasing scholarships, and teams grinding just to be seen. I’ve seen basketball at every level—the beauty of it, the grind of it, and yes, the moments that make you shake your head. Lately, at some events, it feels like the culture is shifting.
What Are We Doing Out There?
Recently at a tournament, I watched emotions boil over. Parents shouting at referees like it was the NBA Finals. Coaches jawing at each other over a call. Players letting trash talk turn into shoving matches. These aren’t isolated moments—they’re becoming more common. And they’re happening in games meant for 12- to 16-year-olds still learning the sport.
Basketball Still Teaches Us Something
This game is supposed to teach lessons that go beyond basketball. When I was coming up, I learned how to communicate, manage my time, persevere through tough moments, lose with grace, and win with humility. I had coaches who modeled composure and parents who set the right example from the stands.
Those lessons still happen in gyms across the country. But when the adults lose their cool, the kids are watching—and learning. If they see chaos, they learn chaos. If they see respect, they learn respect.
We Can Reset the Culture
Grassroots basketball should always be a space that’s safe and positive for everyone:
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A place where players compete hard, but also grow in confidence and discipline.
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A place where coaches lead—by example as much as by strategy.
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A place where parents cheer without becoming the show.
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A place where officials feel respected so they can focus on the game.
That starts with everyone—coaches, parents, players—remembering the why behind this game.
Back to the Why
Grassroots basketball is about development, not drama. It’s about preparing kids for what’s next—on and off the court. So, the next time emotions start to rise, let’s be the ones who choose composure. Let’s model what we want these kids to take away from the game. Because when we protect the love for the game, everyone wins. The game deserves better—and so do the kids who play it.