Norcal_Fan,
I am a Ballaz parent and I don't agree with you when you say parents equate developing to winning and players are not developing (can't dribble, make left hand layups, etc). Based on your comment, it's hard for me to believe you have seen this year's top team. We are very dominant on the left side, majority of our layups (contested and uncontested), post moves, put backs, and shots in general are attempted and made on the left side of the court.
Crazy you say this, because after one of today's game I shared with a parent that we as a team, my daughter to be specific, have become so dominant on the left side that defenders usually try to take our player's left side away, thinking they're left handed. Some evaluators have even refered to my kid and at least one of her teammates as lefties.
Our team also has no problem with ball handling, as any player 1-5, can and are encouraged to bring up the ball, even with pressure, and can run the offense.
My thoughts on development, in this day in age, who leaves it up to an AAU coach or high school coach to develop their child anyway? Although AAU coaches should be working on development, be it offense, defense, shooting, ball handling, rebounding, 4 hours of AAU practice is definitely not enough time to cater to the needs of an individual player. This is the same with high school coaches/ programs. High school is definitely about team ball, not individual development. In my opinion, good high school coaches incorporate team drills (fundamentals, shooting, dribbling, defensive, etc.) which enhance the overall development of their players in their practice. I will reiterate, high school practice alone is not enough.
I definitely think my kid has developed since the beginning of April. She has spent significant time both at AAU practice, individual training, and on her own working on her offense, putting up shots. Leroy knew coming in this season she had lost her confidence offensively, so for her the goal has been to develop, bring back her offensive game, become an offensive threat. So far this season she is averaging approx. 15 ppg, scoring both off the dribble and knocking down shots. She is currently 60% from beyond the arc in her last 11 games.
Developing players for me goes beyond the physical aspect. Having confidence in a kid, giving them the confidence they need to put up shots, handle the ball, etc. plays a big part in a kid's development as well. As a parent, I am very happy with the development of my kid this season. Winning is a plus, but believe me, I know the difference.