I just got finished sitting courtside for the day at the NY State Empire Games and watching 6 teams of high school players from all over the state compete.  These "all-star" teams made for some great action and the level of play for kids that don't normally play with each other was excellent.  But what else caught my attention was who was in the crowd; nearly 50 college coaches and scouts from all over the country.  Since NY and most major metropolitan areas are hot beds for talent, this was an easy way for not only Division 1 coaches to see players, but all levels.  Also what I found interesting were the number of parents talking to the coaches.  I am sure this was a unique opportunity for the parents to get an idea of their child's ability and potential.  Sometimes these types of tournaments and events get a bad reputation but the opposite is generally true.  How else are coaches who have limited resources to recruit ever going to see certain players play?  They take what they see in events like this and then keep track of a players high school season, and together this helps them make decisions on scholarships and recruitment.  My advice is you as the parent/coach to do research on your local AAU or travel team programs and if appropriate, make sure your child is getting the exposure they deserve.  Remember, try to be realistic and listen to these coaches feedback and input.  You can save a great deal of time by trying to get your child to a level of college that they not only can excell at on the court, but off the court as well.