Should NIL money be the biggest factor when choosing a college?

What happens when rankings, recruiting, coaching changes, and the transfer portal all influence one of the biggest decisions of your life?

In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former Wake Forest and Tennessee standout and current professional basketball player Jewel Spear to discuss what really matters when choosing a college.

Jewel shares how she navigated recruiting, transferred to Tennessee, handled multiple coaching changes, and balanced NIL opportunities with her long-term goals. She also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of college basketball, why mental health became a priority, and the lessons she hopes the next generation of athletes will learn before making their own decisions.

Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into today's college sports landscape.

In This Episode

- Why rankings don't define your future

- How to evaluate NIL opportunities the right way

- The real reason Jewel transferred from Wake Forest to Tennessee

- Navigating coaching changes during your college career

- Why campus visits matter more than social media

- The importance of finding the right fit over chasing money

- Mental health, therapy, and building resilience as an athlete

- Advice for athletes preparing for the recruiting process

About Jewel Spear

Jewel Spear is a professional basketball player who starred at Wake Forest before transferring to the University of Tennessee.

Known as one of the nation's top shooters, she has built her career through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continual growth. Off the court, Jewel is passionate about mentorship, communication, and pursuing opportunities in sports broadcasting.

Key Takeaways

- Choose the school that's the best fit—not just the biggest NIL offer.

- Rankings may open doors, but they don't determine your success.

- Coaching changes are part of college athletics, and adaptability is essential.

- Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as developing your game.

- Building meaningful relationships can have a lasting impact far beyond basketball.

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Keep in Touch:

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en

Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en

Former college athletes often spend years chasing goals on the court, but what happens when the game ends? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former SMU and Wake Forest basketball player Tamia Jones to discuss the challenges of college athletics, overcoming injuries, building confidence, and transitioning into entrepreneurship.

Tamia shares how her experiences as an athlete shaped her approach to training and led her to create TJ Elite Performance. From navigating adversity to helping young athletes train smarter and stay healthy, this conversation is full of valuable lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

This Conversation Dives Into:

- Life as a student-athlete at SMU and Wake Forest

- Overcoming injuries and building mental resilience

- Navigating the challenges and growth opportunities in college athletics

- Transitioning from basketball to entrepreneurship

- Developing young athletes while prioritizing injury prevention

- Balancing training, recovery, and long-term development

- Why trusting yourself and your journey matters

- Mental resilience is one of the most important skills athletes can develop.

- Individualized training helps athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk.

- Life after sports can create uncertainty, but pursuing your passions can lead to new opportunities.

- Recovery and long-term development should be prioritized over short-term results.

- Trusting yourself and staying committed to your goals are essential for long-term success.

About the Guest

Tamia Jones is a former collegiate basketball player who competed at both SMU and Wake Forest. Following her playing career, she turned her passion for athlete development into a business by founding TJ Elite Performance.Drawing from her own experiences as an athlete, Tamia focuses on helping players improve performance, prevent injuries, and build confidence both on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

- Mental resilience is one of the most important skills athletes can develop.

- Individualized training helps athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk.

- Life after sports can create uncertainty, but pursuing your passions can lead to new opportunities.

- Recovery and long-term development should be prioritized over short-term results.

- Trusting yourself and staying committed to your goals are essential for long-term success.

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Keep in Touch

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/

Tamia: https://www.instagram.com/tamia.jones14/

Most parents want their athlete to play college basketball.The problem? Many athletes say they want it too—but their daily habits tell a different story.In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with longtime grassroots basketball coach Ed Durham to discuss the realities of youth basketball, recruiting, and player development in today's game.From coaching elite talent and navigating the AAU landscape to helping families understand what it actually takes to play at the next level, Ed shares unfiltered insight on the challenges facing athletes and parents today.The conversation explores the growing gap between expectations and reality, why honesty is missing from many recruiting conversations, and how the explosion of AAU teams has impacted player development. Ed also shares his perspective on the current state of Texas girls basketball and why accountability, commitment, and realistic goal-setting are more important than ever.The truth?Not every athlete needs to be a Division I player to have a successful basketball journey—but every athlete needs a plan, honest feedback, and a willingness to put in the work.This conversation dives into:• Why parents and athletes often have different goals• The disconnect between recruiting dreams and work ethic• How the transfer portal has changed recruiting opportunities• The impact of AAU expansion on player development• Why honesty matters in recruiting conversations• Challenges facing Texas girls basketball today• How families can make smarter decisions about teams, camps, and training

About the GuestEd Durham is a veteran grassroots basketball coach with decades of experience developing athletes at multiple levels of the game. Known for helping develop high-level talent, including NBA standout Malik Monk, Durham has built a reputation for honest evaluations, player development, and accountability. Through his work in AAU basketball and youth sports, he has become a trusted voice for families navigating recruiting, development, and the changing landscape of basketball.Key Takeaways• Talent alone is not enough—work ethic must match ambition• Honest evaluations help athletes find the right opportunities• The transfer portal has created new recruiting challenges and opportunities• Development should come before exposure• Parents play a major role in setting realistic expectations• The growth of AAU basketball has changed the recruiting landscape• Accountability is still one of the biggest predictors of successResources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comKeep in Touch

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/Ed: https://www.instagram.com/mavs_elitegbb

Former pro player and current University of Texas at Arlington assistant coach Jamal Branch joins Ashley Roberts on the It’s Just Different Podcast to talk about the realities of youth basketball, AAU culture, recruiting, parenting, and player development.

From being the No. 1 player in the country to playing for the Lakers G League team and now coaching at the college level, Jamal shares lessons from every stage of the game. The conversation dives into the transfer portal’s impact on recruiting, the pressures young athletes face today, and why failure is necessary for long-term growth.

If you're a parent, coach, athlete, or someone navigating the basketball world, this episode offers honest insight into what actually matters when building a successful basketball journey.

About the Guest

Jamal Branch is a former professional basketball player and current assistant coach at University of Texas at Arlington. Once ranked the No. 1 player in the country, Jamal played professionally with the Lakers G League organization and has built a strong reputation in player development, recruiting, and mentorship through his work in high school, AAU, and college basketball.

About the Host

Ashley Roberts is the host of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who transferred to the University of Texas.

As a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley helps parents confidently navigate their athlete’s basketball journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Episode Summary

Ashley sits down with Jamal Branch for a deep conversation about the current state of basketball development and recruiting. Jamal shares how the game has evolved from his playing days to today’s social media-driven basketball culture and explains why many young athletes struggle with adversity.

The episode explores the realities of AAU basketball, the growing influence of the transfer portal, and how parents can better support their children through the recruiting process. Jamal also reflects on his own journey as a player and coach, emphasizing the value of patience, relationships, accountability, and resilience.

Throughout the discussion, listeners gain practical insight into what coaches truly look for, how athletes can separate themselves, and why personal growth off the court matters just as much as talent on it.

Key Takeaways

- Why failure is necessary for athlete development

- The biggest challenges facing youth basketball today

- How the transfer portal is impacting recruiting opportunities

- Why relationships matter in basketball and beyond

- The role parents should play during recruitment

- How social media can distract young athletes from development

- What coaches value most in players today

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?utm_source=its-just-different-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-traffic

Keep in Touch

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/

Jamal: https://www.instagram.com/coachjamalbranch/

UT Arlington WBB: https://www.instagram.com/utamavswbb/

Basketball recruiting has changed — and for most athletes, the old approach no longer works.In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts breaks down the reality of today’s college basketball recruiting landscape and gives practical advice for athletes and parents trying to navigate it.

From social media strategy and camp selection to understanding the transfer portal and communicating with coaches, this episode is packed with insight for players who are serious about getting recruited.Ashley explains why visibility matters more than ever, how athletes can stand out even if they aren’t ranked nationally, and what families should actually focus on during the recruiting process. Whether you’re a player trying to earn opportunities or a parent looking for guidance, this conversation offers a realistic look at what recruiting looks like today.

About the Host

Ashley Roberts is the host of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who transferred to the University of Texas. As a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley helps parents confidently navigate their athlete’s basketball journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

In This Episode

- Why recruiting has changed because of the transfer portal

- How non-top 100 athletes can still get recruited

- The role social media plays in exposure

- What camps are actually worth attending

- Common mistakes families make during recruiting

- How to communicate with college coaches effectively

- Why finding the right fit matters more than chasing status

Key Takeaways

- Exposure alone is not enough anymore

- Athletes must actively market themselves

- Strategic camp selection can make a major difference

- Social media should be used intentionally

- Families need realistic expectations during recruitment

- Relationships and communication matter more than ever

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?utm_source=its-just-different-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-traffic

Keep in Touch

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr

Women’s basketball recruiting is evolving fast — and college coaches are adjusting in real time.

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Tennessee women’s basketball assistant coach Bill Ferrara to discuss how NIL, social media, transfer rules, and roster changes are reshaping the recruiting landscape for athletes and families.

Coach Ferrara shares insights from more than 20 years in Division I basketball, including what coaches actually look for in recruits, why highlight tapes matter more than ever, and how Tennessee rebuilt its roster and culture in just weeks.

The conversation also dives into the realities of recruiting today, the importance of adaptability, and why finding the right fit matters more than chasing status or rankings.

About Coach Bill Ferrara

Coach Bill Ferrara is an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee women’s basketball program and brings more than two decades of Division I coaching experience. Throughout his career, Ferrara has coached at programs including St. John's University, University of New Mexico, Central Michigan University, University of Florida, and Florida State University.

Known for his high-energy coaching style and recruiting expertise, Ferrara has helped develop winning programs and standout athletes across women’s college basketball.

Key Takeaways

- NIL and new eligibility rules are changing the recruiting process for athletes and families

- Highlight tapes and social media now play a major role in exposure

- Coaches value fit, work ethic, and adaptability more than ever

- Tennessee’s fast-paced system requires toughness, urgency, and resilience

- Parents and athletes should focus on long-term fit, development, and opportunity.

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide (Save Time, Money & Stress):

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Keep in Touch

Bill: https://www.instagram.com/coachferrara?igsh=MWIzd3JkcXB0ODAwOQ%3D%3D

Tennessee WBB: https://www.instagram.com/ladyvol_hoops?igsh=MTY1NmdxeHFjY2EzeQ%3D%3D

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr?igsh=bXFrcTliMHBoajg5&utm_source=qr

Youth basketball is changing fast — and families are feeling the pressure to keep up.

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former professional basketball player and Sports Academy Director of Basketball Gideon Gamble to talk about the current state of youth basketball, the rise of exposure culture, and what true player development should actually look like.

From AAU basketball and circuit teams to recruiting realities and the impact of the transfer portal, Gideon shares honest insight from years of experience coaching and mentoring athletes at one of the top youth basketball programs in the country. He also reflects on lessons learned working alongside Kobe Bryant and why running your own race matters more than ever in today’s sports culture.

The conversation dives into balancing development with exposure, managing expectations as a parent, and helping young athletes build confidence, identity, and long-term success both on and off the court.

About the Guest

Gideon Gamble is the Director of Basketball at Sports Academy and a former professional basketball player and Division I athlete. He oversees one of the nation’s premier youth basketball programs and has spent years mentoring athletes and families through the evolving world of youth sports. Gideon also worked closely with Kobe Bryant, an experience that continues to shape his coaching philosophy and approach to player development.

Episode Summary

Ashley Roberts and Gideon Gamble break down the realities of modern youth basketball and the growing pressure surrounding exposure, rankings, recruiting, and circuit play.

Gideon explains why development still matters most, how families should approach the recruiting process, and why athletes need patience, self-awareness, and confidence in their own journey.

The episode also explores the role parents play in youth sports, the effects of the transfer portal on recruiting opportunities, and the importance of building athletes beyond basketball.

Key Takeaways

- Exposure means nothing without real development

- Families need to focus on fit, not just visibility

- The transfer portal has changed recruiting for high school athletes

- Athlete identity should extend beyond basketball

- Parents play a major role in managing expectations

- Young athletes must learn to “run their own race”'

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide (Save Time, Money & Stress):https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com