Its Just Different Podcast

What if one month could completely change your recruiting journey? Are you making the most of the July live period? In this solo episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts shares the strategies every basketball player and parent should know before stepping into the biggest evaluation period of the summer. From setting intentional recruiting goals to improving your social media, highlight t...

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 mat...

What does it really take to raise and develop elite basketball players in today’s youth sports landscape? In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former high school coach, program director, and parent of an elite athlete Chris Hunt to break down the realities behind youth basketball development, parenting decisions, and the shifting culture of exposure and recruitment...

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 experience...

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 ta...

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...

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 w...

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...

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 AA...

College basketball recruiting is evolving fast — from the transfer portal and NIL shifts to social media presence, exposure pressure, and understanding what actually gets athletes recruited. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Jericka Jenkins, former Hampton University standout and current college basketball coach, to break down what athletes and parents need to u...

Women’s basketball recruiting is changing fast — from NIL opportunities and the transfer portal to the pressure of exposure, rankings, and finding the right fit. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Sasha Leverentz-Palmer, founder of Her Elite, former Division I coach, and McDonald’s All-American Committee member, to break down what athletes and parents need to und...

Women’s basketball is evolving fast — and most athletes and parents don’t fully understand what’s changing. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with WNBA champion and entrepreneur Fran Harris to break down the new reality of the game, from NIL and the transfer portal to the long-term impact on player development. From team chemistry issues to the pressure of chasing op...

In youth basketball today, families are navigating more pressure than ever — from AAU rankings and EYBL competition to the transfer portal’s impact on college recruiting. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Ron James, director and head coach of Team Takeover and head coach at Bishop McNamara High School, to break down what truly matters in a player’s development j...

Youth basketball training is a booming industry, but not every workout leads to better game performance. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with respected basketball trainer Coach Pitts to break down what truly separates development from just getting reps in. From mindset and confidence to finding the right AAU fit, Coach Pitts shares what parents and athletes need to...

Youth basketball has never had more opportunities — but many families are still prioritizing the wrong things when it comes to player development and recruiting. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former Vanderbilt standout and player development coach Jermaine Beal (“Dollar Bill”) to break down what truly helps athletes improve in today’s basketball landscape. F...

AAU basketball season is here — and if you think playing time is guaranteed, you’re already setting your athlete up for frustration. In this solo episode, Ashley Roberts breaks down the reality most families don’t want to hear: minutes are earned, not given. From team selection to sideline behavior, this episode challenges the expectations that are hurting athlete development and confidence. If yo...

Youth sports are becoming more competitive than ever — but are young athletes paying the price? In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with sports performance specialist and physical therapist Dr. Erica Rodriguez, founder of 4th Quarter Recovery, to discuss the growing problem of injuries in youth sports and what athletes, parents, and coaches should be doing...

Youth basketball training has exploded in recent years — but not all training is actually helping players develop. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with player development coach Tony Hobbs to break down what real basketball development should look like and how parents can better support their athletes along the way. From the rise of private trainers to the pressure...

About the Guest Kimberly Davis Powell is a distinguished basketball coach and program director with nearly 30 years of experience. She built ESSENCE Basketball into one of the most respected programs in the country, developing WNBA All-Stars, Olympic invitees, and All-American athletes. Currently working within the prep school space, Coach Kim focuses on elite player development, discipline, and b...

College basketball recruiting has changed — and many families are still playing by old rules. In this solo episode, Ashley Roberts breaks down how the transfer portal and JUCO recruiting have shifted opportunities away from high school athletes — and what that means for your child. If you’re waiting for a coach to “find” your athlete, you’re already behind. Ashley explains why visibility, producti...

About the Guest(s): Andre Lewis is a seasoned basketball coach and director with nearly 20 years of experience. He has played a pivotal role in developing young athletes and helping them pursue opportunities in higher education and professional basketball. Throughout his career, Andre has contributed significantly to the basketball community, mentoring standout players during critical developmenta...

About the Guest Michael “Leftymike” Simmons is a respected basketball evaluator and director with deep roots in grassroots and advanced basketball. Known for his honesty and credibility, Leftymike brings experience as a coach, trainer, and national ranking evaluator. His work with AAU programs and athlete exposure makes him a trusted voice for parents, players, and coaches navigating the modern ba...

About the Guest Joey Simmons is a veteran basketball coach with over 30 years of experience developing young athletes. Throughout his career, Joey has coached with respected programs such as Texas Elite and Team Lex, helping countless players advance to the collegiate level. Known for his honest, no-nonsense approach, Joey brings clarity to the often confusing world of AAU basketball, exposure, an...

About the Host Ashley Roberts is the host of the “It’s Just Different” Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who began her collegiate journey at South Plains Junior College before transferring to the University of Texas. Now a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley uses her platform to educate and empower parents navigating their athlete’s ba...

About the Guest Chuck is a dedicated parent and basketball coach who plays a central role in guiding A'zyua Blair's development both on and off the court. With a strong connection to the basketball community, Chuck emphasizes strategic decision-making, mentorship, and character development in youth sports. A'zyua Blair is a rising star and basketball prospect in the Class of 2027, navi...