The Basketball Firm

The Basketball Firm

Everyathletedeservesaplan.

A decision-making partner for athletes, families, coaches, and organizations at every stage of the student-athlete journey.

The student-athlete journey

Every family starts the journey with excitement. Along the way come new opportunities, difficult decisions, and moments that shape an athlete’s future. The Basketball Firm exists to help you navigate those moments with confidence.

Where are you on the journey?

Stage 1 of 7

First Dribble

  • She’s four and already takes mistakes hard. How do we keep basketball fun while helping her learn to compete?
  • Everyone else seems to be joining travel teams. Are we already behind?
  • How much should we really be spending on basketball at this age?
  • How do we keep the ride home from becoming a replay of every possession?
  • What do I say on the ride home when he thinks I’m disappointed in him?
  • How do I know if she loves basketball, or just loves that we love watching her play?

Stage 2 of 7

Talent Awareness

  • We’re spending thousands a season. How do we know if it’s actually helping her develop?
  • How do I know if he’s really good, or just good compared with the players around him?
  • She used to shoot in the driveway just because she loved it. What do I do when that starts to disappear?
  • How do we know if he’s on the right team for his development?
  • The car ride home is sometimes the only time we really talk. How do I keep basketball from taking over that conversation?
  • How do I know if the coach sees what I see in her?

Stage 3 of 7

Commitment Phase

  • When should we start thinking seriously about recruiting?
  • How much should we be spending on AAU basketball?
  • How do I know which camps and showcases are actually worth it?
  • She’s getting more attention now. How do we keep it from changing why she plays?
  • How do I know when it’s time for him to change teams or programs?
  • What do I say when basketball stops being fun for her?

Stage 4 of 7

Recruiting Journey

  • How involved should I be in her recruiting?
  • How do we know if a college is genuinely interested or just keeping him warm?
  • How do I help her choose a school without making the decision for her?
  • Is it better for him to play at a lower level or sit at a higher one?
  • How much should academics, playing time, money and basketball fit each count in the decision?
  • What do I say when everyone around her seems to be committing and she isn’t?

Stage 5 of 7

College Reality

  • He isn’t playing in college. How do I know whether to encourage him to stay or transfer?
  • How involved should I be now that she has a college coach?
  • What do I do when he calls home miserable but says he doesn’t want me to intervene?
  • How do I help her handle going from being the best player to fighting for minutes?
  • When basketball becomes a job, how do I help him remember why he loved it?
  • What does our relationship look like when I’m no longer driving her to every practice?

Stage 6 of 7

Living the Dream

  • My son just signed his first pro contract overseas. How do I support him from this far away?
  • Suddenly everyone wants something from her, including family. How do I help her protect herself without pushing people away?
  • He’s an adult with an agent now. Where does my role end?

Stage 7 of 7

Life After the Jersey

  • Basketball just ended for her. How do I help her figure out what’s next without pushing?
  • He wants to stay in the game as a coach or trainer. How do I support that path?

You do not have to navigate this alone.

Everyone has an opinion. Todd brings experience, perspective, and a plan.

Schedule Time with Todd

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be too. Academy 77 exists so cost is never the reason a family faces these decisions alone.

Todd Wilson, founder of The Basketball Firm.

Meet Todd

Someone has walked this road before you.

Kids call him coach. Parents call him the person who made it make sense. Coaches call him before they call anyone else. Todd has played the game, coached it, and sat with families while they made the hardest decisions of the journey. The people he has guided are on rosters, sidelines, and staffs from JUCO to the Ivy League to the pros.

He does not do it alone. Todd’s trusted team works alongside him, and every answer starts in the same place, with what serves the athlete years from now rather than just this season.

Why Todd

What we believe

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be too.

We do not sell dreams. We do not promise scholarships. We do not hype exposure.

Who you are is more important than what you do as an athlete.

Does this decision strengthen the athlete’s long term development?

Working together

There is more than one way in.

Some people start with the guide. Some start with an hour. Some bring Todd to their program. You do not have to know which one you need.

See Services

Follow The Basketball Firm.

Short, honest notes on recruiting and the decisions ahead. Or follow along on social.