"There are high school basketball players, and even parents, who cringe when a coach says, "You're playing with the junior varsity." Yes, times have changed. The days of varsity programs using JV teams to build up their programs are largely gone. Freshmen with potential end up playing varsity. Others are put on frosh-sophomore teams trying to develop chemistry with other freshmen. The attitude of players and parents alike is: Playing JV isn't cool."
"It seems to have worked out for three varsity standouts this season who started out on their school's JV team: Drew Anderson of Santa Margarita, Pierce Thompson of Harvard-Westlake and Isaiah Williamson of Los Alamitos. Fortunately, a little patience by everyone involved gave them the time and opportunity to wait for their bodies to mature and the rest is history. All three will one day be playing college basketball."
Many players and parents view junior varsity as uncool, with freshmen who show potential often promoted directly to varsity while others join frosh-sophomore squads. Junior varsity remains crucial for player development, providing lower-pressure environments where late physical growth and skill maturation can occur. Examples include Drew Anderson, Pierce Thompson and Isaiah Williamson, who began on JV before becoming varsity standouts and college prospects. Anderson grew from 6-foot-3 to 6-9, committed to Oregon State and excels on a top-ranked team. Thompson developed defensive skill and three-point shooting to become a leading guard. Williamson waited behind a senior-laden varsity and benefited from patience.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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