Is Travel Basketball Worth It?

Many basketball players from grade school to high school participate in travel basketball. There are two roads to Rome, AAU and USBA. A travel team will fall into one of those categories.

For elite players, there is the EYBL, UA and adidas. You also have USA Basketball.

On average, $1000 to $5000 will be spent each year to play travel basketball. 

According to the NCAA, only 3.4% of HS players earn a college scholarship. Only 3.6% of college players will play in the NBA.

So why is there such an emphasis of playing travel ball when the chances of receiving a scholarship are 3 out of 100?

Some play because they love competition and want to become better players.

Some play because they want a college scholarship and have dreams of playing in the NBA.

Could a player make it far by playing for his middle school or high school team and spending money on individual training during the offseason?

I've seen people succeed with and without travel Basketball. I'm curious of knowing the best route to success.