Top 20 Things You Should Know About Youth Exposure Basketball Camps!

If you are a talented young basketball player, you might be wondering what recruitment opportunities there are that you can take advantage of.

Over the years, college basketball recruiting has evolved from evaluating players at a traditional high school basketball camp to now exposure basketball camps and AAU tournaments.

One reason coaches attend exposure basketball camps, also known as showcase basketball camps, and AAU tournaments is because it can save them some money and makes it easier for them to spot talent all in one place.

Another reason would be that youth basketball exposure camps and AAU tournaments take place when the college basketball season is over, which gives coaches more time to focus on recruiting.

So what exactly is a basketball exposure camp?

Exposure basketball camps are events organized so that basketball players can showcase their skills to recruiters and coaches.

However, it should be noted that just because someone bills an event as “showcase” or “exposure” does not necessarily mean that a player will actually end up getting showcased or exposure.

It should also be noted that Division I coaches are only allowed to attend showcase camps and tournaments during the NCAA “live” periods, but DII and DIII coaches may attend without restriction.

One example of an exposure basketball camp taking place during the “non-live” periods when DI coaches cannot come, is held by the great Paul Biancardi, which we are excited to help him run.

This is also a good example of a camp where a “scout” – in this case, ESPN National Director of Recruiting, Paul Biancardi – is present, evaluating the players, and may choose to provide some positive exposure to those players who impress him.

The Paul Biancardi exposure camp features outstanding coaches and instructors, providing an opportunity for young players to showcase their skills in front of a premier youth basketball scout.

In this vein, we have compiled a list of the … 

#1 You will often get the chance to showcase your skills in front of college coaches

Every high school basketball player’s dream is to get spotted by a college coach from a leading college or university.

Exposure basketball camps can sometimes give you the chance to showcase your skills in front of university or college coaches, but remember, there are restrictions on when DI coaches may attend!

Players are typically involved in 5-on-5 games to showcase their individual and team basketball skills.

#2 Don’t miss it just because your dream college is not present

You may be tempted to think that if your dream college is not present, there is no need to attend a basketball exposure camp.

But you are wrong!

Even if your dream college is not available at the camp, coaches do talk. Therefore, if you attend a showcase basketball camp, you might find other institutions that were not present interested in your talent.

One good example of this is our Academic Showcase Camps that are coached and attended by DIII basketball coaches. While a player may not “dream” of playing at a DIII school, this is often a great fit for players and/or can be a great starting point in recruitment.

Don’t ever give up the opportunity to be in the right situation at the right time as college basketball scholarship are hard to come by!

#3 You will be judged on different qualities including your character and attitude

All athletes know that it is not just their athletic ability that gets them noticed by coaches or teams. But that they will be judged by their character and attitude on and off the court.

Therefore, don’t bring your A game to the court and forget your character and attitude at home.

#4 Communication is important

Yes, you are going to the exposure camp to be spotted as a pretty good player, but you shouldn’t assume that the coaches there will know that you will be attending the camp.

Each coach may have his eye on a particular player, but by effectively communicating on the court, you can help yourself stand out.

If possible, communicate with the coaches at the camp afterwards to find out more in-depth on what you did well and what you can improve on.

#5 Do your research

There are many exposure basketball camps held across the country but you cannot attend all of them and not all of them are equally as good.

Therefore, do your research to find the best showcase basketball camps to attend.

At Pro Skills Basketball, we have 2 types of basketball showcase exposure camps. One is our Academic Showcase Camps and the Paul Biancardi Basketball Camps.

The Academic Showcases are designed to educate players and parents on what it takes to play NCAA basketball at a high academic college or university.

The first Paul Biancardi showcase basketball camp will be help in Charlotte, NC this spring and then we’ll travel to other cities around the country in the fall. The Paul Biancardi Basketball Camp is a fun, first-class camp with outstanding instructors and coaches in the game.

Coach Biancardi will lead the camp and will speak to the campers on a variety of topics while Pro Skills Basketball will be in charge of camp operations to ensure an organized and productive experience for all that attend.

These are some of the exposure camps that we offer, however, do your research and evaluate which camp will be best for you.

#6 Choosing the right exposure camp matters

As mentioned, you typically will be involved in some live 5-on-5 games at an exposure basketball camp.

However, you should not pick any camp simply because of exposure.

Choose a basketball camp that you know you have a good chance of improving your skills and learning from some of the best. Some camps can be a complete waste of money if you’re not careful!

#7 Coaches can watch several players at once

As we previously stated, exposure basketball camps provide a great opportunity for coaches to see several really good basketball players at once.

This allows them to be time efficient by focusing on the right talent all in one place. Therefore, they are going to take advantage of this time to recruit.

#8 Exposure camps are part of the college basketball recruiting process

You might have heard that exposure basketball camps are used by coaches to watch only the talented players that they have on their list.

But, guess what?

You may be an unknown player, but if you show your skills on and off the court at the exposure camp, you could earn yourself an opportunity to be noticed and ultimately recruited.

Going in with that mindset, can help you set yourself apart. There is nothing better than an underdog story.

#9 Spring & summer exposure camps are generally the best

General basketball camps can be held during any season but spring and summer exposure camps are the typically the best option.

Why?

This is because during the spring and summer, college season is over and coaches have the time to spot a ton of talent when their minds aren’t focused on their own season, especially during the spring or summer NCAA “live” periods when even DI coaches can attend.

#10 Chance to grow your skills

We can’t say this enough…

Exposure basketball camps are not just about college basketball recruiting but are also a chance for you to improve your basketball skills, fundamentals, and IQ.

The best exposure camps have experienced coaches who give players instructions on how they can really improve their game and take their skills to the next level. 

This is what we are doing with our Academic Showcases and the Paul Biancardi Camps.

#11 An invitation to a camp does not translate to a recruitment offer

If you got an invitation to an exposure camp, that’s great but it doesn’t mean you’ll be recruited.

Moreover, attending an exposure camp does not mean that you will get a scholarship just because you attended the camp. All players willing to pay the money required will be allowed to showcase their skills, so you’ll need to prove yourself.

#12 It is for serious players only

Basketball exposure camps are not for every kid who thinks they can play basketball. These camps are for players who are serious about basketball and want to play basketball in college.

If you are not serious about basketball, don’t waste your money attending an exposure camp.

#13 You will have to compete against other talented players

Exposure camps are just like any other recruitment drive where the best player who stands out from the rest has a higher chance of getting recruited.

Therefore, be prepared to compete against some top talent and being able to stand out to increase your chance of being spotted.

#14 Ask for recommendations

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose the right exposure camp to attend.

In this case, you can ask experienced coaches or athletes for recommendations about specific exposure basketball camps.

#15 Money and big schools does not translate to value

You might think that paying huge money to attend exposure camps attended by big schools equals big value. This is not always the case.

Without a doubt, do your research…

PSB’s Co-Founder Logan Kosmalski wrote an article on bigger versus better. Keep in mind, bigger schools are not always better for you and your situation.

#16 Check out “elite” exposure camps run by actual college

The best way for you to be spotted by the coaches and staff of DI schools is by attending that schools “elite” camp if they have one.

Elite camps are held on the college campus of that particular program and run by the staff of that school and are used as a way to more personally evaluate potential recruits.

#17 Be realistic about exposure camps

Remember that hundreds of players are invited to exposure camps. Therefore, it is advisable you become realistic about your chances of getting shortlisted in that camp.

If the competition is too stiff, look for other camps where you have a realistic chance of being recruited.

#18 You will have to factor in other cost as well

Paying the fee to join an exposure camp is only part of the cost you may incur.

You will need to factor in other costs such as travelling cost and accommodation cost. You can attend exposure camps near you to reduce some costs.

#19 Contact alumni before attending the event

Another way to know if you are getting the value for your money is by contacting alumni who have attended past events for this exposure camp.

They are the ones who have experienced the camp first hand and know if it was worth the money or not.

If you don’t have access to any alumni, see step 14.

#20 Attend exposure camps at the right grade

It is advisable that younger players build their experience first before attending exposure camps.

Young players can do this by attending local summer camps and playing AAU, so that by the time they get to high school, they have experience playing with and against good competition.

The right age for attending exposure basketball camps would be high school, specifically starting around 10th grade, but there are some middle school camps like the Paul Biancardi exposure camp which is good for building skills and learning to compete.

Conclusion

We hope this list of the top 20 things to know about basketball exposure camps really helps you in your pursuit of being recruited and improving your basketball skills.

PSB is excited to get into this youth basketball space with the formation of our Academic Showcase Camps and Paul Biancardi Camps.

We believe these exposure camps are going to be amazing experiences and truly bring value to young players, but we hope that, no matter what camp you choose, that you remember our advice in this article and choose wisely!

Sign Up Now for One of Our Exposure Basketball Camps Today!