Do these 5 things to give yourself the best chance to play college basketball.

First things first: if you don’t take care of these things, then forget about playing college basketball.

• Maximize your GPA and Test Scores.
• Constantly work to improve your game.
• Have realistic expectations.
• Communicate with all college coaches.

This timeline begins at the beginning to middle of your Junior Year.  It is very smart to begin thinking about this process earlier, but this is most often when we see families and players begin to have questions.

1. Get organized (Jan-March)

What are your priorities in your college experience? 

We encourage players and families to think long-term and not just about the basketball portion of your experience.  Use basketball to get in to a great school and set yourself up for the next 40 years of life.

• Location: Do you need to stay close to home?  Do you want to be in a certain area?
• What do you want to study?
• Are you a DI, DII, DIII level player?

Organize film from high school season, make a highlight tape and have a full game ready to be shared!

Make a list of colleges that fit your academic and athletic profile.

2. Marketing (March-May)

Coaches don’t magically know every prospect – you have to drive awareness.

Most schools have a Recruiting Questionnaire on their Athletics Website that can be filled out in just a few minutes.

You can also email coaches at schools that you are very serious about.  Your email should be personalized to each school and coach and include: short bio, film, academic info, test scores and playing schedule.  Coaches receive tons of these emails!  Don’t blast out an email to thousands of coaches – think about which schools are the best fit and send a personal email. 

The best thing you can do in the Spring is to VISIT schools and find out what you like!  Try to coordinate with coaches to meet with them on your visit. 

3. Perform (April-Aug)

In the Spring and early Summer there are many opportunities to play in front of college coaches.  Play hard and play well.  You can’t expect coaches to recruit you if you don’t play well, have bad body language, are a poor teammate, etc. 

You need make sure you are playing in the right events and on the right teams.  Are you a DIII level player with great grades and SAT scores?  Attend high-academic camps, or Ivy League Camps. 

Are you VERY interested in one particular school?  Attend their Elite Camp. 

4. Narrow your focus (Aug – Nov)

You should have clarity on what types of schools are realistic for you at this point. 

Visit the schools that are recruiting you!

This is a great time to update your list of schools that you are interested in. 

Do you have film from the summer that you can send to high-priority schools?

Submit applications.  All college basketball players still have to apply to the school they choose. 

Around November 1-15 most schools have the option to apply Early Decision.  ED is binding, but in many cases can increase your chances of being admitted.  By applying Early Decision you are effectively committing to a school.  This is a great way to make an official decision and take the stress out of your senior year!

5. Make a Decision (Nov – March)

It’s not too late!

Continue to contact coaches about your season.  Particularly coaches that have previously showed some interest in you.  Make a new highlight tape and have a full game ready to be shared.

Do not expect College Coaches to magically know that you are having a great Senior Season and average 25 points per game.  Ask your High School coaches for help, send your information to realistic options, be proactive. 

You must make sure you meet the Regular Decision application deadlines. 

The College Basketball recruiting process can be daunting and complex.  We are trying to make it simpler for families and student-athletes… and we are willing to help guide you through it. 

Check out our Recruiting Consultancy.