Bigger Isn’t Always Better in College Basketball Recruiting: My Story

By Logan Kosmalski | Former Davidson Player, Co-Founder of Pro Skills Basketball

At 17, I was on the verge of achieving my lifelong goal—earning a college basketball scholarship to a high-major Division I program.

I had grown up immersed in youth basketball development. I followed my older brother from tournament to tournament, spent summers at basketball camps and clinics, played on AAU teams, and idolized powerhouse programs like Duke, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

When Baylor University offered me a chance to play college basketball in the Big XII, I jumped at it. It was the only Big XII offer I had, and it felt like my ticket to the big time. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.

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The Mistake I Couldn’t See at 17

The problem? I had no real understanding of the college basketball recruiting process. I didn’t know how to find the right college fit for me.

Like many players and parents do today, I believed bigger was better. I passed on schools like Davidson, Santa Clara, and Northern Arizona because they didn’t have the name recognition. I thought anything less than D1 basketball at a big-time program meant failure.

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What Happens When You Chase Prestige, Not Fit

I had some success at Baylor and met some great people. But at the high-major college basketball level, there’s constant pressure on coaches to win—and win now. That means they need players who are physically ready and who fit their system.

Eventually, I was recruited over. Baylor brought in Lawrance Roberts, a future NBA player, and my playing time dropped. The truth was: I wasn’t good enough for the Big XII at that point. I didn’t fit the level—yet.

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Transferring to Davidson Was a Turning Point

After two years, I transferred to Davidson College, a program I had once dismissed. It turned out to be the best move of my basketball career. Davidson gave me the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Looking back, Davidson was a much better college basketball fit for me. But when I was 17, all I saw were bright lights and big logos.

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The Lesson for Players and Parents in Youth Basketball

At Pro Skills Basketball, we work with players and parents every day who are navigating the same decisions I once faced. Everyone wants to play Division I basketball, but very few understand the reality behind the label.

Here’s the truth about basketball recruiting:

If you’re good enough, college coaches will find you—no matter what conference or division you play in.

That’s why we preach focusing on skill development, mastering your strengths, and finding a program that fits your game.

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Real Examples: Fit Over Flash

De’Mon Brooks (Davidson College)

At 6’6″, De’Mon was a power forward with mostly low-major offers. A last-minute coaching change freed him to commit to Davidson, where he became an All-Conference player. Today, he’s enjoying a successful professional basketball career in Italy.

Would he have thrived had he changed positions to chase an ACC offer? Doubtful.

Jeff Gibbs (Otterbein University, Division III)

Jeff was a 6’3” post player from Columbus, OH. D1 coaches thought he was too small. He played DIII at Otterbein, became the all-time leading rebounder, and has now played over 12 years of professional basketball in Japan.

Both players succeeded because they leaned into their basketball strengths, not because they switched positions or chased bigger offers.

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Stop Chasing the D1 Label. Start Focusing on Fit.

We hear it constantly from parents:

“My 6’6” son needs to play on the perimeter so he can get recruited.”

But if your son is already an effective high school power forward, why erase his strengths to try to become an average wing? This kind of thinking—driven by the hope of better basketball scholarships—often backfires.

Yes, players should be versatile and fundamentally sound, but don’t throw away what’s working. Instead, ask:

• Where does my game translate best?

• What kind of system and coach fits my style?

• Am I working to maximize my potential in the role I’m best at?

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What We Teach at Pro Skills Basketball

At PSB, we help players:

✅ Improve all-around skills through our club teams, basketball training, and camps
✅ Understand the realities of college basketball recruiting
✅ Focus on long-term growth and development—not just offers
✅ Play the position they’re strongest at, and master their craft

Whether you’re dreaming of the ACC or exploring D3 programs, our advice is the same: control what you can control, and let your game speak for itself.

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Bigger vs. Better? Here’s the Answer.

Baylor wasn’t better for me than Davidson.
D1 wasn’t better for Jeff Gibbs than D3.
The ACC wasn’t better for Stephen Curry than … Davidson.

Playing at the “highest level” doesn’t matter if it’s not the right fit.

So enjoy the journey. Stay focused. Appreciate the coaches and programs who appreciate you. And most importantly—keep improving.

Because if you’re good enough, college coaches will find you.

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Need Help Navigating the Recruiting Journey?

Whether your child is in elementary school or high school, Pro Skills Basketball is here to help guide you through the basketball recruiting process the right way.

📩 Contact us at admin@proskillsbasketball.com
📞 Call us at 866-996-3888