How College Basketball Recruiting Really Works: A Guide for Parents & Players
By Brendan Winters, Co-Founder of Pro Skills Basketball
Originally Presented: March 29, 2017
College basketball recruiting can feel like a mystery. Parents want to help their kids, but often don’t know how. Players hear mixed messages from coaches, teammates, and social media. It’s overwhelming.
That’s exactly why I hosted this live webinar—to walk through how the recruiting process actually works, and what players and families can do to better position themselves. Whether your goal is Division 1, Division 2, Division 3—or just a great college basketball experience—this guide is for you.
Why College Recruiting Is So Confusing
The world of college recruiting is full of noise. Camps, rankings, social media, highlight videos, AAU teams, prep schools, recruiting services—the list goes on.
Parents often hear:
- “Your kid needs to be seen.”
- “You have to get in front of the right coach.”
- “You need to spend money on this camp or service.”
But none of that matters if players don’t have the right foundation—skill, work ethic, academics, character, and realistic expectations.
And even if they do, the odds are still tough:
- 3.4% of high school boys basketball players play in college.
- 1% make it to Division 1.
- 1.1% of college players go on to play in the NBA.
So what does it really take? That’s what we covered in this session.
My Story: From Zero Offers to D1 to Pro
I grew up in Denver, Colorado—not exactly a recruiting hotspot. I was a good high school player, but I had zero Division 1 offers by the time I graduated.
Instead of giving up, I went to prep school for a year. I worked out 4–5 hours a day. I gained 20 pounds. And eventually, I earned multiple D1 offers and chose Davidson College.
That same work ethic carried me through four years of college ball, NBA workouts, and a five-year professional career overseas.
After retiring, I started Pro Skills Basketball. Since 2011, we’ve helped over 40 players go on to play college basketball, including at the D1, D2, D3, JUCO, and prep school levels.
I’ve seen it from every side: as a player, a coach, a program director, and a dad. This webinar shares what I’ve learned so far.
Setting the Right Expectations
“The market will sort a player out.” — Paul Biancardi, ESPN
The biggest issue we see? Unrealistic expectations.
Too many parents assume their kid should be recruited by Duke or UNC. But they’re not even starting on varsity. Meanwhile, some players think posting mixtapes will get them a scholarship.
Reality check: If you’re getting interest from D3 schools, you’re likely a D3-level player right now. That’s okay! Development can still happen. But families need to start with where they are—not where they wish they were.
NCAA Recruiting Basics
Understanding the NCAA rules is critical. They affect when and how coaches can contact players.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Contact period: Coaches can talk face-to-face, call, watch games.
- Evaluation period: Coaches can watch games but not talk to players.
- Quiet period: No in-person contact off-campus.
- Dead period: No in-person contact or evaluations at all.
Academic Requirements: Starting in 9th grade, players need to:
- Take NCAA-approved core classes
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
- Maintain solid grades and test scores (ACT/SAT)
What College Coaches Really Want
Most families think coaches want high scorers. But scoring is not the first thing they look for.
Top 5 traits coaches look for:
- Attitude and body language
- Defensive effort
- Basketball IQ and decision-making
- Coachability
- Skill level within a role
“High character might not get you a scholarship, but a lack of character will definitely prevent you from getting one.” — Paul Biancardi
College coaches also evaluate parents. If a parent appears overly involved, disrespectful, or unrealistic, coaches may back off entirely. As Mike Brey (Notre Dame) said in the webinar:
“Yes, we evaluate parents—and we’ve walked away from players because of the parents.”
High School vs. AAU
Both play important roles.
High School Basketball:
- Simulates college routine: daily practices, structured games
- Great for player development and school pride
AAU Basketball:
- Key for exposure: 5 NCAA-approved weekends when college coaches can attend
- Opportunity to compete nationally and be seen by many coaches at once
At PSB, we believe they should complement each other—not compete.
D1 vs. D2 vs. D3: What You Need to Know
Division 1:
- Full scholarships (13 per team)
- Extremely competitive and demanding
- Requires major time and commitment year-round
Division 2:
- Fewer scholarships (often split)
- Slightly lower academic/athletic standards
- Still high-level competition
Division 3:
- No athletic scholarships, but lots of academic/need-based aid
- Great academic schools, less travel, strong team culture
Every division has its perks. D3 players still go pro. D2 teams beat D1 teams in exhibitions. Don’t judge a level without understanding it.
Other Paths: Prep School & JUCO
- Prep School (Postgrad): Great for kids needing one more year of growth or exposure. Doesn’t affect NCAA eligibility.
- Junior College (JUCO): Ideal for players who need academic help or another shot at recruiting. Two years of JUCO = two years of eligibility left at a 4-year school.
The Truth About Recruiting Services & Camps
Recruiting Services: Most are a waste of money. Coaches ignore mass emails. Services that charge colleges—not parents—are more legit.
Elite Camps: Hosted by colleges. Good opportunity if a school is already recruiting you.
Showcase Camps: Run by third parties. Good for benchmarking yourself against peers, but rarely lead to offers.
Best Option: Be proactive. You don’t need a middleman.
How to Be Proactive
- Create a clean highlight video (not a mixtape!)
- Include full-game film to show defense, IQ, and effort
- Send personal emails to college coaches
- Use Twitter (best platform for recruiting)
- Be respectful, consistent, and informative
Read our full guide on How to Email College Coaches for templates and tips.
Scholarship Timeline: When Do Offers Come?
Most offers happen between 10th and 11th grade.
- Only elite players get D1 offers in 9th grade
- Majority get them junior year or just before senior year
- D2 and D3 coaches often wait to see who D1s pass on
If your child is a senior with no offers, there’s still hope—but options narrow quickly.
Choosing the Right School
Don’t chase logos. Focus on fit.
Ask:
- Do I love the school even without basketball?
- Does the playing style fit my game?
- Can I thrive here academically and socially?
Remember: Basketball is temporary. College is a four-year decision. Your future is forever.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, college coaches offer scholarships to players who are good enough—and who check the boxes of grades, character, and fit.
There are no shortcuts.
So love the game. Work relentlessly. Stay humble. Be a great teammate. And let your game—and attitude—do the talking.
Want More Recruiting Resources? Check out our Ultimate College Basketball Recruiting Guide or explore all blog posts on recruiting.
Ready to take the next step in your child’s basketball journey?
Pro Skills Basketball offers Club Teams, Camps, Clinics, and Academies in 25+ cities across the U.S.
👉 Find your city and sign up today to join a program focused on real development, experienced coaches, and a culture that puts players first.
📩 Contact us at admin@proskillsbasketball.com
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