🏀 Why July NCAA Basketball Recruiting Live Periods Matter More Than April
Each summer, thousands of high school basketball players across the country lace up their sneakers and compete in front of college coaches at AAU tournaments during what the NCAA calls “live periods.” These are some of the most crucial moments in the college basketball recruiting calendar—and no month is more important than July.
If you’re serious about playing college basketball, understanding the recruiting calendar and how to take advantage of it can make or break your chances of earning a scholarship.
In this post, we’ll explain what NCAA live periods are, compare April vs. July periods, and break down why July matters most—especially for players looking to maximize their visibility.
📆 What Are NCAA Live Periods?
The NCAA defines “live periods” as specific windows of time when Division I college basketball coaches are allowed to evaluate prospective student-athletes in person at NCAA-certified events.
Each year, there are five total live periods for men’s basketball:
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2 in April (typically the last two weekends of the month)
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From Friday at 5:00 PM to Sunday at 5:00 PM
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3 in July (during the last three weeks/weekends of the month)
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From Wednesday at 5:00 PM to Sunday at 5:00 PM
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During these periods, coaches can attend select tournaments and camps to evaluate athletes in real time. These are the events you want to be at if you dream of playing at the college level.
Want to plan ahead? You can view the official NCAA recruiting calendar for current dates.
🔍 Why Are July NCAA Live Periods More Important Than April?
While both April and July live periods give players the opportunity to be seen by college coaches, July is far more impactful for four main reasons. Let’s break them down—and then go deeper with real-world examples and insights from our PSB staff and coaches.
✅ 1. July Live Periods Are Longer
July periods last five days instead of just three, and they take place when players are on summer break, free from school and other academic obligations.
This matters because:
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Players can play more games and get more court time.
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Coaches have more days to evaluate and revisit players.
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Less schedule stress = better performance from most athletes.
At Pro Skills Basketball, we’ve seen our teams get 2–4 more games per event during July weekends versus April. More minutes = more opportunity to impress.
✅ 2. There Are More Live Periods in July
Three evaluation periods in July means three full weeks of exposure and recruiting opportunities—versus only two weekends in April.
Think about it:
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That’s 15 total days in July vs. just 6 in April.
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That’s 150% more time for coaches to scout you.
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That’s more chances to catch a coach who couldn’t make it the previous week.
For players who might be recovering from an injury, looking to bounce back from a tough weekend, or trying to build momentum, July offers a longer runway to prove yourself.
✅ 3. Broader Coach Access Beyond Shoe Circuits
In April, most top-tier coaches are locked in on the big three AAU shoe circuits:
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Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League)
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Adidas 3SSB
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Under Armour Association (UAA)
Each circuit hosts exclusive events during the April live periods, meaning college coaches have to divide and conquer, often limiting their scouting to only a small pool of players.
But July is different.
In July:
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Not every shoe circuit holds an event every weekend.
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More non-shoe circuit tournaments are certified and attended.
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Coaches are more likely to explore off-circuit teams and unknown prospects.
This is great news for teams like our Charlotte PSB Elite 15U, 16U, and 17U, who consistently receive invitations to premier July events such as the Under Armour Association Challenge (formerly UAA Finals). These high-level events bring in coaches from all levels—DI, DII, and DIII.
Even if you’re not on a shoe circuit team, there are still plenty of NCAA-certified July tournaments that draw serious coaching talent. At PSB, we work with each team to build a strategic schedule that puts our players in the best possible position to be seen.
✅ 4. July Is When Most Scholarship Offers Are Made
Perhaps the most important point: July is the month when real decisions are made.
April is for scouting. July is for committing.
In April:
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Coaches build their watch list.
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They track players’ growth and development.
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They evaluate who they want to keep seeing.
In July:
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Coaches make final decisions.
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Offers are extended.
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Rosters are shaped for the upcoming recruiting class.
If a coach has had you on their radar since the spring and you show out in July, that could be what earns you a Division I scholarship, or opens doors at the DII or DIII level.
🚨 But Exposure Doesn’t Equal Offers
Just because you’re playing in July live periods does not guarantee a college scholarship. In fact, only 3.6% of high school boys’ basketball players go on to play college basketball at any level (according to the NCAA).
To make the most of the opportunity, players and parents must:
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Have realistic expectations based on ability and goals.
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Target the right level of schools (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO).
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Use highlight videos and film to follow up with coaches.
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Understand the full recruiting process, from initial contact to official visit.
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🔄 NCAA Recruiting Rules Are Always Changing
The NCAA recruiting landscape is fluid. While this blog discusses the 5 current live periods, there have been multiple attempts to restructure or reduce July recruiting events in recent years.
For instance:
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In 2018, the NCAA proposed significant changes to eliminate many grassroots tournament opportunities in July.
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Although the proposals weren’t fully passed, some changes were adopted—especially in regard to non-certified events.
As a result, it’s crucial for players and families to:
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Stay updated on NCAA rule changes.
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Work with a program like Pro Skills Basketball, which monitors updates and adjusts schedules accordingly.
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Be flexible and open to new recruiting paths—like individual showcases, college camps, or junior college routes.
🔑 Final Tips to Make the Most of July NCAA Live Periods
If you’re heading into July with aspirations of getting recruited, here’s how to maximize your opportunity:
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Prepare Like a Pro
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Get in shape before the tournament.
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Work on your weaknesses in advance.
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Show up focused, rested, and coachable.
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Play the Right Way
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Share the ball.
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Communicate on defense.
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Show leadership and hustle.
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Know Who’s Watching
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Research which schools and coaches will be attending.
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Reach out in advance with a short intro and highlight film.
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Follow up with a thank-you message and full-game footage.
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Control What You Can
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You can’t control who shows up.
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You can’t control the outcome of the game.
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But you can control your effort, attitude, and body language.
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🎯 The Takeaway
July NCAA live periods are not just important—they are pivotal for high school basketball players who hope to earn a college scholarship. With more days, more exposure, and more decision-making power in the hands of coaches, July is your time to shine.
If you’re looking to get serious about recruiting, or you want a team that can help put you on the right stage, consider joining a PSB Club Team. We build competitive schedules, focus on real development, and help our players navigate the college recruiting journey with honesty and professionalism.
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
📞 Call us at 866-996-3888
PART II: HOW TO START A YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM
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