TOP 5 RECRUITING THINGS TO DO
1. Develop a recruiting plan and get evaluated by a third party.
What are you currently doing to get evaluated for college basketball scholarships? What results has your current plan produced? If you are not currently being contacted by college coaches at least once per week, then you are not being actively recruited.
You need to be evaluated by as many college coaches nationwide as possible to maximize your scholarship opportunities and securing a college roster spot immediately!
Utilizing a third party like AASR is an important first step in the basketball recruiting process. Attending several basketball camps and showcases also increases your evaluation exposure to basketball coaches.
2. Create your FREE MyScoutingReport NOW!
Online profiles are the fastest way for college basketball coaches to evaluate a prospects academic qualifications, athletic attributes, highlight/game videos, review game schedules, news articles and how to contact you. Create your FREE MyScoutingReport immediately for scholarship evaluation by college coaches nationwide!
3. Take charge of your game, highlight, or skills video!
DO NOT wait around for someone else to burn game DVD's or edit a highlight video for you! Take control of your recruiting process by taking action each day until your video(s) are complete and accessible by college coaches.
When making a highlight video, separate yourself from other basketball recruits by including plays that highlight your foot work, hustle and defense.
4. Be realistic about your projected college basketball level.
Too many college basketball prospects get focused on playing ONLY for major NCAA Division I programs, that they miss out on opportunities to play at a lower level and possibly on a scholarship.
5. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF!
Time and again college basketball prospects limit themselves to only wanting to play at a certain level, local area, in-state, U.S. region or certain conferences. The fact of the matter is that college basketball coaches get to choose which players they want on their roster and which to offer scholarships to. It's not the players or parents that choose...once again, it's the college coaches. By limiting yourself to only certain areas for recruitment, you can bet your life that there will be some college coach around the country that could use a student-athlete like you!
MEN'S BASKETBALL RECRUITING FAQ
1. When does the basketball recruiting process begin?
The first day a student-athlete attends a high school class, they are considered a college prospect by the NCAA. Basketball recruiting starts early because competition for scholarships is extremely high.
2. How do I get discovered?
College coaches can recruit basketball prospects on third-party evaluations from a trusted neutral source like AASR. If you don't have a discoverable or marketable profile for college coaches to evaluate, then they won't know about you. Remember, if college coaches are not calling you at least once per week, then YOU ARE NOT BEING ACTIVELY RECRUITED! Whatever you have been doing to get evaluated by college coaches has not been working, then it's time to change your strategy!
3. How do coaches evaluate prospects?
The fastest way to get a college basketball coaches attention is with a highlight video for them to evaluate your game skills while at their desk or on their mobile device. Online highlight videos can speed up the recruiting process for both you and college coaches.
4. What is my high school or travel coach’s role?
Most high school coaches also teach classes, coach other sports, teach classes and have families, so earning a basketball scholarship is your responsibility. High school coaches that are fortunate to have established relationships with college basketball programs, are usually with a handful of college coaches within their local area or U.S. region.
WHAT ARE COLLEGE BASKETBALL COACHES LOOKING FOR?
Elite (High D1) Center
- Height: 6'0" - 7'0"
Stats:
- 12-15+ PTS/game
- 8-10+ REB/game
- 1-3 Blks/game
Coach Keys:
At this level These college basketball prospects will be ranked nationally and are part of the ESPN Top 150, Rivals, Scout, etc. These are dominant high school basketball players who are extremely difficult to find due to their uncommon length. Elite jumbo athlete, usually is recruited through AAU in grade school or by the latest during Freshmen and Sophomore year. If he’s able to get the ball can take over a game. Good footwork, can handle the ball for his size, can play back to basket and square up. Commands double-teams. Lots of And-Ones. Will have several offers at the D1 as early as 7th or 8th grade. High profile players.
D1 Center
- Height: 6'8" - 6'10"
Stats:
- 12 PTS/games
- 8-10 REBS/game
- Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
These college basketball prospects are usually on varsity a few years. Solid footwork, can handle the ball for his size, can play back to basket and square up. Big strong athlete, good foot work, can play back to basket, physical but fluid player, should be able to step out and knock down the mid-range shot, should be a solid offensive and defensive presence in the paint. good accolades which may include All-State, All-Region, All-Area, All-Conference. Will be recruited by D1 schools early in HS if not beforehand. Should see offers sophomore and into junior year.
Lower D1 or High D2/NAIA Center
- Height: 6'7" - 6'9"
Stats:
- 10+ Games Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
Good players, more raw, sometimes one part of their game has not developed, good statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference. Strong post presence can step out and knock down the outside/mid-range shot. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Will need benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program. Also needs core fundamental basketball skill development.
D3 Center
- Height: 6'7" - 6'9"
Coach Keys:
Solid players, usually very raw or missing some athletic elements, solid statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference. Strong post presence can step out and knock down the outside/mid-range shot. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Will need benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program. Also needs core fundamental basketball skill development. Should have great academics.
Elite (High D1) Shooting Guard
- Height: 6'4" - 6'6"
Stats:
- 15+ PTS/game
- Great Scorer!
Coach Keys:
At this level These college basketball prospects will be nationally ranked and a part of the ESPN Top 150, Rivals, Scout, etc. These are natural shooters who can really fill it up. Can take over the game from his position offensively. At this position players will come in all shapes and sizes, be it a spot up shooter or a slasher. Regardless of the type of athlete, usually is recruited through AAU in grade school or by the latest during Freshmen and Sophomore year. Overall best scorer on the court and can strings buckets together in multiple ways. Moves well without the ball, can score 1 on 1. Will have several offers at the D1 level early. High profile players.
D1 Shooting Guard
- Height: 6'3" - 6'4"
Stats:
- 12-15+ PTS/game
- Good all-around Statistics
Coach Keys:
These college basketball prospects are usually on varsity a few years. Game may not be quite as developed as elite D1 player but can fill it up nonetheless. WIll typically be a shooter or a slasher as opposed to having both skills. Good scorer, can score in multiple ways. Nice accolades which may include All-State, All-Region, All-Area, All-Conference. Will have several offers early on.
Lower D1 or High D2/NAIA Shooting Guard
- Height: 6'2" - 6'4"
Stats:
- 10-12+ PTS/game
- Good all-around Statistics
Coach Keys:
Prospects who show flashes but can't always put it all together consistently. These college basketball prospects are good players, solid statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference.. Good scorer, can score in multiple ways. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Will need benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program. Also needs core fundamental basketball skill development.
D3 Shooting Guard
- Height: 6'2" - 6'4"
Stats:
- 10-12+ PTS/game
- Good all-around Statistics
Coach Keys:
Prospects typically can score but may need development in some other part of their game, be it defense, rebounding, etc. These college basketball prospects are solid players, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference.. Good scorer, can score in multiple ways. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Will need benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program. Should have great academics.
Elite (High D1) Small Forward
- Height: 6'6" - 6'8"
Stats:
- 10-12+ PTS/game
- Good Rebounder 8+ PTS/game
Coach Keys:
At this level These college basketball prospects will be nationally-ranked and are part of the ESPN Top 150, Rivals, Scout, etc. Can come in many shapes and sizes similar to the shooting guard, but must have unique length. Slashers at this position should make highlight reel plays. Capable of taking over a game at either end of the floor. Almost always is recruited through AAU in grade school or by the latest during Freshmen and Sophomore year. Good footwork, can handle the ball for his size, can play back to basket and square up. Excellent rebounder. Can guard multiple positions. Will have several offers at the D1 very early. High profile players.
D1 Small Forward
- Height: 6'5" - 6'7"
Stats:
- 10+ PTS/game Some Good Statistics
- Well Rounded Athletes
Coach Keys:
These college basketball prospects are usually on varsity a few years and playing high level AAU. One skill may need to be developed or prospect may need some work in the weight room. Dominant athlete, utility player, can play and guard several positions on the court, good accolades which may include All-State, All-Region, All-Area, All-Conference. Will typically be heavily recruited early on.
Lower D1 or High D2/NAIA Small Forward
- Height: 6'4" - 6'5"
Stats:
- 10+ PTS/game Some Good Statistics
- Well Rounded Athletes
Coach Keys:
Prospects who show flashes but can't always put it all together consistently. These college basketball prospects are good players, sometimes the second or third best on the HS team, good statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference.. Still a utility player, can guard a few different positions, good size at this level. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Will need benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program. Also needs core fundamental basketball skill development.
D3 Small Forward
- Height: 6'4" - 6'5"
Stats:
- 10+ PTS/game Some Good Statistics
- Well Rounded Athletes
Coach Keys:
These college basketball prospects are good players, sometimes the second or third best on the HS team, good statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference. Still a utility player, can guard a few different positions, good size at this level. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Will need benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program.Also needs core fundamental basketball skill development. Should have great academics.
Elite (High D1) Point Guard
- Height: 6'1" - 6'3"
Stats:
- 10+ PTS/game
- 6-8 Assist/game
- Good all around Statistics
Coach Keys:
At this level these college basketball prospects will be ranked nationally and are part of the ESPN Top 150, Rivals, Scout, etc. Almost always the fastest basketball player on the court, if not the entire region. Will more often than not control the game with his speed, court vision and/or ball distribution skill. Extremely athletic, usually is recruited through AAU Freshmen and Sophomore year. Elite ball-handling and defensive ability. Overall Floor general. Offers could come as early as 7th grade. High profile players.
D1 Point Guard
- Height: 6'0" - 6'3"
Stats:
- 8-12 PTS/game
- 6 Assist/game
- Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
Extremely fast. May lack shooting touch or some other key element that needs to be developed at the next level. Capable of taking a game over. Will play on varsity a few years dominant athlete, floor general good accolades which may include All-State, All-Region, All-Area, All-Conference. Will have several offers and be heavily recruited at a young age.
Lower D1, High D2/NAIA Point Guard
- Height: 5'10" - 6'2"
Stats:
- 8-10 PTS/game
- 4-6 Assist/game
Coach Keys:
Very solid basketball prospects, good statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference. May be more quick than fast. Good handle, floor general, understands the game. One or more areas of his game needs to be refined. Typically needs either core fundamental basketball skill development, strength conditioning work or a better understanding of the game.
D3 Point Guard
- Height: 5'10" - 6'2"
Stats:
- 8-12 PTS/game
- 6 Assist/game
- Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
Solid players but raw, decent statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference. Good handle, more quick than fast. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Often needs benefit of a good college basketball strength and conditioning program. Should have great academics.
Elite (High D1) Power Forward
- Height: 6'8" - 6'10"
Stats:
- 10+ PTS/game
- 8-10 Reb/game
- 1-2 blocks/game, good defender
Coach Keys:
At this level These college basketball prospects will be nationally ranked and are part of the ESPN Top 150, Rivals, Scout, etc. Will possess explosive power in the lower body. Top level athletes with an attacking mentality on both ends of the hardwood. Almost always recruited through AAU in grade school or by the latest during Freshmen and Sophomore year. Good footwork, can handle the ball for his size, can play back to basket and square up. Often will draw a double team. Owns the glass at the HS or AAU level. Will have several offers at the D1 early. High profile players.
D1 Power Forward
- Height: 6'7" - 6'8"
Stats:
- 10+ PTS/game
- 6-8 Reb/game
- Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
Will possess great power in the lower body. Great athletes with an aggressive mentality on both ends of the hardwood. Big and physical if not yet refined a scorer. Almost always recruited through AAU in grade school or by the latest during Freshmen and Sophomore year. Good footwork, can handle the ball for his size, can play back to basket and square up. Typically a good shot-blocker. Aggressive on the glass at the HS or AAU level. Will have several offers at the D1 level early in HS.
Lower D1 or High D2/NAIA Power Forward
- Height: 6'5" - 6'7"
Stats:
- 10+ games Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
High school basketball players who show flashes but can't always put it all together consistently. These college basketball prospects are good players, nice statistics, some accolades All-Area and All-Conference.. Good back to the basket skills often times this player is very close and similar to the center. Typically needs to fill out frame, get in better shape or develop in some way physically. Typically needs to develop either upper body strength. Also needs core fundamental basketball skill development.
D3 Power Forward
- Height: 6'5" - 6'7"
Stats:
- 10+ games Good Overall Statistics
Coach Keys:
Typically either a good physical talent who has limited skill development or a highly skilled player who’s underdeveloped physically. Decent back to the basket skills often times this player is very close and similar to the D3 center prospect. Either a project with a high ceiling or a player who may never be dominant be can be a great credit to the program. Should have great academics.
BASKETBALL RECRUITING CALENDAR
Freshmen Year:
Look to play for an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team
Create a list of college programs you are interested in
Get your highlight film tape ready
Join a summer clinic or camps
Sophomore Year:
Research prospective colleges
Film your games
Gear up for summer elite basketball camps especially high caliber tournaments
Tips from Expert:
Starting June 15, DI coaches will be able to email and write to you
Junior Year:
Respond to EVERY coach and do it in a TIMELY manner
Ask coaches questions and reach out to coaches about the program and college
Fill out questionnaires
Visits schools
Attend camps to hone your skills and earn good grades
Tips from Expert:
Between June 15 of your Sophomore year to July 31 after your Junior year, DI coaches can call you once a month
DI coaches can begin to call in April
DI and DII programs will start to make offers
If you haven’t heard from DI coaches, reach out to DII, DIII and NAIA coaches
Senior Year:
Make official visits- allowed only 5
Make official visits
Narrow down your prospective colleges
Set-up tryouts with DII, NAIA and Junior College programs after your regular season
Commit to a school
Contact coach for summer workout schedule
MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships
NCAA I: 13
NCAA II: 10
NCAA III: 0
NAIA: 17
NJCAA: 15
NCAA III do not offer athletic scholarships, but offer academic scholarships and financial aid.
CAMPS
Attending a camps are a great way to showcase your skills in front of college coaches. Benefits of attending camps include:
- High school basketball players can improve their skills thanks to the instruction provided by college basketball coaches and players. This high level of teaching is particularly helpful for underclassmen who want to develop their game.
- Basketball camps offer some level of exposure to college basketball programs. But recruits need to realize that there’s not much chance of being “discovered” at a camp. Coaches already familiar with you may use a basketball camp to evaluate your skills. But if they don’t know who you are when you show up, it’s likely they won’t know who you are when camp ends.
- Camp lets you see how you measure up to talented basketball players. Exposure to other players can provide a good idea of the skills you need to work the most on.
- A college basketball camp lets you get a taste of campus life. It’s a chance to see a school’s dorms, athletic facilities and other aspects that may help you make a decision when it comes to choosing where you want to play college hoops.
Choosing a Basketball Camp
Research is important when choosing a basketball camp. It’s also important to know if you’re going to camp mainly for exposure or to work on your game.
If you want to gain exposure you should go to a college camp at a school that’s recruiting you. Remember, coaches don’t do much scouting at camps, so go to a basketball camp where they already know who you are. Find out what basketball coaches will be there, get in touch with them, and let them know you’re coming.
If you’re headed to basketball camp to improve your skills, learn as much as you can about the coaching staff. Are they experienced? Do they have a history of winning? Are they known for producing outstanding basketball players? Ask someone who’s been to the camp about the level of athletic talent you should expect.
What’s the difference between invite-only “elite” camps and college basketball camps?
Elite basketball camps (like the NBPA Top 100 Camp, which is open to the top 100 juniors and seniors in the country) are generally invitation only. This means that the talent level is usually extremely high. The high caliber of skills instruction at these camps, plus a few days of scrimmaging against high-level hoops players, is excellent for player development. If you’re interested in an elite basketball camp, have your coach submit a letter recommending you for the camp.
College basketball camps are run by college basketball coaches, and can offer a high level of basketball instruction as well. But college basketball camps also give a basketball recruit the chance to get a feel for the basketball program that he’s considering. Attending the camp at a school that you’re interested in gives you the chance to check out the school’s campus and athletic facilities, as well as gain some familiarity with the coaching staff.