In our last blog we discussed the importance of playing for the right club team. In this blog post we will discuss how to leverage social media to gain more exposure to college coaches. In today’s college basketball recruiting landscape, social media isn’t just for hashtags and highlight videos. It is a real tool that can help you get noticed by college coaches. If used the correct way, social media can showcase your brand as a student-athlete and give coaches insight to who you are on and off the court. Here are some tips on how to make social media work for your recruitment goals.
Clean Up Your Profiles
The first step to leveraging your social media is to make sure you audit your social media accounts. Remove any posts, comments or photos that could reflect poorly on you. Keep your username professional and something that coaches can easily find. Lastly avoid profanity, inappropriate comments or anything that could be deemed controversial that could turn a college coach off.
Create a Recruiting-Friendly Bio
Your social media bio is valuable real estate. Use it to give coaches key info about who you are. Make sure to include your name, graduation year, height, position, High School, Club team, GPA and your player profile link so they can access all your key information. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can even include your email. Here is an example of a quality social media bio:
John Doe | 2026 | 6’4 SG | Brown HS (AZ) | Team NRR (Adidas Gold) | GPA: 3.75 | Player Profile Link: (insert here) | Email: youremail@mail.com
Post Highlights and Game Clips
Posting highlight videos and game clips regularly is a great way to get your name and film in front of college coaches. It allows coaches to evaluate your game and see your overall development. When posting highlight videos make sure to keep the videos short (1-3 minutes). It is also advantageous to post short clips of your top plays (15-30 second clips). Posting game recaps, awards or milestones you have earned such as Player of the Game, MVP and All-Conference are also important. When posting videos, recaps or awards make sure you tag your high school, club team, and any other relevant accounts.
Engage with the Basketball Community
Engagement with other social media accounts can help expand your reach. When using social media like and repost your high school or club team’s success. Follow college programs and coaches you are interested in and follow other recruiting accounts like Net Results Recruiting or scouting services that may be able to like or repost your content. Lastly, don’t make your social media account all about YOU. Comment and celebrate your teammates’ success. This shows you are active, supportive and engaged in your sport, team and your teammates and not just promoting yourself. Remember… college coaches want players that are unselfish and great teammates, not players who are self-absorbed.
Use Direct Messages (the Right Way)
Direct messaging college coaches is a great way to show your interest in their school and basketball program. When direct messaging a college coach make sure to keep the message brief and respectful. An example you can use to direct message a coach is, “Hi Coach Smith, my name is John Doe (2025 GD from AZ). I am very interested in your program. Here is a short highlight video from my last game. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your time.”
It is important to always follow up with an email to the college coach. Direct messages are supplemental, not a replacement.
Be Yourself, but Be Smart
Social media is an opportunity to show your personality and true self. Coaches don’t just want players; they want people who will represent their programs the right way. Your social media posts, likes, shares and comments all give them a look into who you really are. Post your workouts, community service events and any achievements you earn on and off the floor. Avoid drama and trash talk. You the player are the home, and your social media is the front lawn. College coaches and recruiters see it first. Keep it clean, respectful, and a reflection of your character.
Final Takeaway
Social media is a great way to boost your recruitment and get your name and information in front of college coaches. Social media is your personal brand. It is your personal highlight reel, resume and your first impression all in one. Use it wisely, stay consistent, keep it clean and positive and treat every post as if a college coach is watching…because they probably are.
Whether you are far along in your recruitment process or just starting, there are things you can be doing to maximize exposure to college coaches and put yourself in the best position to earn a scholarship or roster spot at the college level. Net Results Recruiting is a full-service recruiting solution that will help you get your name in front of college coaches and provide expert advice and guidance on every step of your recruitment journey. If you need assistance, then contact us today. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get started today with Net Results Recruiting and take control of your basketball journey!