In our last blog post we discussed how players can leverage social media to enhance their recruiting presence. In this blog post we will cover three attributes’ players and parents must have to navigate the college basketball recruitment process. The recruiting process has changed. In today’s environment, high school players must be more than just talented on the court. Some of the best advice I believe we give our players and parents is to be open-minded, adaptable and patient during the recruitment process. What does this mean? It means that in today’s ever-changing world of recruiting, players must be open-minded to all levels of college basketball. Players must be able to adapt to the constant evolution of the recruiting landscape and finally they must be patient because this process is a marathon, not a sprint.
Be Open-Minded About Levels, Locations, and Paths
Over the years I have seen too many players get locked into the idea of playing at a certain division/level or for a specific school. Most of the time that level is Division I. We call this “The D1 or Bust Mentality.” Although I believe that all players should aspire to play at the highest level, I also believe that players need to be self-aware, educated on the recruiting landscape and realize that every level of college basketball is ELITE. You are the level that recruits you. If you are a player getting heavy interest from the NCAA Division III level, then D3 is the level you can play at. On the other hand, if that same player is chasing the higher levels and is not getting any responses from coaches at the NCAA Division I or II level(s), than the odds are, that player does NOT have what it takes to play at the DI or DII level(s). But the truth is, there is no one path to college basketball. Success can look different for everyone. Do not overlook smaller schools or Colleges and Universities outside your region. There are great coaches, players, academic programs and campuses at every level. Understand that the right fit means playing time, coaching style, academic environment, program culture, facilities, campus life and opportunities post-graduation. The most successful recruits keep an open mind and focus on finding the right school that fits their academic and athletic goals regardless of what level the school is or what name is on the jersey.
Adaptability is Crucial
Things don’t always go as planned during the recruitment process. An injury could shift a player’s timeline or potential options. Your dream school could stop calling or not have a need for your position. A college coach could leave causing you to re-think your decision or the new coaching staff’s decision on whether you are a fit or not. Throw in the transfer portal, transfer rules and NIL (Name Image and Likeness) and what you will learn is that rosters change fast and so does a college coach’s recruiting board. What does this mean for you? It means that you must be willing to adjust your plan or outlook. Players must stay ready and remain open to new opportunities that might come their way even if they are from schools that weren’t on your radar initially.
Patience is Part of the Process – Think Marathon Not Sprint
The college basketball recruiting process can be long. It rarely follows a straight line. Some players may get offers early in their process and others don’t see interest build until their senior year. Whether you get an early offer or you are not receiving interest until well into your senior year you must stay committed to your process, be proactive, build relationships with Coaches and control what you can control. Things players can be doing to stay proactive and control the controllables are:
- Continue to work on your game and develop.
- Keep putting your foot on the gas pedal in the classroom – Your grades matter!
- Communicate with college coaches constantly – update them on your season, congratulate them on a big win etc.
- Stay active on social media.
- Play hard in every game and practice – you never know who is watching you!
Opportunities can come when you least expect them. You have to be ready when they do and be mature enough in the process to recognize who wants you.
Final Thoughts
In today’s college basketball recruitment environment, character, academics and talent will always matter. The players who remain open to all opportunities, stay adaptable and have patience to ride out the process are the ones who come out ahead. The right opportunity is out there, you just have to be ready when it arrives.
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!