Get recruited for college basketball: play college sports

Get recruited for college basketball: play college sports

Learn what coaches are looking for in college basketball recruits.

There is no question about it: If you want to be recruited to play basketball in college, you have to secure and earn every advantage possible. Competition for a limited number of spots on each team is fierce. With athletic department budgets as they are, players are often asked to play two and sometimes three different positions on the floor at various times. It is critical that you possess the ability to consistently demonstrate excellent basketball fundamentals, as well as the capacity to adjust and perform at whatever position you may be called upon to play.

It is also important to keep in mind that one coach may be evaluating your qualities and abilities for a certain position, while another coach is considering you for a different one. Clearly, if you want to be recruited, it is imperative that you are dedicated, committed, willing to make sacrifices, and have a strong understanding of the game and the process.

Here is how to get recruited to play college basketball:

Important Steps:

1. Remember first, you are a student-athlete, not just an athlete. The NCAA uses a sliding scale balancing your GPA and SAT/ACT scores to determine your scholarship eligibility. For example, the lowest acceptable SAT score is 820; however, if you have a 3.85 GPA and score a 720 on your SAT, you are still eligible. It works the other way around as well: the higher your SAT score, the lower your GPA can be for you to remain eligible. The NCAA incorporates this to ensure fairness toward those who may be poor test-takers. The bottom line, however, remains: If you do not have the grades, you will not have a chance to play at the collegiate level.
2. It is essential to possess fundamental basketball skills. Quickness, speed, strength, jumping ability, shooting percentage, and defensive ability are all necessary and important parts of the game that you must be able to demonstrate consistently on the floor. You may even want to create a college basketball recruiting video to showcase your skills.
3. If you do not possess all of these skills, it doesn't mean you cannot be recruited. Size sometimes makes up for quickness. Shooting percentage sometimes makes up for speed. Do not write yourself out of the opportunity if you lack a single skill.
4. Sometimes coaches are simply looking for players who know how to play the game. Understand the rules and terminology, and be a player who rises to whatever challenge your coach presents. Maintain a 100% effort attitude during your training and practice drills. These traits go a long way in recruiters' eyes.
5. Make sure you complete and submit all paperwork on time. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the beginning of your junior year if you want to play college sports. Register and take your first SAT/ACT as early as possible after your sophomore year—ideally in the summer between your sophomore and junior years.
6. Respond to and return all correspondence from coaches. Coaches can begin reaching out to players they are interested in recruiting during the player's sophomore year. Do not let these messages go unreturned or unanswered. If a coach asks you to send film, send it. If one invites you to a summer camp, go. It is vital to remember that the recruiting process feeds on itself: stop feeding it, and it will stop feeding you.

Helpful Position Skill Guidelines Recruiters Look At:

• Point Guard: Ball-handling, passing ability, court awareness, scoring ability, defensive ability, leadership.
• #2 Guard: Consistent jump shooter with 3-point range, scoring ability, ball-handling, passing skills, rebounding, defensive ability, leadership, physical ability.
• Small Forward: Scoring ability, passing ability, rebounding, physical ability.
• Power Forward: Scoring ability, passing ability, defensive ability, rebounding, physical ability.
• Center: Scoring ability, passing ability, rebounding, defensive ability, physical ability.

Remember, there are many recruits, so you need to do your best to stand out from the crowd. If you desire to be recruited to play basketball in college, you must be willing to make sacrifices, overcome the doubts of others, and stay committed and determined on your path. Tommy Lasorda once said, "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in determination."