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What does it take to be recruited for college basketball? What exactly are coaches looking for in prospective athletes? These are the questions we will answer in this article, as well as explaining how you can get the most out of your recruitment process.
WHAT COACHES ARE LOOKING FOR
College coaches are looking for specific attributes in prospective recruits that fit the needs of their program. Regardless of the position of a player, coaches look for similar attributes when determining the appropriate college competition level for a recruit. These levels can vary from NCAA Division I to Junior College programs. Knowing which level fits your individual attributes will help you create a realistic list of target schools, and improve your chances of being successfully recruited by those programs and their rivals. Below are the primary attributes college coaches look for in prospective student-athletes.
Physical Ability
Body frame, height, strength, and athleticism are what coaches will closely evaluate during the recruiting process. The average NCAA Division I men’s basketball player’s height is 6’5, with the most commonly listed height being 6’7. This means most coaches are looking for the best player that fits the physical profile needed to play at their respective levels.
Technical Skills
All college athletes will be fast, strong, and athletic, so coaches evaluate technical skills to separate the best from the rest. Players who lack the fundamental skills needed to compete at a high level are overlooked by college coaches. Coaches are not interested in athletes who need to be taught basics and fundamentals..
Basketball IQ
This is a characteristic that stands out to most coaches during the evaluation process. Situational awareness and position-specific skills make up a player's Basketball IQ.
“Can the post player read the defensive rotation? Does the perimeter player control the tempo of the game or react to the opponent’s pace? Does the recruit understand to hold the ball for the last shot, instead of forcing it early?”
Players who are aware of foul situations, understand when to take timeouts, and can execute the fundamentals of the game at a high level will stand out to college coaches.
Academics
Academics are very important to college coaches, especially for Ivy League & Division III schools that don’t offer athletic scholarships. Good grades & test scores also give coaches an insight to an athlete’s character, showing discipline, time management skills, and leadership ability.
EXPERIENCE NEEDED
The recruiting process is very competitive, so here are a few samples of the type of experience athletes need to be recruited at various levels of college basketball.
Division I / Top Junior College
High School
Varsity starter 4 years
All-State, All-Region, All-Area selections
Best player on team
AAU/Club Team
Plays at the highest level of AAU
Competes in National Tournaments & Events
Ranks nationally on ESPN TOP 150, Scout, and Rivals
Low Division I / Top Division II / Top Division III / Top NAIA
High School
Varsity starter 3-4 years
All-Conference, All-Region selections
One of best players on team
AAU/Club Team
Play on a high level AAU team
Starter 3-4 years
Competes in National Tournaments
Exposed to college coaches at summer tournaments
Division III / NAIA
High School
Varsity Starter 1-2 years
Possibly All-Conference, All-Region selections
AAU/Club Team
Some AAU experience, but not necessary
Low Division III / Low NAIA / Junior College
High School
Varsity Starter 1-2 years
Possibly All-Conference, All-Region selections
AAU/Club Team
Some AAU experience, but not necessary
HEIGHT CHART FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL
The average NCAA Division I men’s basketball player’s height is 6’5, with the most commonly listed height being 6’7.
LEVELS OF BASKETBALL SKILLS
In addition to physical attributes like body frame & height, coaches recruit different types of players at each level of college basketball. Combining three of the previously mentioned attributes, physical ability, technical skills, and basketball IQ, players will fit into various levels of basketball skills. Coaches will evaluate and recruit players who fit their program’s level of competition, so knowing where you would fit will increase your chances of a successful recruiting process. Here are a few examples of the types of players recruited for each division:
These recruits are recruited through their AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) & club teams, typically receiving verbal offers early in the summer after their sophomore year in High School. They have elite basketball skill sets including: ball-handling, defensive play, and freakish athleticism. They start on varsity all four years of High School, and have tons of awards & accolades including All-State honors. These players are the best players on their high school and club teams, and rank nationally on top lists like ESPN Top 100, Rivals and Scout. These are the top recruits in the country.
These players play basketball at a high level, and are considered one of the best players on their High School and/or club team. Division II programs offer these recruits verbal scholarships at the beginning of their junior year in High School. They have mastered the fundamentals of the game and will likely continue to develop in a rigorous college program. These players have received awards & accolades like All-District, All-Conference, All-Area, and All-Conference.
These recruits have good fundamentals, and excel in some parts of their game more than others. They have AAU and club team experience, and are considered one of the better players on their High School team. These players typically receive offers after the summer of their junior year or sometime in their senior year in High School. They have received awards & accolades that include All-Area and All-Conference honors.
These players will look similar to Division II recruits. They will be considered one of the best players on their High School team, and have AAU and club team experience. These recruits will receive offers their junior year as well as their senior year in High School. They have earned awards & accolades like All-Area and All-Conference. These players will most likely continue to develop their skills and strength level in a rigorous college program.
Junior College recruits can vary from utility players to late bloomers. Either way, these players show potential in High School, but oftentimes need additional experience before being able to compete at a four-year institution. Junior College is a great opportunity for these recruits to work on fundamentals, as well as developing their strength & speed, before playing at a higher level.
GET RANKED
Knowing where you rank nationally will help you understand which programs to contact in your recruiting process. Star ratings are used to quickly show a recruit’s level of talent to college coaches. To receive a star rating, you can have your High School or club team coach assess your skills and convey that to one of the previously mentioned ranking platforms, ESPN Top 100, Rivals, or Scout. Also, you could schedule a free assessment with Podyum Preps, and have our scouting department evaluate your talent level. Here is a quick overview of how the star ratings relate to recruit talent level:
5 Star - The best athletes in the country. These players are nationally ranked and highly recruited early in their High School careers.
4 Star - The best player on their High School or Club team. Players rank high state-wide, and sometimes rank nationally.
3 Star - One of the best players on their team, but excel in certain areas more than others.
1 & 2 Star - Players who could possibly play college basketball, but are in need of additional training & development.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you understand basketball recruitment, you should Schedule a Free Assessment to begin your recruiting process.
If you have already begun the recruiting process, be sure to increase your efforts through our Recruitment Services.
