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How to Get Recruited to Play Women’s College Basketball


What does it take to be recruited for women’s 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 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 women’s basketball player’s height is 5’6”. 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 women’s basketball player’s height is 5’6”.





 

LEVELS OF BASKETBALL SKILLS

In addition to physical attributes like body frame & height, coaches recruit different types of players at each level of women's 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:


Division I

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’s HoopGurlz Top 60 and Prep Girls Hoops. These are the top recruits in the country.


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