While most players and parents have their idea on how their recruiting process will unravel, in most cases they are unaware of the realities of the recruiting process. Receiving mail from a college does not mean you are being recruited. Honestly, mail from a school means very little if personal contact with the coach has not happened.
Meaning, phone calls, emails, unofficial/official visits or some type of personalized communication are signs if a college coach is seriously interested in you. These generic letter players receive are just being generated from a database and sent out to hundreds (if not more) of players.
With this being said, don’t let this discourage you in your recruiting process! Learn how to generate SERIOUS interests from college coaches and how to jump to the top of their recruiting list!
A big thing for student-athletes is understanding not everyone is a Division 1 talent and there are other opportunities that exist outside NCAA D1. Less that 1% of high school seniors play D1. Less than 6% of all high school basketball players will compete on a collegiate roster (NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA). With this being said, instead of playing the “name game” and solely focused on playing at schools that less than 1% of all player reach, focus on the school that fits YOUR ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC abilities. You will enjoy your college experience much more and get the most out of that opportunity.
Recruiting Myths or Misconceptions:
– The recruiting process begins your senior year. You should be receiving serious interests from college programs your senior year and soon after an offer will present itself.
*This is a huge misconception that allows very talented players to fly under the radar and receive little to no interests at all. College coaches are recruiting earlier these days. Some coaches are recruiting players as early as the 7th grade. Your should begin your recruiting process no later than 9th grade.
–College coaches discover talent junior & senior year at tournaments and showcases.
*College coaches rely on recruiting information from various recruiting sources that have proven to be reliable. Most coaches attend different showcases and tournaments for specific athletes they plan to evaluate.
-NCAA Division 1 is the only option to attain a college athletic scholarship.
*With less than 1% of all high school players reaching the NCAA D1 level, there are other avenues to attaining a basketball scholarship. NCAA D2, NJCAA and NAIA institutions can all provide athletic financial aid. Usually players will find opportunities at these levels that fit them better.
-Your High School or AAU Coach is responsible for getting you a scholarship.
*Honestly, the average high school coach has very limited college connections, if any. The student-athlete and their parents are responsible for attaining a scholarship at the end of the day.
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