5 Keys to a Basketball Scholarship

Last week we put together a list of five keys that will help you to a football scholarship offer. But since I know football is not the only sport that athletes out there play, I thought I would do something forbasketball as well.

While the sports are similar in the chase for a scholarship, the one major difference is AAU. Football camps cannot compare to the fact that top basketball players spend a good portion of July on the road playing in tournaments. And in order to get a major Division I scholarship, I feel that they basically have to do this. Find out what is included in the top five now.

1.) Playing for an AAU team that travels nationally
Here is what Tennessee head basketball coach Bruce Pearl said recently about the basketball recruiting process: “If you’re in the AAU program and you’ve got a decent team, then the summertime is when you’ve got a chance go make a name for yourself. You can’t hunt bear in the lodge, so kids have got to go out there at these tournaments and give us a chance to evaluate them.” Playing on an AAU team that travels the country in tournaments is the #1 factor in getting a Division I basketball offer. I have seen numerous kids get scholarships simply because they played on a good AAU team. They had to play well at the right times but this certainly beats sitting at home working out with your teammates. With basketball, I cannot stress the importance of getting on the AAU circuit.

2.) Skill/Abilities
Unlike football, skills and abilities does trump size for college basketball. That is the reason why you will occasionally see a 5-foot-6 point guard or a 6-foot-6 center at the Division I level. They just have more abilities as well as a knack for playing beyond their size. The skill level of basketball players needs to be high and that is why there will be some smaller players on the court. It is because they have some abilities and know how to play the game.

3.) Size/Athleticism
College coaches will take chances with projects but they want players who can contribute early and often. Most of these coaches know that if they recruit the wrong players, it will likely cost them their job. That is why a project is much harder for a basketball coach to take versus a football coach. These basketball coaches are limited in the amount of scholarships that they have every year so they have to be careful. Taking too many projects that don’t pan out could easily get you fired.

4.) Work Ethic
There is no doubt that being a gym rat definitely can help you in the chase for a scholarship. But if you are not big enough, don’t play for a good AAU team, and lack the ability, it doesn’t matter if you workout twelve hours a day. God-given talent will trump work ethic at times in the chase for a scholarship. It sucks but it is true.

5.) Grades/Character
I hate to say that this is last on the list but it seems academics and character are even less important at the Division I level in hoops. Obviously you want the #1 player in the country to have fantastic grades and strong character (see Harrison Barnes) but it doesn’t always happen that way. The other areas are more important. However, having good grades and strong character can open the door for more opportunities if you find the right situation. Posted by admin | September 9, 2009

To Camp Or Not To Camp?

Most student athletes are confused on what to stay focused on during the summer months of their recruiting process. There are typically several options that present themselves to most student athletes across virtually every sport. It’s important that you not only take advantage of the options for exposure and training, but you also understand the timeline of the process in order to effectively take advantage of this time of year.

I would advise most families to seek out two camp opportunities over the course of the summer. Make sure to visit at least one schools camp that is actively showing interest. Make sure you read the signs to gauge just how interested a school is before you commit to any additional camps for the summer. If they’re reaching out on a personal level, whether that be phone (if NCAA rules permit, according to division level), email or personal hand written communications, make sure the coach wants you to be at his camp!

For the second camp or any other additional camps it’s ok to reach a bit to go see a higher level school, as long as you do the recruiting prep work before you attend the event. Most of the larger level schools will have smaller programs work their camps as well. Make sure to identify which additional schools may be at the larger camp you are planning to attend. That way you can reach out and introduce to those coaches before the camp and visit with them during the event..

I encourage every family to be fully educated on how to select a camp and recommend reading additional posts on this blog for more info.

In addition to selecting a camp, I recommend that each recruit understand what the normal recruiting pulse is for the summer. July tends to be a spotty month with contacting coaches. Coaches tend to have several obligations outside of the office during the summer months, so they may not be by their office phone or email account. I recommend that players remain patient when reaching out to coaches and leave plenty of time for follow up on the coaches’ end.

Once we leave July and head into August, recruiting will drastically slow down. Most fall sports will begin preseason camp at some point during the month, and naturally most coaches will focus their attention almost entirely on working with their current players to get them ready for the start of the season. I recommend that each high school recruit understand that it’s normal to have a slow August. During this time of the process you need to stay focused on having a tremendous preseason camp yourself. Stay healthy and help the younger players on your squad adjust and prepare to have a great year. If you and your teammates are playing well in the Fall, that will most certainly have a positive effect on your process.

Remember. The summers a great time to not only work on your game, but work on your recruiting process as well. Invest your time wisely, prepare to be a champion today!

July 14th, 2009 - by Rick McDole

Cortney Sims Looking Forward to Entering College in January

Cortney Sims, Lanett Lady Panthers all-state standout, has become a client of Fourth and Goal Ballers, Inc and is looking forward to re-opening her recruiting process. Cortney originally signed with Enterprise-Ozark Community College. She will be completing her studies in December and looks forward to entering her chosen school in January. Cortney enjoyed a stellar career at Lanett High School in Lanett, Alabama. The 5'10" forward's accomplishments include All State Honorable Mention, All Area MVP, All Region, First Team Opelika-Auburn News. She was selected for the Bi-City Classic and West Georgia Classic All Star Games and was MVP of the West Georgia Classic. She averaged 12 points and 14 rebounds per game. Cortney is the career leader in rebounds at Lanett High School with 500. Cortney is known for being one of the best all around players in the state of Alabama.