Introduction
Getting recruited by your desired school as a high school basketball player is a hustle. The hours of strength training, basketball workouts, and AAU tournaments take up the majority of players’ time in their sophomore, junior, and senior summers. If a player plays for a small high school or AAU program, it becomes even more difficult to be recruited by the school of their dreams. Aside from performing well, several things can enhance a player’s chances of showing a college coach that they are made for their school. These high school basketball recruitment tips include attending elite camps, introducing yourself to every coach you meet, and showing leadership both on and off the court.
The Hustle of Getting Recruited
Recruitment is a rigorous process requiring significant time and effort. Players often find themselves balancing school, practice, games, and tournaments. This intense schedule is even more challenging for those from smaller schools or less recognized AAU programs. However, understanding the recruitment landscape and strategically enhancing your visibility can make a difference.
Key Time Management Tips
Sophomore, junior, and senior summers are packed with strength training, basketball workouts, and AAU tournaments. These activities are essential for skill development and exposure but require careful time management.
Challenges for Small School or AAU Players in Basketball Recruitment
Players from small schools or AAU programs face additional hurdles in getting noticed by college scouts. These players need to work harder to stand out and often must find alternative ways to gain exposure.
Strategies to Enhance Recruitment Chances
To improve your chances of getting recruited, it’s essential to go beyond just performing well on the court. Here are some strategies to help you get noticed by college coaches.
Attending Elite Camps for Basketball Recruitment
Importance of Elite Camps
Almost all Division 1 basketball schools host elite camps. Although attending these camps may not always make a significant difference, it shows a coach that you are interested in their school.
Pre-Camp Preparation
Before going to an elite camp, email the coach to express your interest and excitement about playing at their camp. It’s also beneficial to have your high school and/or AAU coach reach out to the college coaches to inform them of your attendance and interest in the school. These emails and phone calls will put you on a coach’s radar, so when you perform well at their camp, they will already know who you are.
Making an Impression at Camp
At the camp, go up to every coach, shake their hand, and look them in the eye. This shows respect. Striking up a small conversation about school, family, or college will leave a lasting impression.
Networking Tips for High School Basketball Recruitment
Making Connections
At any event, try to make as many connections as possible. Networking goes a long way in the recruiting process and in life in general. Recruiting is partially about who you know. The more people you meet, the better chance you have of making a connection.
Showing Maturity
When meeting a coach, showing maturity indicates that you can handle playing at the college level. Although college coaches love basketball, sometimes it’s nice to ask about their personal lives, like their family or upcoming vacations.
Demonstrating Genuine Interest
Showing interest in the coaches’ well-being, instead of only focusing on your game, can demonstrate that you are selfless. Many athletes only talk about themselves and what the coach can do for them—offering a scholarship. However, showing that you care about the coach and their team, regardless of whether they offer you a scholarship, will make you more appealing.
Demonstrate Leadership On and Off the Court
Leadership is a major factor that coaches pay attention to in recruiting. Leadership at the high school level prepares you for the tougher playing field in college.
On-Court Leadership Skills
The ability to work with different types of players is a skill every player should develop during high school. On-court leadership includes repeating play calls, calling out the defense, managing tempo in certain situations, and huddling your team after losing a lead.
Off-Court Leadership Qualities
Off-court leadership could involve encouraging teammates to take extra shots with you after practice or checking on a player who didn’t seem themselves that day. Although off-court leadership sometimes goes unnoticed, establishing these relationships with your teammates will earn you the respect to lead during critical moments in games.
Additional Tips for Getting Recruited
Aside from attending camps, networking, and demonstrating leadership, here are some additional tips to boost your recruitment chances.
Consistent Performance
Consistently performing well in games and tournaments is crucial. College coaches look for players who can maintain a high level of play over time.
Academic Excellence
Maintaining good grades is important. College coaches prefer well-rounded athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom.
Utilizing Social Media and Highlight Reels
Create and update highlight reels showcasing your best plays. Share these on social media platforms and send them to college coaches.
Utilizing Resources and Tools
Leverage available resources and tools to enhance your recruitment process.
Role of High School and AAU Coaches
Your high school and AAU coaches can play a significant role in your recruitment. They can reach out to college coaches, provide recommendations, and help you navigate the process.
Online Platforms and Recruiting Services
Online recruiting platforms can help you gain exposure. These services allow you to create profiles, upload highlight reels, and connect with college coaches.
Getting recruited by your desired school as a high school basketball player requires dedication, strategy, and perseverance. By attending elite camps, networking effectively, demonstrating leadership, and utilizing available resources, you can enhance your chances of making your college basketball dreams come true.
These simple tasks can elevate your opportunities and chances of being recruited! Along with these amazing tips, we have several more listed on our website. Check our full roster by searching for private trainers in your area: Athletes Untapped.
