How To Get Recruited For College Basketball: Tips From A Pro

Get the answers to your most pressing questions about basketball recruitment from our expert strategist. This guide covers everything from understanding the recruitment process to knowing what coaches are looking for and how to stand out as a top recruit. Whether you’re just starting or already in the game, these insights will help you navigate the journey to playing college basketball.

Navigating the college basketball recruitment process can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent and potential. In this FAQ guide, Tim—our expert basketball strategist—shares his insights and answers your most important questions about recruiting. His experience as both a player and coach will help you understand the steps to take, what college coaches really look for, and how to make yourself stand out in a competitive field.

Top Basketball Recruitment FAQs Answered by Tim

What are the key NCAA recruiting periods for basketball?

There are four recruitment periods as seen below:

1. Evaluation Period: Coaches watch athletes at games, tournaments, and showcases without having face-to-face contact. They focus on evaluating performance and skill.

2. Contact Period: Coaches can have in-person meetings with athletes and their families off-campus, visiting schools or homes to evaluate performance directly.

3. Quiet Period: Coaches are restricted to having in-person contact only on college campuses—no off-campus evaluations.

4. Dead Period: No in-person contact or evaluations are allowed. Communication is limited to phone calls, emails, and texts.

How important is AAU basketball for getting recruited?

AAU basketball can play a significant role in gaining collegiate exposure, but it’s often overemphasized by families. In today’s landscape, AAU’s prominence has created challenges that sometimes hinder recruitment more than they help.

With thousands of teams participating in countless tournaments every weekend, the sheer volume of events dilutes opportunities for meaningful evaluation. College coaches typically focus on a select few high-level circuits like Nike EYBL or Adidas 3SSB, leaving the majority of AAU players unnoticed.

AAU can sometimes negatively impact an athlete’s recruitment due to the time and resources it demands. The thousands of dollars spent, extensive travel, and missed opportunities for personal development often detract from an athlete’s ability to refine their skills.

While playing against elite competition and gaining exposure can help athletes prepare for high-pressure moments when coaches are watching, it’s critical that AAU participation doesn’t come at the expense of skill development. Ultimately, your readiness to compete at the next level matters far more than the number of AAU tournaments you attend. A strong, well-rounded game is what will truly set you apart.

Do I need to attend college basketball camps to get noticed?

Yes! Attending college basketball camps is essential for getting noticed because coaches rarely offer scholarships without seeing an athlete play live at least a couple of times. While college coaches may recruit during their season, the bulk of their recruiting and evaluation happens in the offseason through events like camps.

At the Division I level, it’s becoming less common for programs to recruit directly from high school. Many coaches feel even the best high school athletes can’t immediately replace the contributions of experienced college players. As a result, attending camps that host Division II and Division III coaches often provides high school athletes with their best chance to compete at the next level. Success at these levels can even lead to opportunities to play Division I basketball later.

In today’s recruiting landscape, college camps are a valuable pathway for athletes to showcase their skills, receive direct evaluations, and gain exposure to coaches across various levels of competition.

How important are highlight videos, and what should they include?

Highlight videos are essential for grabbing a college coach’s attention but must be carefully structured to showcase the skills that translate to the next level. While a highlight video won’t directly secure you an offer, a poorly crafted one can turn coaches away if it highlights the wrong aspects of your game.

Coaches value efficiency and want to quickly assess whether you can positively impact their program.

Pair it with a professional email tailored to the program, emphasizing why you’d be a good fit.

At Crimson, we specialize in helping athletes craft impactful highlight reels and communication strategies to maximize their chances of standing out to college coaches.

What factors should I consider when choosing a college program?

When deciding which college program is the best fit, student-athletes should carefully evaluate several key factors. For many Crimson Athletes, who excel both in the classroom and on the court, academics often take priority.

From an athletic perspective, it’s essential to identify your unique strengths and skill sets to determine which programs are the best fit for your style of play.

These are just some of the questions that can guide your evaluation of whether a program complements your abilities and playing style.

Balancing academics, athletics, and personal goals is key to finding the right program for your future success.

What academic requirements do I need to meet for Ivy League or top academic schools?

The academic requirements for Ivy League and other top academic schools can vary significantly based on your basketball talent.

For non-athletes, gaining admission typically requires a near-perfect academic profile, including a 4.0 GPA, a 1550+ SAT score, and a strong extracurricular resume.

For athletes, the requirements are often less rigid, depending on your basketball skill level and potential impact on the program.

For instance, an athlete with the ability to play at other Division I programs might gain admissions support with a 3.6 GPA and a 1380 SAT score. You still need to demonstrate strong academic ability to meet the minimum standards, as Ivy League schools value excellence in both academics and athletics.

It’s also worth noting that some schools—particularly certain Division III programs—offer little to no admissions support for athletes. In these cases, you’ll need an academic profile that stands on its own merit, including a near 4.0 GPA, excellent standardized test scores, and a robust extracurricular background. Always strive to balance academics and athletics to maximize your opportunities.

What do college basketball coaches look for during recruitment periods?

College basketball coaches prioritize players who can help their program win by being productive contributors, either immediately or through development over time.

In today’s landscape, very few freshmen— even top 100 recruits—play significant minutes or are highly productive in their first year. The collegiate level requires a major adjustment, and coaches are looking for athletes who show exceptional promise and the mindset to succeed in that environment.

Coaches evaluate players on their ability to:

• Take pride in their development and work ethic.
• Stay disciplined with time management, nutrition, and training.
• Handle adversity when things don’t go as planned.

In addition to athletic ability, coaches look for intangible qualities like being a great teammate, showing leadership skills, and demonstrating a commitment to growth. Collaborating with someone to develop an intentional recruitment strategy is crucial in standing out to coaches and navigating this highly competitive process.

How to improve basketball skills for college recruitment?

Improving basketball skills for college recruitment requires more than just high-volume repetition; it’s about intentionality and consistency in your training. Shooting thousands of shots or doing extensive drills can help, but the key is understanding the purpose behind each drill and focusing on the details that will have the greatest impact on your game.

The best way to prepare is through a long-term developmental plan targeting specific areas of improvement.

The ultimate question is:

Are you willing to push beyond your comfort zone and consistently work on habits that translate to actual game performance?

You don’t necessarily need a trainer to succeed. What matters most is having a well-structured plan that you can commit to over time. Consistency, intention, and effort are the foundation of skills that stand out to college recruiters.