Getting Scouted for College Basketball: An Insider's Look from IMG Academy

College basketball teams seek to replace their graduating seniors each year with positions like point guard, center, and small forward. The basketball recruiting process not only includes filling these roles within the team, but also meeting the requirements designated by the NCAA. Should you be seeking how to get recruited for basketball or wondering how to make the jump from high school basketball to earning that NCAA basketball scholarship or joining a junior college or NAIA team, look no further!

When Should You Start Thinking About Basketball Recruiting

Unlike some other sports, basketball recruiting can begin as early as your freshman year in high school. At this point, you should understand the NCAA rules, start a list of colleges you’d like to attend, and know the core course requirements. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare, especially if you want to win a basketball scholarship.

How to Prepare to Get Scouted for Basketball

Basketball recruiting can happen in a variety of ways. It can be a face-to-face meeting, phone calls, text messages, email, regular mail, and even social media. It begins with creating a list of colleges and researching what they have to offer. You want to find the one that has the right basketball program and the right academic program for you.

Be Realistic About The Schools You Choose

Everyone wants to play for a Division I school, but keep in mind that this may not be realistic for everyone. Most athletes will probably play for Division II and III schools. By choosing the right level, you’ll have a better chance at success.

You’ll know your level by the amount of interest you get from D-I, D-II, and D-III schools. It’s okay to try for D-I schools if you wish, but don’t ignore D-II, D-III, and even junior colleges. About 80% of college athletes play for D-II, D-III, NAIA, or junior college level.

Basketball Recruiting Process

Although you should begin to prepare for basketball recruiting in your freshman years, the earliest D-I schools start recruiting is the 10th grade, and some even wait until the 11th grade. D-II and D-III schools begin recruiting even later. It is not unusual for D-II and D-III athletes to wait until the end of the spring of their senior year to commit to a college.

Timeline for How to Get Recruited for Basketball

Although the competition can be steep, preparation is the best way to increase your chances of being recruited by the school of your choice. The insight at IMG Academy, including the coaching staff and college advisement department, assists student-athletes year after year with the ins and outs of becoming a college basketball player. Dive into the college recruitment world below and learn how to get recruited for basketball:

Freshman Year

• NCAA recruiting guidelines:
  • D1 and D2: questionnaires, camp information, NCAA materials, and non-athletics institution publications only
• Fall Semester:
  • Establish effective time management between sport and school
  • Develop a broad initial college interest list (D1, DII, DIII, NAIA schools)
  • Focus on strong grades – it’s hard to rebound your GPA if the focus wasn’t there freshmen year
• Spring Semester:
  • Reassess college list and research their average GPA, ACT, and SAT scores
  • Parents should also take time to learn about the acceptance requirements at these schools
  • Finish your first year strong!

Sophomore Year

• NCAA recruiting guidelines: 
  • D1: questionnaires, camp brochures, NCAA materials, and non-athletics recruiting publications only; Men: June 15 after conclusion of sophomore year, recruiting materials, including general correspondence related to athletics, allowed
  • D2: questionnaires, camp brochures, NCAA materials, and non-athletics recruiting publications only
  • No contact to be made by coaches or players for D1 and D2
  • D3: recruiting materials and phone calls permissible; off-campus, in-person contacts permitted following completion of sophomore year
• Fall Semester:
  • PSAT Test – it’s important that student do their best!
  • Meet your College Advisor and ask any initial college questions
  • Spring Semester:
    • Sophomores will be signed up for SAT prep class
    • Set up unofficial visits with colleges of interest
    • Reassess college list – we should have a better idea of your academic and athletic strength (which division you can play)

Junior Year

• NCAA recruiting guidelines:
  • D1: Men: off-campus recruiting contacts permitted after opening day of junior year; contacts made during junior year during recruiting periods other than April period may occur only at student’s school; during April, contact permitted at school or residence; no expense-paid visits earlier than January 1 of junior year; no unofficial visits during July unless student has signed an NLI or the college’s written offer of admission or financial aid or college has received a financial deposit from student in response to offer of admission. Women: off-campus recruiting permitted after March 1 of junior year; contact allowed from March 1 through day before official start of Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Convention; contacts occurring during junior year only allowed at student’s school; no expense-paid visits earlier than the Thursday following the NCAA D1 Women’s Basketball Championship game; no expense-paid or unofficial visits during July evaluation periods, unless student has signed an NLI or college’s written offer of admission and/or financial aid or college has received financial deposit in response to offer of admission
  • D2: June 15 after junior year – can receive recruiting materials, telephone calls, and off-campus contact and make official, expense-paid visits; a college may only finance one visit to its campus for a prospective student-athlete
  • D3: off-campus contact following completion of junior year
• Fall Semester:
  • Identify the level of college play that best suits your skill set
  • Refine your college list – this should have 5-10 realistic schools
    • Ask your Coach and Advisor for their input
    • Parents should be included in this conversation
      • The more proactive parents are, the better
  • All juniors must take the SAT and/or ACT twice (once with writing in their off season)
    • Keep in mind - some schools may also require subject tests
  • Complete online athletic recruiting forms
  • International students should take the TOEFL
  • Register for the NCAA Eligibility Center
  • Be sure to send ACT/SAT scores and transcripts
• Spring Semester:
  • All juniors must take the SAT and/or ACT with writing twice (in off-season)
  • Follow up with Advisor to make sure you’re taking the proper steps
    • Continue to refine and edit your college list
  • Take any unofficial visits while class is in session
  • Complete college online athletic recruiting forms 
  • International students should take the TOEFL
  • Register for the NCAA Eligibility Center
    • Be sure to send ACT/SAT scores and transcripts
  • End of year performance and college review with your Coach and College Advisor
    • Coaches, College Advisor, Student, and Parents should all be in agreement to the reality of what schools the student can attend

Senior Year

• NCAA recruiting guidelines
  • D1: See junior year for official, expense-paid visit regulations
  • D2: official visits available after opening day of classes senior year
  • D3: official visits available after opening day of classes senior year
  • Contact periods, quite periods and dead periods apply via NCAA regulations
• Fall Semester:
  • Students and Parents: Familiarize yourself with college deadlines – some can be as early as mid-October. The majority are the end of the calendar year
  • Work closely with your College Advisor to make sure you’re on track with completing applications
  • Schedule official college visits
  • Review applications, essays, and ask for recommendations
  • Maintain frequent contact with narrowed list of schools
  • Make sure NCAA has all necessary documents if graduating early
  • Starting October 1, you can file for financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov
• Spring Semester:
  • Complete applications to schools with rolling admission
  • Receive acceptance letters and make a final decision!
    • Keep both your Coach and College Advisor informed
  • Send final transcripts and test scores to the NCAA
    • Your College Advisor can help with this
  • Finish the school year strong!
  • Best of luck in college! #IMGFAM

Please visit the official NCAA website for the most up to date and accurate information.