5 Things To Know About The Current Recruiting Landscape

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With it being the off-season, I figured it would be a good time to address the current recruiting landscape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not easy to navigate and it's been changing at a rapid pace. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Listed below are 5 things I've noticed on the recruiting trail this past year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1.</strong> <strong><em>Most College Coaches Prefer Older Players</em></strong> <strong>-</strong> Things are simply much different then they were 4/5 years ago. College coaches are no longer looking for "projects". They need production right away, which is exactly why they head to the college transfer portal first. Many older players have already proven themselves and are more mature physically. Although high school players may have gaudy numbers, coaches would rather take the more "sure thing". As their jobs are on the line, and they may not have more than a couple of years before the AD considers pulling the plug.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2.</strong> <strong><em>Prep Is Bigger Than Ever - </em></strong>After college coaches have taken a look at the college transfer portal, they often look to the Prep basketball scene. Prospects that are playing prep are typically in a more competitive season, where they play the other best players in the country. It's a bit more like AAU in that regard and college coaches can get a better gauge of how the prospect stacks up against other elite athletes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There have been a good deal of Nevada players that have left to play prep over the years. However it seems as though the bandwagon has gotten even bigger this year. Notable departures include : [player_tooltip player_id='1278506' first='Ilan' last='Nikolov'], Gianni McGhee, [player_tooltip player_id='1704338' first='Trystan' last='Borders'], [player_tooltip player_id='2767926' first='Koi' last='Wilkins'], Jaxson Flint, Cassius Britt, Bryce Iwuoha, as well as the entire Paragon Academy program. Who have moved to The Phaacility in Arizona. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.</strong> <strong><em>Size And Athleticism Are More Important Than Ever-</em></strong> There have always been short shifty guards that have been able to carve it up in high school. Their quick twitch movements are hard to keep up with and they can decelerate very well. But now with there being more and more tall players that can dribble and shoot, short guards just don't as high of a stock as they used to. College coaches may see the taller players as more versatile on the defensive end/as less of a liability. Then on the athleticism side of things. In order to play D1 these days, you essentially have to be a top tier athlete. The game moves at a high pace and if you can't keep up, there's just not a spot for you. For those of you reading this and that are looking to play at the next level, make sure you are working on your speed and lateral quickness as you gear up for the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.</strong> <strong><em>Scholarships Are More Rare Than Ever </em></strong><em><strong>-</strong></em> Offers are just hard to come by these days. There is a good number of class of talented 2025 players out there that unfortunately won't be on rosters this upcoming season. For those of you that do receive offers, whether it be D1, D2, D3, or Juco.. take it seriously and be professional about it. There is always the chance that the coach that offers you a spot at the D2 level moves up to D1 at some point, and perhaps you will get the call up as well. I would also like to put out there that many small colleges also offer academic scholarships. If you have a notable GPA, promote it and throw it on your X (Twitter) Bio and in your Prep Hoops profile. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.</strong> <strong><em>Make Sure You're Playing The Right Way, And Not Just For Highlights -</em></strong> Don't get me wrong. Getting film out there is vital in the recruiting process. But this whole "clip farming" thing has become a bit too popular in my opinion. Yes it is important to showcase your skill, but it's more important to play the right way. I see highlights just about every day, and in all honesty. It's hard to put much stock into them. Highlight tapes are made to make you look good, but if a coach comes to watch you, they will get to see your entire game. Things like moving off ball, playing lockdown defense, being a leader may not be flashy. But that's what college coaches want. If you're a standout scorer, odds are you won't be ball dominant as a freshman in college. So how can you positively impact the game without the rock in your hands? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It may also be a good idea to post complete games on Youtube, rather than just posting highlights. If a college coach really wants to take a closer look at you, it could end up helping. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another "marketing" idea is to make sure you are always posting on Instagram, Youtube, and X (Twitter). Not just Instagram. A majority of college coaches use X the most. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And lastly, don't just sit around and wait for it to happen. College coaches have been holding "Elite Exposure Camps" all month and it's an easy way for them to see you play. You can also email coaches your film or ask your high school coach if they have connections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This world rewards those who grind and make it happen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->