What skills are needed to play basketball in college? And how can you get college coaches to notice you? Whether an athlete is a perimeter player or post player, this section lays out the different requirements needed to compete at the college level, from NCAA Division 1 to JUCO programs. Regardless of the position you play, you can use these basketball recruiting guidelines to make sure you stay ahead of the curve.
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What do women’s college basketball coaches look for in recruits?
Physical Characteristics
Coaches look for players who physically have:
- Height and wingspan appropriate for position
- Strength, explosiveness and conditioning
- Long-term physical development potential
Technical ability
Coaches Look for Players with Strong Basketball Fundamentals
Coaches want athletes who don’t need to relearn the basics. Essential skills include:
- Confident ball protection
- Proper shooting mechanics: footwork, release point, follow-through
- Footwork, defensive stance and ability to finish at the rim
- Position-specific skills (perimeter creation, post moves, etc.)
basketball iq
Basketball IQ is the ability to make the right decisions at game speed, such as:
- End-of-game situational awareness
- Understanding shot clock and game clock
- Knowing team fouls/timeouts
- Reading defenses and adjusting pace
- Recognizing matchups, rotations and spacing
academic strength
Strong academics make it easier for coaches to know players will be able to keep up with their classwork off the court and signal:
- Discipline
- Leadership
- Time management
- Ability to handle college coursework and team responsibilities
program fit
Every roster has different needs. Some coaches want a long, athletic post player. Others value a smaller guard with elite instincts and polished fundamentals. Many coaches also recruit JUCO transfers for their strength and experience.
Pro Tip: Review a team’s roster to see who’s graduating and what positions they historically recruit.
what skills are essential to play women’s basketball at the college level?
When evaluating women’s basketball prospects, college coaches focus on three core skill areas:
- Physical Ability: Strength, lateral quickness, vertical explosiveness, endurance, and overall athleticism—especially the ability to keep pace with the physicality and speed of the women’s college game.
- Fundamental Skills: Consistent shooting range, efficient ball-handling under pressure, crisp passing, disciplined on-ball and help defense, rebounding ability, and positional footwork.
- Basketball IQ: Understanding offensive and defensive systems, making smart decisions in transition, reading the defense, recognizing mismatches, and demonstrating strong situational awareness.
Coaches look for athletes who are well-conditioned, technically sound, and show natural instincts on the floor. Just as important, they recruit players who have the drive and potential to elevate their game in a structured college environment.
Competing at a national level, especially in top girls’ AAU circuits and exposure events, can significantly increase visibility and demonstrate that you can perform against elite competition.
Here is a quick overview of the type of players each division recruits:
Division 1 Women’s Basketball Skills
Top D1 recruits are elite, nationally recognized athletes who dominate at both the high school and AAU levels and often receive early recruiting interest.
- Nationally ranked on lists like ESPN or On3
- Elite ball-handling, defense and game control
- Best player on high school and AAU team
- All-State honors; varsity starter all four years
Typically receive early verbal offers (before junior year)
Division 2 Women’s Basketball Skills
D2 prospects are highly skilled, physically strong athletes who excel in competitive environments and consistently stand out within their region or conference.
- Mastered fundamentals; strong physical tools
- All-Region, All-District or All-Conference athlete
- Competes on a highly competitive AAU team
Offers often begin junior year and continue through senior year
Division 3 women’s basketball skills
D3 women’s basketball skills: D3 recruits show solid fundamentals and competitive experience, with clear potential to develop within a strong academic and athletic setting.
- Solid fundamentals with room for growth
- All-Area or All-Conference accolades
- Varsity and some club experience
Offers most commonly come after junior-year summer
naia women’s basketball skills
NAIA recruits often mirror D2-level talent, bringing strong varsity and club experience along with proven competitive success.
- Top NAIA recruits resemble D2 athletes
- Strong varsity and club experience
- All-Area/All-Conference recognition
Offers typically during junior and into senior year
juco women’s basketball skills
JUCO players are athletes seeking to elevate their skills, athleticism, and exposure before moving on to four-year college programs.
- Recruits looking to refine skills before transferring
- Strong athletes who benefit from extra development
- Focus on fundamentals, athletic growth and exposure
Women’s basketball point guard recruiting guidelines
Top D1 and top JC
- AAU at highest national level (Nike EYBL, adidas Gauntlet)
- National rankings (ESPN)
- Four-year varsity starter; major honors
Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA
- 3–4 years high-level AAU
- Varsity starter 3–4 years
- All-State, All-Region or All-Conference
Low D3 and low NAIA
- 2 years club experience (local/state tournaments)
- Varsity starter as upperclassman; some accolades
Low D3 and low JC
- Optional AAU; 1–2 years varsity experience
Women’s basketball power forward recruiting guidelines
Top D1 and top Junior College
- Elite AAU competition; national rankings
- Four-year varsity starter; All-State, All-Region, All-Area
Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA
- 3–4 years high-level AAU
- Consistent varsity starter; major awards
Low D3 and low NAIA
- Local/state AAU; upperclassman varsity starter
Low D3 and low JC
- Some AAU; 1–2 years varsity experience
Women’s basketball center recruiting guidelines
Top D1 and top JUCO
- Elite AAU; national rankings
- Four-year varsity starter; top accolades
Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA
- High-level AAU; varsity starter 3–4 years
Low D3 and low NAIA
- State-level club; some accolades
Low D3 and low JC
- Optional AAU; 1–2 years varsity experience
Women’s basketball shooting guard recruiting guidelines
Top D1 / Top JUCO
- Elite AAU + national rankings
- Four-year varsity starter; All-State/All-Region
Low D1 / Top D2 / Top NAIA
- 3–4 years AAU; consistent varsity starter
Low D3 / Low NAIA
- State-level AAU; some high school awards
Low D3 / Lower-Level JUCO
- Local AAU optional; 1–2 years varsity experience
Women’s basketball small forward recruiting guidelines
Top D1 and top junior college
- National-level AAU; ESPN rankings
- Four-year varsity starter; major recognition
Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA
- 3 – 4 years competitive AAU
- All-State/All-Conference honors
Low D3 and low NAIA
- Local AAU; varsity starter as upperclassman
Low D3 and low JC
- Some AAU; 1-2 years varsity experience
how to get ranked in women’s basketball
Getting ranked in women’s basketball requires a blend of high-level skill, consistent performance, and exposure at recognized recruiting events. Star ratings help college coaches quickly gauge a prospect’s talent level, from emerging players to elite 5-star recruits.
Quick Takeaways:
- Master the Basics: Sharpen shooting, ball-handling, defense, and overall game IQ.
- Play Competitive AAU: Join a strong girls’ AAU team that competes in top national tournaments.
- Show Up Against Elite Talent: Perform consistently in high-level games and showcases.
- Earn Recognition: Work toward All-Conference, All-Region, or All-State honors.
- Know the Rating Scale: 5-stars = elite national recruits; 3–4 stars = top HS/AAU players; 1–2 stars = developing prospects.
- Get Evaluated: Seek honest assessments from your high school or AAU coach.
- Compare to College Rosters: Study athletes at your target schools to gauge your fit.
- Boost Exposure: Build a verified profile on platforms like Rivals, or NCSA.
- Attend Elite Camps: Compete at major events where college coaches and evaluators are present.
- Be Coachable: Strong academics, attitude, and work ethic all influence your ranking.
Quick Steps to earn a star ranking in women’s basketball
Get evaluated by your high school or AAU coach.
- Compare your skills to players on college rosters.
- Use recruiting experts like NCSA for a professional assessment.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Create a free profile to start getting seen by college coaches or schedule an assessment with one of our recruiting coaches to help you navigate the process today!