Want to play college basketball?
With more than 2,000 college programs across NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and JUCO, there are plenty of opportunities to compete at the next level—but getting recruited takes more than talent. Men’s basketball is highly competitive, so student-athletes need to be proactive by building a list of realistic schools, creating an NCSA Recruiting Profile and highlight video, contacting coaches, and competing in the right events. This guide helps families understand what college coaches look for and navigate each step of the men’s basketball recruiting process.
NCAA basketball recruiting rules and calendar
One of the most challenging parts of the recruiting process for families is truly understanding when college coaches are actively recruiting student-athletes. The NCAA issues a recruiting calendar each academic year that regulates when—and how—coaches can talk to recruits. This section helps you understand the recruiting rules and calendar and also details how coaches at different division levels approach it.
Learn the NCAA men’s basketball recruiting rules and calendar.
College basketball recruiting guidelines by position
Ever wondered what skills are needed at each position? Every coach has a specific set of criteria they look for when recruiting student-athletes. Athleticism, technique, versatility and basketball IQ are some of the most important factors they consider. This section provides an in-depth look at the qualifications needed and the steps student-athletes can take to get on a coach’s radar across the division levels.
See the men’s basketball recruiting guidelines.
Get information about men’s basketball scholarships
This section breaks down the scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to men’s basketball recruits at each college level, so families can better understand what to expect throughout the recruiting process.
Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to college basketball scholarships.
What does it take to get recruited?
When student-athletes first start their recruiting process, they often wonder when college coaches will contact them. But they quickly learn that recruits who successfully earn a roster spot do a lot of work to get there, including researching colleges, creating a highlight video, emailing and calling coaches, playing at tournaments and camps and taking unofficial visits. This section breaks down the different steps in the process, so families know what to tackle—and when.
Here’s how to get recruited for men’s basketball
Create a stand-out basketball highlight/skills video
There’s no doubt about it—highlight videos are a “must have” in the basketball recruiting process. In many cases, it’s the first way college coaches evaluate recruits, so student-athletes want to leave a memorable impression. Plus, it’s an effective tool to secure a second, more in-depth and in-person evaluation. This section explains how to make a highlight video and provides position-specific advice on what coaches want to see.
Check out these guidelines for making your best highlight video.
Attend men’s basketball exposure camps and tournaments
After a highlight video, the best way to get evaluated by college coaches is to attend basketball camps and tournaments. However, with all the different options, picking events that will positively impact a student-athlete’s recruiting the most can become a difficult task. From college basketball camps to exposure camps to elite camps, we break down the different types and explain who they best serve so families can pick the right one.
Find the best men’s basketball camps.
Search colleges with men’s basketball programs
Most student-athletes have their eye on NCAA Division 1 programs, but between the NCAA, NAIA and JUCO programs, more than 2,000 colleges offer men’s basketball. There are several competitive opportunities across the country where student-athletes can find their best match. This section breaks down every division so student-athletes can keep their options open.
See all the colleges that offer men’s basketball.
College basketball recruiting rankings and best basketball recruiting websites
For men’s basketball recruiting rankings, student-athletes can visit NCSA’s Power Rankings, or the NCAA website.
Check out NCSA’s Power Rankings of the Best Men’s Basketball colleges.
Why do I need a Basketball recruiting profile?
A basketball recruiting profile is like an online resume that highlights your athletic skills, academic achievements, and contact information for college coaches. It helps them quickly see your potential as a player and decide if you might be a good fit for their team, giving you a better chance of getting recruited to play at the next level.
Create your free recruiting profile
Don’t have a profile yet? Start by creating your free recruiting profile and connect with an NCSA Recruiting Specialist. We’ll help you and your family build a personalized plan and take the next steps in your recruiting journey.
