Recruiting season has been turned upside down. The virus outbreak has changed life as we know it. The unknown is what will be the long term affects of spring 20’. This is a parent’s guide to making solid decisions. Parents don’t get caught up in the craziness. It will be uber important to be proactive with club coaches and directors on targeting schools were your child could be a potential fit.
Parent responsibility:
- Targeting schools that are a good for your child. The program and the coach should assist in this task. Many times, if a player has current offers, doing this step is easy. The blueprint is set. You should be mindful of the level that you are being recruited. Look into the conferences were those schools are and target other schools in the conference.
- Interface with the club coach and compare notes and reach out and make the connection with the schools. Send any information, that the schools request and follow up.
- Solid questions to ask, college coaches are: How many players are you looking for in the class? What positions are you looking for in the class? How do you view the players role in your system? These are just a few, but they can start a solid conversation.
- Making sure the club coach is working on your behalf.
The teams and the circuits do matter. What matters most is that everyone involved are working hard for the player. You can be on a great circuit and get zero time or have no role on a team. So, is that opportunity? Admonish your child to play the role, that they have to the best of their ability. Coaches aren’t just looking for scorers. They need high level rebounders, defenders, facilitators, shooters. Market the players skills and ability to grow. Once, you understand what the most marketable skills are, then looking at the systems the schools run become more important. Now, you can see really where the fit is best. Also, your line of questioning becomes more strategic in nature.
Circuit:
EYBL- Still sits at the top of the exposure landscape. The teams are generally spaced out in geography, and they attract the top-rated players. Nike does subsidize the players on the U17 EYBL teams. The downfall has always been, being on a team and not playing. When you have the talent to play on another circuit and still get interest. They have traditionally always have had the inside track on the McDonalds all-American and Jordan brand nominations.
UAA- This circuit took the basketball world by storm last year. They seem to have some exciting news for year two. Their model consists of three layers. The UAA is the best of the three. If you find yourself on the others, the suggestion would be to find a better opportunity. Coaches are coming to the UAA events, and its rapidly becoming a great platform. Both EYBL and UAA cater to their 16U and 17U teams, which they should, but just attending those events means nothing if the marketing is for a subset of the teams at the tournament.
Adidas- This circuit is still solid. Last year, it was overshadowed by the UAA hype, but they still have talent.
Event operator leagues- These leagues are hidden gems for college coaches that are always looking for the hidden secrets. Truth be told, the established event operators have a lot of power in the college world. If you have a player that is projected mid major D-1, D-2, or D-3, this route with a solid program should provide exactly what you need. Examples are USJN (Bluestar) runs some of the biggest most successful tournaments in the country. The USJN nationals in DC has 500+ coaches every year. They also have a very respected scouting service. Another example is the Insider Exposure. This group might have the best format of the all the groups listed. They have packed events with hundreds of coaches. The key is that they don’t have 80 courts, and your team gets lost. They also match up the independents against the heavy weights to provide the exposure. So, if you can play, it’s a great opportunity to show your stuff.
Being very clear about the player you are, and the best level for you out of high school will help with making the best decisions for your future. Working with your club and choosing a club that is willing to work with you is so important. Being prepared, working hard on the right things helps with seizing the opportunity once it comes. Remember everyone isn’t D-1, but many of you have a place on the next level.
