So for the class of 2023 things have been nothing less than a mess in recruiting. College coaches could come out their 8th grade year (but few watched that age at that time nor knew we would be going through a year of no viewing) and now had 12 days of evaluations where they could watch them this summer while splitting time with 2022’s and trying to figure out what their strategy will be for the transfer portal. I think what you are seeing is that the “known” players are picking up tons upon tons of offers the scope and number of players being offered volume wise is far less than one would usually seen because two reasons:
1 – Limited viewing opportunities havnt really allowed under the radar kids to be evaluated to the degree they would need to and be seen by the head coach to offer and you know one offers triggers other people to offer. So this “maybe” group isnt sitting with much. Also shoe league teams are far ahead of the rest because the draw for those shoe league teams for 2023’s far greater than independent teams and again people didnt have a chance to really follow up on leads which could have taken them off the trail.
2 – Rosters are more fluid than ever so people arnt having traditional classes because of the extra year of eligibility. Roster spots are opening up at different times and people would like to wait on transfers but as you are seeing in 22 they will eventually end up signing a high school player.
Between these two big factors there have been less offers, less “known” players, and I think on September 1 sadly will be less phone calls than typical years.
I was going to write this just for my own program and team but felt like it was a meaningful piece for anyone who’s going through this and could use some perspective on a big day in recruiting. Here are my tips regarding how to handle September 1 if you are in the class of 2023.
Tip #1 – If you are in regular contact with a school set up a specific time to call on September 1 so that you make sure you honor those you’ve been in contact with and can make sure you touch base. Some schools are weird and try not to call on Sept 1 because its so busy so it might be down the road.
Tip #2 – If you have been in communication with a school or they have offered you which you are not interested in let them know. Now you shouldnt do this unless you’re sitting with like double digit offers but if theyre for sure out then let them know theyre out.
Tip #3 – Create a list of questions you might have for the school. Simple things are good – What are you looking for in the 2023 class? Where do you see me on your recruit list? What would it take for me to be offered by you? What is your style of play? When / How do you do unofficial visits if I wanted to come to campus? When can I get on the phone with the head coach? Will you be coming to watch me in open gyms this fall? But have some questions, bad conversations are not good for recruiting.
Tip #4 – Create a list of the people you talked to – The school – Do some research on them after the fact – In addition, set up a regular call schedule with those schools to keep in contact throughout the season. One phone call then nothing really isnt beneficial to anyone. Share this list with your club coach and high school coach so they can be informed about the process. Not for them to take it over but they cant add value if they’re not in the loop.
Tip #5 – If you think you are being under recruited – Tweet thank you’s for your calls listing the schools – Everyone is going to hate this tip but its a high level tip – Schools recruit as much off of who everyone else is recruiting as who they actually like themselves in fact I think many schools look who schools they compete with are recruiting and jump on and recruit those same kids.
Tip #6 – What if no one calls? Well then you have work to do. This is one check point. Were college coaches at your games in July? If they were not then people are not going to call you and you might be playing for the wrong team. If they were there and you didn’t get calls clearly, what you did on the floor is not enough to garner people’s lists. If that’s the case you have to get better. Next April, May, and July Evaluation period is another check point. Bottom line is everyone in 2023 has to get better to be successful in college regardless of the number of calls they get so work on getting better. Switching teams, blaming your coach, blaming your teammates doesnt get anyone to pick up the phone and recruit you. There will be a lot of really good players who dont get many calls on September 1 use that as motivation to continue being the best player you can be. If you do get calls feel fortunate because you have to be a really good player to play Division I basketball.
I know these might be some outside the box things but hey its worth thinking about.
