Do you find the NCAA basketball recruiting process a big mystery? Would you like to know the first step in getting that FULL basketball scholarship? In that case, you’ve landed at the right place! Welcome to Kiwi Hoopers, your one-stop shop for all things athletic scholarship and recruiting for college sports. It’s indeed straightforward and free. Simply by creating an online basketball recruiting profile, you will improve your college recruiting presence and basketball scholarship opportunities.
Being in New Zealand, nothing beats online basketball recruiting profile and connect with the right person to put your name forward to college coaches. College coaches from the NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA and JUCO schools are searching for talented hoopers every day. Recruiting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for hoopers and it’s important you’re doing everything you can to get recruited.
For international student-athletes, the college recruiting process can look a bit different. While the process starts at the same time as domestic student-athletes, there are differences that international athletes should know about, including academic requirements. Read the guide for international athletic recruiting which includes everything international athletes need to know about getting recruited in the U.S.
Getting recruited to play NCAA basketball is not a dream. Just look at some of the Kiwi hoopers currently playing in the NCAA. At KiwiHoopers.com, our goal is to help Kiwi Hoopers like you get more exposure internationally. After all, nothing beats seeing another Kiwi fly high and achieve the ultimate goal: Get a free education and play basketball professionally.
1
SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS
Different coaches looking for players with different skillset to fill their roster spots.
Here are some of the basic things you can do:
Create an online basketball recruiting profile: here.
Have a collection of your high definition highlight footage in game vs high level competitions (National or International) Put together a mixtape ready to be sent.
2
SHOOT YOUR SHOTS
Never be afraid to connect with a college coach yourself. Most of the college coaches will have their email listed on the school website.
Here are some of the basic things you can do:
Research their basketball program. Show the coaches that you are really interested in their school. Ask the right questions, instead of just sending short notes and your footage.
3
MORE RESEARCH
Look at what major the college is offering. Look at where the college is located.
Here are some of the basic things you can do:
Ask yourself: what do you see yourself studying?
Is this college the right fit for you?
Do you see yourself studying there long term?
4
WORK ON YOUR GRADES
Bad grades will limited what college you can go to. It is important to keep a good grades, so that you will have more options.
5
BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU
85% of committed athletes receive scholarships.
Here are some of the things you can do to help you standout:
Continue improve on:
Ability to make high basketball IQ decision
Your Character
Your behaviour on the court without the ball
Work ethics
Become a feared defender
Learn about the different division levels
Get recruited to play NCAA basketball is the goal. However, it’s important to consider the various division levels available to compete in:
- NCAA Division I—This is the highest level of college athletics and, thus, the most competitive. D1 schools typically have large budgets, expensive facilities, and the student-athletes are expected to train and travel extensively.
- NCAA Division II—While still a competitive division, D2 athletes are provided more balance in their lives, as training and competition aren’t as intense. Scholarships are also offered at this level.
- NCAA Division III—No athletic scholarships are offered for D3 student-athletes, but there are many other forms of financial aid. The competition levels are still very high, but practice seasons are shorter, and there’s more of an academic focus.
- NAIA—A much smaller community than the NCAA—with a little over 250 schools—the NAIA is a great option for student-athletes who love their sport but are looking for a smaller or private college, or a specific major.
- NJCAA—Junior college (JUCO) is a good option for the student-athlete looking to get a sense of what college athletics are like at a two-year institution before transferring to a four-year college. Many student-athletes compete at the JUCO level because they are working on their NCAA eligibility or are trying to save money before transferring to a four-year college.
Who’s a recruit?
The term “recruit” means a current high school student who is interested in playing men’s basketball at an NCAA college after completing high school.
Why does the NCAA have rules about recruiting?
Colleges that are part of the NCAA commit to responsible recruiting standards to help students make informed decisions. The goals are to minimize the role of harmful outside influences and prevent excessive contact or pressure from schools in the recruiting process.
What is the recruiting funnel?
Understanding how to get recruited starts with learning how college coaches look at recruiting. Think of the process like a funnel. At the top of the funnel, thousands and thousands of potential recruits of various levels are tossed in. Coaches begin initial evaluations—focusing on basic requirements like height, weight, grad year and position. Then, coaches send out correspondence to those they’ve identified as potential fits to see if there’s mutual interest. The funnel is beginning to narrow. Evaluations continue with the smaller class of potential recruits, which narrows it down even further. Near the bottom of the funnel, coaches are inviting recruits on official visits and extending offers.
When does the recruiting process start?
Usually between September 9th through November 7th. It usually have a dead period after. Then recruiting starts again from November 12th through March 30th, expect during Christmas break. It will have a dead period again. Recruiting will resume from early April until the end of April with exceptions dates in between.
Unofficial and official visit timeline
So here we are finally, getting recruited is no longer a mystery. Subscribe and follow all our social media to stay informed. We will have loads of useful information to help guide you navigate the path to US colleges. We can get you a free consultation from a professional kiwi basketball scout based in the US. All you need is to email us at [email protected]
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