DECODING USA BASKETBALL PATHWAY FOR KIWIS with Frank Simpson Jr

Calling all young Kiwi Hoopers and whanau: This is Your Guide to Take on the US high school/Prep school Pathway before playing basketball in college.

Ever dreamed of playing hoops at a top US college? If you’re a talented young basketball player from New Zealand, then this Kiwihoopers podcast episode is for you! In this interview with Frank Simpson Jr., a former college hooper, basketball coach and certified financial adviser with extensive experience working with international players from New Zealand, we’ll unveil the secrets to unlocking the USA Pathway for New Zealand basketball student-athletes.

Why Consider the US College Basketball Route?

Let’s face it, New Zealand punches well above its weight when it comes to basketball talent. Despite the country’s small population, there’s a hotbed of gifted young players just waiting to be discovered. But here’s the challenge: many of these players lack the knowledge and guidance to navigate the US college recruitment system. This is where Frank Simpson Jr. steps in.

From Kiwi Courts to US College Dreams

Frank played college ball himself and went on to coach high school basketball in the Washington DC area, a breeding ground for future NBA stars. He saw firsthand the immense potential in international players, but also the obstacles they faced due to a lack of familiarity with the US system. Fueled by his passion for the game and thinking outside of box when recruiting against big name high school who claiming all the local talents , Frank decided reach out to the late great Kenny McFadden for some New Zealand hoop talents.

Success Stories: Paving the Way for Future Generations

Frank’s dedication has already borne fruit. Players like Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (UC San Diego), Tafara Gapare (Georgia Tech University) and Jed Barlow (Undecided) who has received over multiple NCAA D1 College offers are shining examples of his successful approach. These Kiwi Hoopers have seized the opportunity to play at prestigious US colleges, and their stories serve as a beacon of inspiration for others.

Conquering the Challenge: From Highlight Reels to Hard Work

The transition from New Zealand courts to the fast-paced, high-intensity American game can be daunting. But fear not, Kiwi Hoopers! Frank offers invaluable advice to help you overcome this challenge. Here are some of his golden nuggets:

• Showcase your talent: Create highlight films and upload onto Youtube shorts that emphasise your strengths, but don’t stop there. Upload longer-form game footage to YouTube to give coaches a more comprehensive picture of your skills and playing style.
• Build relationships: Reach out to college coaches with personalised emails and leverage social media to stay on their radar. Or let us know, so we can help you reach more coach efficiently.
• Be a well-rounded student-athlete: Remember, academic performance is key. Take care of business in the classroom to demonstrate your commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

The Takeaway

Watch or listening (on Spotify or Apple) to this episode advice, putting in the hard work, and staying focused on your goals, you too can join the ranks of successful Kiwi Hoopers who have conquered the US college basketball scene. So lace up your sneakers, hone your skills, and get ready to take your game to the next level!

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