Recruiting
WHICH SCHOOLS
ARE YOU GOING
TO CONTACT?
Most players either aim too narrow and miss opportunities, or aim too wide and send generic emails nobody reads. Here's how to build a realistic, strategic target list.
Your Current Level
Be honest about where you are as a player right now — not where you plan to be. A well-organized prospect list starts with an accurate self-assessment. Your highlight film and your performance against quality competition are the most reliable gauges.
Academic Fit
Every school on your list should be one you'd attend for the academics alone. The basketball will end. Your degree won't. Programs at schools outside your academic range are wasted contacts — use that energy on schools where you can actually get admitted.
Geographic Comfort
How far from home is too far? How close is too close? There's no wrong answer — but know yours before you build the list. Choosing a school 1,500 miles from home at 17 is a different experience than choosing one two hours away.
Program Culture
Coaching turnover, player development track record, team culture, and program stability all matter. Research how players from each program have developed. Look at where former players went after college.
Division Realism
Most recruits underestimate how competitive D1 is and overestimate their current standing. Cast a wide net across divisions. An offer from a D2 school that develops players is often better than sitting on the bench at a low-major D1.
List Size
Your initial outreach list should be 40–60 schools. That's not random — it's broad enough to generate real responses while focused enough to follow up with every one. You'll narrow it down as responses come in.
NEED HELP BUILDING YOUR LIST?
We help players build targeted, realistic school lists based on their game, academics, and goals.
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