FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rick Bolus

High Potential Basketball Recruiting Service

P.O. Box 155

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

www.basketball-camp.net 

RECRUITING TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDBALLERS

There are over 2,000 colleges nationwide that play basketball. NCAA Division I have about 320 teams. They have 13 full scholarships while NCAA Division II have 11 full scholarships. NCAA Division III is based on financial needs. Please note that there are no 4 year scholarships as they are now one year renewable. NAIA and junior colleges run the full gamut from full scholarships to no financial help at all. Around 2.5% of high school basketball players receive athletic scholarships.

Below are some recruiting tips to assist you in the event that you aren't being recruited.

1.    Choose several colleges that meet your academic and athletic needs. Be realistic as avoid schools that would throw your letter in the wastebasket.

2.    Either call the school or do an internet search to find out the name of the coach so you can personalize your letter. Directories are often out of date.

3.    Write a letter to the coach detailing your academic and basketball prowess. Send along a few game tapes along with a team schedule for the upcoming season. Highlight tapes are less valuable as almost anyone can make a tape that makes he or she look great.

4.    Your high school coach can be an important asset in this process so it is important that the two of you have a good relationship.

5.    Either at the end of your junior year or the start of your senior year would be the time to begin this process. Should you do this at the end of your junior year, make coaches aware of what camps and AAU events that you'll be attending during the summer in order for them to scout you.

Smaller colleges have limited recruiting budgets and letters like yours are often the lifeblood of their recruiting. You probably will be pleasantly surprised by the response you receive if you are realistic in the schools you contact.

When it comes time to choose a college, get advice from those you respect (i.e. coaches, parents and former players). Take all of their expertise to heart; however, when it is decision time, make sure it is you making the call.

Rick Bolus just completed his 43rd season as publisher of the High Potential Basketball Recruiting Service. To view his player rankings, go to www.basketball-camp.net and click on Player Rankings.