UnderstandingBasketball Scholarships
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the USA, and it’s easy to see why. College basketball is a sport that has more than 30,000 players competing at the collegiate level. So how do you know when is the right time and what is the right level of basketball for you?
It’s all about choosing a college basketball program where you’ll be able to get better at your game while also getting a great education. A good college basketball program will teach you how to become an even better player, while also helping you develop into an all-around person who knows how to handle pressure situations both on and off the court.
But what makes a good college basketball program? What should you look for when choosing where to spend your next four years as a student athlete?
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Basketball is more than a game, it’s your passion. At Athlete Plus, we work tirelessly with over 500 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, as well as top tier high school basketball programs to help every deserving player level up. Our extensive network of connections has facilitated over 2000 scholarships, providing an array of opportunities for young athletes eager to make their mark. Our team, composed of former college athletes and professional recruiters, understands your journey because we’ve walked in your shoes. We’ve achieved a success rate of 95% in scholarship acquisition, using our insider knowledge and extensive experience to guide high school and university athletes through the complex scholarship process.
2500 SCHOLARSHIPS 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 500+ SCHOOLS
PREPARE YOURSELF
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIPS
Your high school years are pivotal. It’s a time of discovery, growth, and finding your path. As you cultivate your skills on the court, we also help you pave your way towards collegiate sports. Our dedicated team guides you through the exciting journey of finding the right fit, both academically and athletically. Our broad network spans over 200 private schools, providing a robust set of scholarship opportunities.
BASKETBALL POST GRAD OPPORTUNITIES
Post-grad years can be a transformative time to refine your skills, build your athletic portfolio, and strengthen your academics. We offer guidance on a range of post-grad basketball programs nationwide, giving you an extra edge when it comes to college applications. This added year can provide you a unique advantage in preparation for the rigor of university athletics.
BASKETBALL JUNIOR COLLEGE PATHWAY
Choosing the Junior College path can provide a more personalized college experience. Smaller class sizes mean more focused academic attention, and smaller team rosters often result in more playing time. We’ll help you navigate the junior college landscape, opening doors to competitive sports and high-quality education, thus paving the way for future opportunities.
BASKETBALL UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
When you step onto a university court, you’re playing at the highest level of collegiate sports. You’re part of a long-standing tradition, a spirited community, and an environment that breathes competition. We’ve helped over 1500+ athletes secure scholarships in some of the most respected university basketball programs in the country. We’re here to help you join those ranks.
INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL ACADEMIES
Competing in Europe’s sports academies introduces you to a new world of basketball. It’s an opportunity to experience different cultures, styles of play, and to broaden your personal and athletic perspectives. With our connections to top-tier international sports academies, we can provide a pathway to global courts while securing a world-class education for you.
Basketball Scholarships FAQ
To get recruited for high school basketball, start by developing your skills and gaining experience through local leagues and tournaments. Next, create a sports resume or profile that includes your stats, academic achievements, and a highlight video. Attend basketball camps and showcase events where you can get exposure to coaches. Finally, reach out to coaches directly with your profile and express your interest in their program.
Postgraduate basketball programs typically require that you have completed high school but have not yet started college. You should have a strong basketball skillset, a good academic record, and a desire to improve your game and academics in preparation for college. Specific requirements can vary by program, so it’s best to check with individual schools.
College basketball recruiting often begins with athletes reaching out to coaches or vice versa. Coaches evaluate potential recruits through their game tapes, performances at tournaments or camps, and sometimes through scouting visits. They also consider the athlete’s academic record. If a coach is interested, they may offer a scholarship or a place on the team. The athlete can then commit to the school, often by signing a National Letter of Intent.
Division I, II, and III represent different levels of college sports competition within the NCAA. Division I has the largest athletic budgets and the most athletic scholarships. Division II schools offer some athletic scholarships but also place a high value on balance between athletics and academics. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but do provide other forms of financial aid.
A basketball highlight video should include clips of your best plays, demonstrating a variety of skills. Make sure the footage is clear and the action is easy to follow. It’s best to start the video with your most impressive highlights to capture coaches’ attention. Include your name, position, jersey number, and contact information.
To maintain your amateur status, you should not accept payment or gifts based on your basketball abilities, sign a contract with a professional team, or hire an agent. You can receive an athletic scholarship from a college, but the amount should not exceed the cost of tuition, room and board, and textbooks. Always check with the NCAA or your school’s compliance office if you’re unsure about any situation.
U.S. high schools and colleges often welcome international basketball players who bring diverse skills and perspectives to their teams. International players may have opportunities to earn athletic scholarships, receive a high-quality education, and develop their basketball skills against high-level competition.
The weekly schedule for a student-athlete playing basketball typically includes classes, study time, practices, games, strength and conditioning training, meetings with coaches or team, and travel for away games. Schedules can vary greatly depending on the level of play (high school, postgrad, college), the time of year (in-season vs. off-season), and the specific program.
To prepare physically, focus on conditioning, strength training, and skill development. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest are also crucial. To prepare mentally, develop a strong work ethic, learn to handle pressure, and build mental toughness. Seek out the advice and support of coaches, trainers, and sports psychologists.
High school basketball varies greatly depending on the region and league but is often the first level where athletes face structured competition. Postgrad programs are more competitive, often providing a bridge for athletes who are not quite ready for college basketball. College basketball, particularly at the NCAA Division I level, is highly competitive with athletes often aiming for professional careers. The style of play can become more strategic and faster-paced at higher levels.
Some top high school basketball leagues include the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC), the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), and the Southern Section of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF-SS). These leagues are known for the high level of competition, the number of athletes they send to Division I colleges, and their rigorous schedules.
U.S. college basketball is often characterized by a fast-paced, physical style of play. There’s a focus on athleticism, transition play, and individual talent. International basketball, particularly in Europe, tends to have more emphasis on fundamentals, team play, and strategic execution.
Some of the top college basketball conferences include the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten, Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the Big 12. These conferences often influence the recruiting process as they’re known for their competitiveness and high level of exposure, which can be attractive to recruits.
The NBA is widely regarded as the top professional basketball league in the world, featuring a high level of athleticism, skill, and competitiveness. However, many international leagues, particularly in Europe, offer strong competition and feature a more tactical, team-oriented style of play.