The Kee to Coaching: Advice for Recruits

Happy Monday everybody! Things are as beautiful as ever here on Keuka Lake. Our students are entering their third week of classes, and time has been flying by. We are excited about our freshmen class, and we can't wait to get to work with them in a little over a month!

Because of Division III rules, we've had limited access to our players. Other than study hall, and Volunteer Captain's Workouts, our players aren't really expected to be around each other. Fortunately, we have a strong culture in place within our program. Our upperclassmen have done a great job reaching out to younger guys, and making them feel included and a part of our Keuka Men's Basketball Family.

As a coaching staff, this is a busy recruit-contact period for us. Coach Phillips and I split up recruiting evenly, by region, and we have begun making initial contact with our top kids. While making initial contacts and scheduling visits the last two weeks, I got the chance to analyze how each recruit handles the process. I always try to give tips on the recruiting process to all kids who visit campus, and this post will put some of my thoughts into writing.

1. Answer every phone call, text message and email

- You never know what coach is calling. Hear every coach out and don't big-time anybody. You don't want to miss out on a college that could potentially be a good fit for you.

2. Be honest

- Coaches hear a lot more no's than yes's. Don't be afraid to tell a coach that you're honestly not interested. It shows a great deal of maturity and is much more professional than just ignoring the coach. In addition, if you are offered a scholarship, or commit to another school, let the coach know. Time is a two-way street, and the coach doesn't want to waste his or yours!

3. Go on Visits

- College coaches are paid to sell their school. The only way to fully figure out if a school is right for you is to visit as many college campuses as possible. It will help you determine the type of school that you want to attend, the location that you are looking for and you'll get a feel for the dynamic of the school. Ask the players on campus about their experiences. Find out what they like and what they dislike.

4. Ask questions

- Nothing is worst to a college coach than a recruit who is too quiet. Asking questions shows that you are interested, and it allows you to find out more information on the coach and college. If I am recruiting a kid who solely gives me one-word answers, I will put little time into his recruitment, and will move on to other options.

5. Go to the right recruiting showcases

- As long as money is to be made, people will continue hosting basketball showcases every weekend. Be sure to do your research before committing to attend one. Some showcases are just to make money, while others will actually help you get exposure. Find out what schools will be in attendance and if it's during the live period, find out if it is an NCAA-certified event. Make sure that the event is having an informational packet for college coaches, and that all of your information is correct. College prospect camps are always worthwhile. It gives you an opportunity to be evaluated by college coaches, and you will get the opportunity to match up against college-level players.

6. Be honest with your Level of Talent

- Everybody wants to be a scholarship player, but only a small percentage are truly good enough. If you are only getting phone calls from D3 coaches, you are probably a D3 player. Be realistic and stay in contact with the schools that you are interested in. Attending college practices and games are good opportunities to see how you match up with players at various levels. I encourage all players, who are looking to play at the next level, to watch a D3 or D2 practice or game at some point.

7. Be smart on social media

- A coaches livelihood depends on how successful 18-22 young adults are, on the court. They don't want to deal with people of low-character. Coaches look for any angle to find out more about a prospect. Many times they go to social media to find out what that prospect is into and if they are a kid who will make their life easier.

8. Do the best you possibly can academically

- Having a high GPA greatly increases the number of opportunities that you qualify for. D3 schools give out scholarship money based on academic achievement. The better your grades, the more money you qualify for and the more schools that can recruit you.