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How to Get Recruited to Play Women’s College Basketball


What does it take to be recruited for women’s college basketball? What exactly are coaches looking for in prospective athletes? These are the questions we will answer in this article, as well as explaining how you can get the most out of your recruitment process.



WHAT COACHES LOOKING FOR

College coaches are looking for specific attributes in prospective recruits that fit the needs of their program. Regardless of the position of a player, coaches look for similar attributes when determining the appropriate college competition level for a recruit. These levels can vary from NCAA Division I to Junior College programs. Knowing which level fits your individual attributes will help you create a realistic list of target schools, and improve your chances of being successfully recruited by those programs and their rivals. Below are the primary attributes college coaches look for in prospective student-athletes.




Physical Ability

Body frame, height, strength, and athleticism are what coaches will closely evaluate during the recruiting process. The average NCAA Division I women’s basketball player’s height is 5’6”. This means most coaches are looking for the best player that fits the physical profile needed to play at their respective levels.


Technical Skills


All college athletes will be fast, strong, and athletic, so coaches evaluate technical skills to separate the best from the rest. Players who lack the fundamental skills needed to compete at a high level are overlooked by college coaches. Coaches are not interested in athletes who need to be taught basics and fundamentals..



Basketball IQ


This is a characteristic that stands out to most coaches during the evaluation process. Situational awareness and position-specific skills make up a player's Basketball IQ.

“Can the post player read the defensive rotation? Does the perimeter player control the tempo of the game or react to the opponent’s pace? Does the recruit understand to hold the ball for the last shot, instead of forcing it early?”

Players who are aware of foul situations, understand when to take timeouts, and can execute the fundamentals of the game at a high level will stand out to college coaches.


Academics


Academics are very important to college coaches, especially for Ivy League & Division III schools that don’t offer athletic scholarships. Good grades & test scores also give coaches an insight to an athlete’s character, showing discipline, time management skills, and leadership ability.






 


EXPERIENCE NEEDED

The recruiting process is very competitive, so here are a few samples of the type of experience athletes need to be recruited at various levels of college basketball.


Division I / Top Junior College

High School

  • Varsity starter 4 years

  • All-State, All-Region, All-Area selections

  • Best player on team

AAU/Club Team

  • Plays at the highest level of AAU

  • Competes in National Tournaments & Events

  • Ranks nationally on ESPN TOP 150, Scout, and Rivals



Low Division I / Top Division II / Top Division III / Top NAIA

High School

  • Varsity starter 3-4 years

  • All-Conference, All-Region selections

  • One of best players on team

AAU/Club Team

  • Play on a high level AAU team

  • Starter 3-4 years

  • Competes in National Tournaments

  • Exposed to college coaches at summer tournaments


Division III / NAIA

High School

  • Varsity Starter 1-2 years

  • Possibly All-Conference, All-Region selections

AAU/Club Team

  • Some AAU experience, but not necessary



Low Division III / Low NAIA / Junior College

High School

  • Varsity Starter 1-2 years

  • Possibly All-Conference, All-Region selections

AAU/Club Team

  • Some AAU experience, but not necessary


 

HEIGHT CHART FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The average NCAA Division I women’s basketball player’s height is 5’6”.





 

LEVELS OF BASKETBALL SKILLS

In addition to physical attributes like body frame & height, coaches recruit different types of players at each level of women's college basketball. Combining three of the previously mentioned attributes, physical ability, technical skills, and basketball IQ, players will fit into various levels of basketball skills. Coaches will evaluate and recruit players who fit their program’s level of competition, so knowing where you would fit will increase your chances of a successful recruiting process. Here are a few examples of the types of players recruited for each division:


These recruits are recruited through their AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) & club teams, typically receiving verbal offers early in the summer after their sophomore year in High School. They have elite basketball skill sets including: ball-handling, defensive play, and freakish athleticism. They start on varsity all four years of High School, and have tons of awards & accolades including All-State honors. These players are the best players on their high school and club teams, and rank nationally on top lists like ESPN’s HoopGurlz Top 60 and Prep Girls Hoops. These are the top recruits in the country.



These players play basketball at a high level, and are considered one of the best players on their High School and/or club team. Division II programs offer these recruits verbal scholarships at the beginning of their junior year in High School. They have mastered the fundamentals of the game and will likely continue to develop in a rigorous college program. These players have received awards & accolades like All-District, All-Conference, All-Area, and All-Conference.


These recruits have good fundamentals, and excel in some parts of their game more than others. They have AAU and club team experience, and are considered one of the better players on their High School team. These players typically receive offers after the summer of their junior year or sometime in their senior year in High School. They have received awards & accolades that include All-Area and All-Conference honors.


These players will look similar to Division II recruits. They will be considered one of the best players on their High School team, and have AAU and club team experience. These recruits will receive offers their junior year as well as their senior year in High School. They have earned awards & accolades like All-Area and All-Conference. These players will most likely continue to develop their skills and strength level in a rigorous college program.


Junior College recruits can vary from utility players to late bloomers. Either way, these players show potential in High School, but oftentimes need additional experience before being able to compete at a four-year institution. Junior College is a great opportunity for these recruits to work on fundamentals, as well as developing their strength & speed, before playing at a higher level.




 


GET RANKED


Knowing where you rank nationally will help you understand which programs to contact in your recruiting process. Star ratings are used to quickly show a recruit’s level of talent to college coaches. To receive a star rating, you can have your High School or club team coach assess your skills and convey that to one of the previously mentioned ranking platforms,ESPN’s HoopGurlz Top 60 and Prep Girls Hoops. Also, you could schedule a free assessment with Podyum Preps, and have our scouting department evaluate your talent level. Here is a quick overview of how the star ratings relate to recruit talent level:


5 Star - The best athletes in the country. These players are nationally ranked and highly recruited early in their High School careers.


4 Star - The best player on their High School or Club team. Players rank high state-wide, and sometimes rank nationally.


3 Star - One of the best players on their team, but excel in certain areas more than others.


1 & 2 Star - Players who could possibly play college basketball, but are in need of additional training & development.


NEXT STEPS

Now that you understand women’s basketball recruitment, you should Schedule a Free Assessment to begin your recruiting process.

If you have already begun the recruiting process, be sure to increase your efforts through our Recruitment Services.



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