Basketball Tips: How to Get a Basketball Scholarship
By Jeff Haefner
Every year, thousands of high school and junior college basketball players compete to get one of the few basketball scholarships that are awarded each year. Here are some basketball tips on how to increase your chances of being selected to receive one of those coveted positions.
Talent and Ability
First and foremost, you have to maximize your basketball skill. Every day you are not getting better, someone else is getting better than you. You have to work and work to become the best player you can be. Work on your skills, be in condition and get stronger.
The jump from high school to college is a big jump. Players are bigger, stronger and more experienced. The game is longer, faster and more physical than anything you have experienced so far in your career. Don’t fall into the trap that you are doing enough to get yourself ready. Without exception, when new college players report for their first workouts they are surprised at how different it is compared to high school. Work to be ready.
The Value of Summer Basketball
Basketball recruiting has changed drastically over the last 15 years. Rules that colleges have to abide by have become more restrictive. The pressure to get commitments from players has resulted in players deciding earlier and earlier on what schools they are going to attend. It is no longer sufficient to be a good player with your high school team. Your senior year in college has almost become irrelevant! Colleges need to identify prospects earlier and earlier in their career. Coaches now go to places where they can identify and evaluate multiple prospects at one time. The places for that have become AAU tournaments and high profile “recruiting summer camps.”
AAU (or Amateur Athletic Union) is an organization that sponsors amateur sporting events. In basketball, they sponsor spring, summer and fall tournaments in multiple age groups. The age brackets are usually 19 & under, 17 & under, 15 & under, etc. The advantage of that system is that you can play up a bracket to get in better competition (a 15 year old can play in a 17 & U tournament but a 17 year cannot play in a 15 & U tournament). The tournaments are usually played during “live” college recruiting periods so college recruiters heavily attend them. If you can find an AAU basketball team in your area and it is an appropriate age bracket it would be well worth your effort to join the program.
High profile “recruiting camps” are camps that are held during the summer that attract high-level players, which in turn, attract college recruiters. Most of these are private camps, not camps owned by universities, colleges or high schools. They usually offer excellent instruction and very competitive games. Call a couple of colleges and find out what camps they attend to evaluate prospects and make plans to attend.
Summer basketball has become the most significant aspect of recruiting. At no other time can a college coach go to one spot and evaluate 300-400 players at one time. If you want to get one of those scholarships, you have to be where the coaches are.
Be Pro-Active
Don’t wait for a college to find you, go find them. If there are schools that you are interested in, contact them early, and let them know of your interest. Visit the campus, invite the coach to come and see you play. Have your high school coach contact the schools you are interested in. Be sure they have the information they need to evaluate you. Things like game schedules, summer schedules, etc. should be sent to all schools you are interested in. Return all questionnaires and comply with all the requirements that they have for acceptance to school.
Take Care of Your Schoolwork
Believe it or not, college coaches want athletes with good grades! Players in college are “student-athletes.” They attend class, write papers, and do research. Coaches really don’t like to take chances on academic risks. Get good grades; take your standardized tests (SATs, ACTs) as early and as often as possible. Unless you are truly a great player, coaches will not wait for you.
To get a scholarship, you have to register for the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. This is the organization that will evaluate your grades to determine whether or not you are eligible to play. Even if you are in junior college, they will go back to your high school grades to determine your eligibility (there are different rules for “qualifiers” and “non-qualifiers” coming out of high school and junior college). Take care of your registration as early as possible.
There used to be a saying, “if you can play, they will find you.” That is NOT true any more!! Being able to play is not enough, now. You have to be out where the coaches can find you.
For more basketball players tips, check out our free ebooks and resources on this site…
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/toptips.html
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/basketballfundamentals.html
91 Comments
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ariel rabe — July 3, 2008 @ 12:20 am
Thanks a lot for the this one.
MERCY CHIKA OGBOKE — September 6, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
I WILL LOVE TO PLAY FOR CHINA AND CHINA ALON
Keyann — October 3, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
how do you register for the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse?
Jeff Haefner — October 6, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Keyann,
Check out:
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/
You have to have original transcripts from all the schools you have attended and they must be sent directly from the school.
Peter Godwin — October 21, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
How Do I Get A Scholarship To US As A Basketballer in Nigeria
corey — October 22, 2008 @ 10:09 am
how do you register for the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse?
Jeff Haefner — October 22, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
Cory,
To register for the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse, visit this site:
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/
You need to have original transcripts from all the schools you have attended and they must be sent directly from the school.
Don Kelbick — October 25, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Peter
It is difficult to get recruited to the US from a foreign country. However, if possible, these are the steps you have to take.
First and foremost, you have to get yourself in a position where US coaches can see you. Whether that be on a national team playing in international competitions or coming over and playing in the US as a high school or Jr. College player. You could come as an exchange student or attend a residential student at a prep school, if you are of the high school age. At a junior college, you can enroll as a foreign student.
If you are not able to come over for school, you might want to look into coming over for the summer and attending some high profile recruiting camps, such as Eastern Invitational or 5-Star. Through them, you might be able to catch on with an AAU team that plays in high level tournaments during the summer.
Next, you would need as much game film as you can get. Not highlight or demonstration film, but actual game film in regular, organized and scheduled competition. This is very important because not too many schools are going to come over to Nigeria to see you play. If they do come, they need some type of indication of how good the competition is.
Just as important, if not more so, you need to make sure your grades are in order. Teams will not do anything unless you are registered for the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse (https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/). That is the organization that determines whether you are academically able to play. This is especially important for you. Several countries in Africa, Nigeria included, are on a “watch list.” This is due to a large number of fraudulent transcripts that come in from those countries. It will take a while for you to get cleared.
jarvis — November 4, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
I played high school ball 3 yrs of varsity and I was the starting point guard. But that was in cleveland now I live in las vegas nevada and I’m just filling out apps for college and trying to be a walk on. I would play division 1,2,3,and 4 just so I can show this talent off. because I don’t won’t it to go to waste!!!!
Trevor — November 29, 2008 @ 12:24 am
i played for Speical Olympus for a couple of times and i now play at
college for Speical Olypus but all i want is the Scholarship for
basketball because i am really good
louis — January 15, 2009 @ 6:54 am
tanks for the tip so how do i register.or can i get an address of a place in london ,nigeria.this is was i love doin.this is ma life.4 yrs iv been lookin .but dey say im good but a small boy.some say im just dere but i want 2 show d whole world
Kevin — January 19, 2009 @ 12:38 am
i really want a college scholarship- i hav a scholarship for my high school
but i live in australia
how do i get one??? bcoz i think i hav a chance
only a few people from australia made it to nba
how is it possible to do that and other countries? can u plz explain
thank you
the siteis awesome
Laura masini — February 9, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
How do you find High profile “recruiting camps. I live in the Sacramento
California. I need to find one of these camps before summer starts.
nurudeen mohammed — February 25, 2009 @ 8:43 am
basketball is my second religion,i really love the game and i will like to
play in united state of american.
JARREN — March 5, 2009 @ 11:21 am
HEY, MY NAME IS JARREN.T.ABRON, AND I REALLY THANK YOU ALL FOR THE TIPS.
I REALLY LOVE THE SPORT OF BASKETBALL AND I’M REALLY TRYING TO GET TO THE
NBA. AND THAT REALLY HELPED ME OUT.
OBINNA AZUBUIKE — May 9, 2009 @ 9:46 am
I JUST WANT TO PLAY IN THE NBA AND SHOW MY BEST PART OF LIFE
Advice To Foreign Basketball Players Seeking College Scholarships in the U.S. — May 14, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
[...] These tips came from a comment Don left on this blog page about Getting a Basketball Scholarship. [...]
Christian B. dela Cruz O.D. — May 15, 2009 @ 12:41 am
Thanks Breakthroughbasketball! I have learned a lot! More power. To the advancement of Basketball. Break a leg!
lemah — May 15, 2009 @ 3:43 am
thanx guys now i know wea ive gotta specialize in.
Mohamed — May 27, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
How do i get a Scholarship for basketball if I live in Canada?
I’ve been on the junior team this year and i averaged around 18 PPG(Points per game) 6 APG(Points per game) 4 RPG(Points per game).
Ekam Dhaliwal — May 30, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
i live in Surrey, BC and
is it possible for me to get a scholarship for an american university
Lamin Njie — June 3, 2009 @ 10:11 am
I live in The Gambia West Africa. I’m a high school student(basketball player 15yrs of age 6”1′ tall) please help me how do i get assistant to player basketball in the USA because basketball is give little attention in my country.
Lamin Njie — June 3, 2009 @ 10:28 am
My Email laminsnnjie@yahoo.co.uk
Tips and Resources to Help High School Students Get an Athletic Scholarship — June 18, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
[...] Breakthrough Basketball Blog: This blog has some great tips on how to get a basketball scholarship and gives information on summer basketball. [...]
The Run Down on Athletic Scholarships and Tips to Receiving One | Credit Guy — June 18, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
[...] Breakthrough Basketball Blog: This blog has some great tips on how to get a basketball scholarship and gives information on summer basketball. [...]
Sherman — July 14, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
How do i contact the schools im interested in?
Coach Mike Saylor — July 19, 2009 @ 8:35 am
I have a senior to be player who is getting under-recruited. He is the best 3 point shooter in the state of Indiana. His name is John Michael Jarvis.
Contact Coach Mike Saylor
812-208-3671
Moe Harrison — July 22, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
i love the sport of basketball i wake up on early saturday mornings to get my jumpshot going. b-ball is like my second nature and i dont want my talent to go to waste. and to look back and say i couldve done. that i live in canada im in the 11 grade i averaged 21ppg, 3ast,and 4reb i have skill i just need to talk to the right people to lead me to the path of success
Rojae — July 29, 2009 @ 12:25 am
What is the age limit for starting as a professional Basketball player?
Jeff — July 29, 2009 @ 6:24 am
The minimum age for the NBA is 19. The player must also be out of high school for at least one year.
Emmanuel Shadrack Mbeyela — August 1, 2009 @ 5:40 am
I trully have a dream of becoming a professional basketball player.I am a Tanzanian 6ft 5″.Please assist me on how I could make my dream come true.
My name is Michael Anyang.i'm a sudanese and i live in Nairobi.My younger brother,Nicholas Anyang,i think is the tallest in east Africa(over 7ft)tall.he plays for Nakuru club and Menengai High School.please help my brother achieve his talent in USA.i don' — August 2, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Thanks for this chance.
binarybasketball — August 2, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
You say that you can’t just expect talent scouts to find you but even 15 & U is getting crazy. Kids are being recruited and watched as early as middle school now…
joseph victor junior — August 3, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
i will like to attend high school in us and play basketball
Aurther Benton — August 16, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
Any kid who is a great three point shooter should go and play for that coach mike saylor in Terre haute South high school because he lets his kids shoot more threes than any coach in the country. He has had like 4 guys hit 10 or more threes in a single game!
edward beshara — August 21, 2009 @ 11:23 am
MY DREAM IS TO BE A PLAYERS OF BASKETBALL IN AMEICA
I AM 17 YEARS OLD . I AM 6.9FEET I LOVE BASKETBALL SHE IS MY LIFE ITS ALLL WHAT I DREAMS FOR IT AND I WANT TO MY DREAM BE REAL
Ngwese Kevin — August 22, 2009 @ 8:42 am
i am a 18 years old baketball player i am 1meter98 . i realy need ur help 4 a scholarship in one of a school in us.i have a great talent an iam ready to prouve it to u . thanks 4 understandin
michael olumhekhor — August 29, 2009 @ 8:20 am
really wanna know more about this so that i can also play bette in feature… thanks hope to hear from you…
collins — September 3, 2009 @ 7:09 am
i would like to play for nigeria
Daniel Ogwuche — September 7, 2009 @ 4:11 am
Want to improve on my shots,would really like to shoot better than John Micheal Jarvis…Coach, pls what’s the secret?
Ann Wilson — September 16, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
Im from the Bahamas. I have a 14 yrs old son thats a really great basketball player. Hes travelled with his coach for three years and now feels that he needs to go to a junior school in the U.S for him to compete with the best in his age group. I need some help finding a school for him to attend in January 2010. This is his dream and as his mother i need to find ways to assist him as best as i can. Can anyone help?
methodmgaya — October 18, 2009 @ 5:08 am
thanks for you supports in basketball game please would you help me to get a team i a’m a good player i want to became a member of any youth team thank hope you will help me.i a’m from TANZANIA anged 17yrs
methodmgaya — October 18, 2009 @ 5:11 am
i will be ready to receave any conditions given by the team so please can you help me to have schoolership playing basket
michael manvery — October 18, 2009 @ 5:19 am
youg man standing thats method mgaya please help him to have shoolership he is good the same to ASHIM MANKA the new NBA member,the same country from method thats TANZANIA.help metho because he is good in bascketball it michael from GHANA
paul — October 21, 2009 @ 5:27 am
i am 17 and am 6 foot 7inches and from nigeria,i am seeking to play in an aau team.
tim — October 21, 2009 @ 10:50 am
i am 7 foot 2 inches i get at least 16 rebounds,6 assists,35 points a game an i am a senior this year an i have a 3.8 GPA how would i get a hold of a coach some where like Duke or North Carolina to look at me
okongo paul — October 23, 2009 @ 2:39 am
Am 22 years young man in the university in uganda who tries look for any possible ways of joining a college under basket scholarship.However i have the pottention and experience which i explioted in hiyh school and my second division club.
keith paul — October 27, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
am 20 years old and am from the virgin island, it don’t have any scout there thats y am not in college playin ball i will like to get an opportunity to get a coach to watch my game and see how that turn out, i will really appreciate it
caneatra — October 28, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
I have a friend that is a good ball player and is looking to get overseas by any means what would you say would be the best step to take first? Thank you.
Thaddeau Engaling II — November 5, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Hi I,m Thadz from Cebu, Philippines. I do some scouting and referrals of potential recruits to my alma mater, University of San Carlos basketball team. We are on the lookout for players who want to go on a scholarship in the Philippines. centers who are 6′5″ or taller(preferably 6′7″ and taller) are a perennial need. email me at thaddeauii@yahoo.com if you are interested
peter tallis — November 10, 2009 @ 6:46 am
i am a good basketball player but noone seems to look at me they seem to look over me and no matter what i do i carnt get noticed and i live in melbouren australia
Thadz — November 10, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
@Peter Tallis. How tall are you and what is your age?
Abbah — November 11, 2009 @ 4:34 am
I am good basket ball player please tell me how to get basketball scholarship i am from Nigeria
joseph alem butias — November 19, 2009 @ 7:07 am
everbody want to play basketball,and if you are not able to be the best, you have to work hard .if kobe is able to make it in life with basketball i can also make it with basketball.i just want somebody to help me.thank you alllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
OLUJIMI GBENGA — November 24, 2009 @ 6:45 am
HELLO,GOODDAY,PLEASE DO SEND IN MORE DIRECT INFORMATIONS ON HOW TO GET PICK FOR HIGH AND COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIP BASKETBALL PROGRAM IN THE USA.AS IAM AN AGENT WITH VERY YOUNG PLAYERS[Nigerians]WILLING TO PLAY COMPETITIVE BASKETBALL IN THE USA AND STUDY AS WHILE TOO.DD
DO CALL +2347031935379.
DO REPLY.
GBENGA
MOSES — December 10, 2009 @ 4:27 am
Good day,i am a good basketball player,i am 6ft9inches,nobody seem to have noticed my potentials.thank you.
emeka — December 14, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
pls i want to play basketball for any team
KINGSLEY — December 18, 2009 @ 5:19 am
Good day,I AM A good basketball player,i live in Nigeria,i am 6foot 9inches tall,i am fifteen years old,born in 1994.i want to play basketball and study in the U.S.contact me through my email address moses.kingsley@yahoo.com.thank you and God bless you.
Mustapha goald — December 30, 2009 @ 9:39 am
Am 6:7 feat weight 80 i play 2and3 am very good in shooting passing defens and scoring. I no my role and i play it well. I wanna play for spain and spain alone. THAK YOU I LOV YOU
Mustapha goald — December 30, 2009 @ 9:40 am
Am 6:7 feat weight 80 i play 2and3 am 16years old am very good in shooting passing defens and scoring. I no my role and i play it well. I wanna play for spain and spain alone. THAK YOU I LOV YOU
Anshul Gupta — January 2, 2010 @ 11:42 am
i am 10 years old and 4 ft. 11 inches… Im a good shot blocker in my league and I assist a lot… I am agressive and rebound very well. MY positions are Power Forward and Center. I shoot very well on shots inside the paint and a little mid-range jumpers. Our Coach doesn’t let us shoot threes unless we are in a buzzer-beater situation…. Do you think I can be in the NBA? Also, I practice 30 minutes every day in my backyard… Pls. Gimme some tips to become better.
Kayode — January 4, 2010 @ 2:10 am
I am a sixteen years old point guard, 6.1, with a good floor vision, & a very fast,alot of assit,team player,love to in america high school……
Kayode — January 4, 2010 @ 2:12 am
I am a sixteen years old point guard, 6.1, with a good floor vision, & a very fast,alot of assit,team player,love to in america high school……+2347030660849
robinson etuttu — January 5, 2010 @ 5:39 am
am tanzanian age 16 am 6ft1 am int guard and am realy good i would like to get a high school in us.
Ian Higgins — January 5, 2010 @ 11:13 pm
I am 14 years old. I am a PG and I go to a small private shool in the cities(Minneapolis,MN)I start for Mayer Luthern youth bsketball team and for my shool(Our Savior Luthern)I get almost all A’s but a few B+’s here and there. I do not have that very much money and I am on welfare(my mom and I)and my father does not pay child suport.I just want to turn my life around and make my mother proud. Anyway, I am good at basketball and football. I am kind of short(my mom is only 5′2 and my father is only 5′7) I am about 5′4 right now and I have not yet hit my growth spurt so I may be about 5′9. I just want to get into a good highschool and get noticed but I dont think I can make it through tryouts for AAU basketball. Of course there are hundreds of people out there who are better than me but I guarntee you I have more heart for the sport of basketball. I love the sport. I just need to know what skill I need as a PG to get into a good college and I need to know how good I should master those skills. Thank You. If anybody has tips or answers to my questions just send me an email at irishboy_a28@yahoo.com. Please.
emmanuel — January 6, 2010 @ 3:48 am
yeap..i want to play for american international
Ismail — January 6, 2010 @ 7:09 am
I looking for basketball scholarship, Im 6.2 feet tall, my shoes size is 8, i weigh 68kgs. I was awarded MVP at high in 2008, I was captain for 5 years, I was in the provincial squad for 2 years. At the moment im playing for Club. At the same time lm playing soccer for this football club lm a goalkeeper
isay — January 6, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
thanks for the tips but im in 8th grade on my way to highschool and i need a scholarship to play basketball at usf in florida,tampa its close to my family and if i get a scholarship for basketball from anywere else i would except it but i recomend usf bulls in florida, tampa please help me i really need that scholarship. i am now at dunedin highland middle school 8 th grade my name is isay gulley and i play for there team…..please help my mother is also trying to get me a scholarship i played for the aau team traveld to different place and played there…..:(
tim logan — January 11, 2010 @ 4:59 pm
thanks, but what if you dont play for your high school team? how exactly do you get a chance to be noticed by college recruiters? do you have to find where an AAU basketball team is located?
Athanael — January 12, 2010 @ 8:04 am
how can i get basketball scholarship…??
Daniel Neal — January 15, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
this website helped me alot how do I find a Amateur Athletic Union
adams — January 16, 2010 @ 5:22 am
please i need a basketball scholarship my phone nos,07035054371
Warren Tegama — January 19, 2010 @ 3:44 am
i play basketball for the zimbabwe national team im 15 how do i get a scholarship?
Ron Olsen — January 22, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
I would like to sponsor a Sudanes basketball player to play for my high school
We have one 6′11″ junior player & would like another tall player.
I would provide a home, meals & since I have my doctorate, would tutor the boy.
How do I get in touch with the Sudanes family?
We have large Sudanese population int my town.
Ron Olsen — January 22, 2010 @ 4:59 pm
My e-mail is: olsen.ron1@gmail.com
vincent madumelu — January 24, 2010 @ 9:33 am
hi dear,
my name is vincent madumelu, from Nigeria. my phone number is 07035076885. am so much interested in this scholarship opportunity and i wish it will be granted to me by the grace of God. thanks and may God bless you
Mr John Vandabroke — January 25, 2010 @ 7:42 am
We are currently looking for a well experience U.S players to play for a team in southern Australia,if you are interested you should me at
mrvandabroke@yahoo.com
please take note that am looking for a free agent player only
Coach V — January 26, 2010 @ 1:39 am
If a player is looking to come to the United States how do schools get them enrolled for high school? Do only prep/private schools get players from overseas? I did a camp in Africa and there are tons of players looking to come to the U.S. How do you get a player over if you are at a public school? Do you have to go through an agency or what?
ebaku — February 6, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
Hello i am Ebaku i leave Cameroon i am 6foot6 i would love to play in any country in Europe or America or Asia please i desperately need a basketball scholarship
Mike — February 9, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
i love how everyone wants to play basketball but you need to hae decent grades in school and it looks like most of the people that posted cant spellif their lives depended on it
mike — February 10, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
i am a kid(15) from london essex who loves nutting but playing basketball. and i am wondering how i can better myself in basketball. and how do you advance yourself and become an ultimate player
daniel allotey — February 24, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
am a basketball,player from ghana.please i whant a scholarship in high scho
daniel allotey — February 24, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
please i whant a scholarship for high school please
daniel allotey — February 24, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
please i whant a scholarship for high scool please!
christy steele — February 26, 2010 @ 1:09 am
i love the game, i have played since 1st grade. I play point gaurd but love to shoot 3. i want to play college ball no matter how hard it is basketball is worth it. Im a team player.
Anthony Fenech — March 3, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
thanks heaps. i live in Australia and hoping to soon get a scholarship for basketball to America. my dream and my aim is to make it to the NBA,p play for the chicago bulls or LA lakers and where the number 23 jersey.
Dan — March 7, 2010 @ 10:07 pm
If you want an opportunity to play basketball at a top U.S. boarding school, if you have good basketball skills, and if you are serious about academics, please contact me at (aegc@earthlink.net). Good character is a must.
Paschal — March 8, 2010 @ 10:29 am
i do much love to play basketball especially in the US where i believe
i can fullfil my dream of becoming a basketball Pro.if anyone know the pathways he/she may assist me in this.God bless
carl — March 8, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
please i have played basketball for over 11years i play as a point guard or shooting i am terribly in need of assistance to levitate and showcase my self to the world pls i am in nigeria and i seriously and desperately need all the help i can get please if there is anything you reading this can do please do so and i will make sure that you don’t regret this please here is my phone number 2348139012976 please i will appreciate any ones help GOD BLESS YOU “AMEN”
andrew bledsoe — March 11, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
i really need this i work really hard everyday and midnight 12-3 in the morning
andrew bledsoe — March 11, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
also my grades are good i have a 2.8 or 9