Dear 2022 High School Graduates
Dear 2022 High School Graduates,
It’s been a rough couple of years with COVID-19 still running rampant across the world, wondering if you are truly ready for post-secondary. Many of you have not taken a test in two or three years, coupled with online school, social isolation and challenges to your mental health and well-being! For student-athletes, the hopes of playing collegiate sports and zero offers or not the offer you were hoping for, is particularly stressful. I decided to write this letter to help you understand the landscape and your reality.
Playing in the U.S.:
I can honestly say I’ve witnessed the transition in mindset for many student-athletes wanting to play collegiate sports, especially in the basketball community. Approximately six years ago the mentality of D1 or bust was very common; don’t get me wrong I’m sure there are some that still think this way. Young people are starting to understand that less than 2% of high school athletes make it to DI and with the expansion of recruitment worldwide, scholarship offers are more competitive than ever. Many now understand that playing in any division, conference or league is a privilege!
The Transfer Portal:
Transfer rules vary from sport to sport and in this blog I speak specifically about D1/D2 basketball. The Transfer Portal was created by the NCAA as a compliance tool to help manage the transfer process from start to finish, add more transparency to the process among schools and allow student-athletes to express their interest in other programs. If a player wanted to transfer they would be required to sit out a year; this rule has been in effect since the 1960’s. Exception to sitting out a year meant a player’s application of the Waiver process was successful!
In April 2021 the NCAA voted to grant all players the ability to transfer once without penalty. This right here has historic implications for high school graduates moving forward and I will state regardless of what division, conference or league! With approximately 1,400 D1 players (and counting) in the portal, programs with roster spots will most definitely look to the portal first, then potentially look at Junior College (JUCO) players before offering a true freshman. With that being said, if you’re a ‘special’ player, you may stand a better chance of getting an offer. Although not every player intends on playing D1, this creates a ripple effect for other divisions, conference and leagues.
Playing In Canada:
The talent pool in Canada has grown exponentially thanks to grassroots level development programs and reputable Prep Schools! There are many high-level players that chose to play in Canada and some would argue several teams can and have beaten D1 programs! Over several years, other athletes who initially accepted D1/D2 scholarships are making their way back home to play. With the large number of athletes in the portal, we could see a rising trend of roster spots reduced on USports teams.
I understand it seems like all is lost after spending years honing your craft working to get an opportunity to play at the next level. Don’t be discouraged, keep working and stay HOPEFUL! The recruiting landscape is always changing. Here are some things to consider moving forward:
- Manage your expectations: Understand your skill set and match it to the level you can realistically play & look at all options from D2, D3, JUCO, NAIA & USports
- Stay ready academically & athletically
- You must perform in front of coaches
- If a program expresses interest and gives you an offer, unless you are a 5-star athlete this may not be the time to hold out for something else
- Target exposure camps & AAU opportunities
- Get extra support from your current school, AAU, former coaches and reputable recruiting services
- Go where you will play and if it’s not the level you initially wanted, become player of the year, freshman/rookie of the year then consider transferring
Remember, everyone’s path is different!
Sharon Butler
Founder, ARS & Coach Mom
sharon@arecruits.com
