Discussion on Non-Nationally Ranked Prospects
Everyone knows about the 3, 4 and 5 star recruits that have offers from high major programs out of the SEC, ACC, Pac-12, Big 12, Big East and Big 10. I have attended three different events in the last two…
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Continue ReadingEveryone knows about the 3, 4 and 5 star recruits that have offers from high major programs out of the SEC, ACC, Pac-12, Big 12, Big East and Big 10. I have attended three different events in the last two weeks and when I walk into a gym, it is pretty easy to point out who the top players are in the entire gym. Number one, due to their ability that catches the eye and number two, because loads of college coaches are lined up to see particular prospects play. One prominent club coach from a national program mentioned to me that so many Division 1 programs are wasting their time on certain players, because they have no realistic chance of getting certain players. Nonetheless, the colleges keep on calling and dozens of prospects that would be eager to play for some programs are oftentimes left with little more than an elite camp invite. Let’s take a quick look at the landscape in Washington at this time.
5 players in the current 2020 class are ranked near or around the top 150 mark nationally, depending on the database. Hailey Van Lith, Jordyn Jenkins, Jayda Noble, Keeli Burton-Oliver and Dalayah Daniels are all very well known by college programs throughout the country and rightfully so for a variety of reasons. I would guess around 150 schools would make calls to these five players combined following the first viewing period of the summer. The fact is only 5 schools will ever see these players step foot on campus and maybe a couple more with potential transfers down the road. Most prospects only truly consider 3-5 programs when it really comes down to it and sometimes less. I am by no means saying colleges should not recruit these players, but some D1 schools would truly benefit from making an effort on players 10-25 in the region.
What would this mean?
Some college coaches may not find themselves at the main court with the other 75 plus coaches watching a single game. They may find themselves on court 15 spotting some hard working and talented players that might not have some of the glitz and glamour of other players for whatever reason. It could also mean going and watching some 15u games to get an early look at some younger players coming up. Building relationships with underclassmen before they have lots of others involved in their recruitment can make a huge difference when it’s all said and done. Coaches can also use club and high school coaches to set up phone calls with younger or under the radar prospects. Many of the top prospects have so many people wanting to talk to them, they have a difficult time even finding the time to call some schools back. There are many media outlets and people including myself who cover players that aren’t nationally ranked, but could help a college program win some ball games.
Our rankings sheet at PGH Washington currently has over 200 players and counting from Washington alone and many of these prospects are overlooked possibly due to their club team, lack of social media buzz, playing at a non-powerhouse high school or they just haven’t been seen by the right people at the right time. For coverage on top level players as well as under the radar players, PGH is a great source for college coaches of all levels!