Players: Here’s 5 Viewing Period ‘Do’s’ for this Week
This weekend signals the end of the summer recruiting season as well as the final week of AAU play for many rising seniors. These events will be some of the final opportunities for unsigned players to showcase their college potential and garner that scholarship offer they have long coveted.
Having coached and recruited college players for the past decade or so, I offer these five tips to help you get the most out of this final week.
Look the part
College players have a certain look about them. They have a confidence that is noticeable to the coaches that are watching. Be attentive to things like your warm-up, your uniform, and your interactions with teammates, coaches, and parents.
Play with joy
There are few things that catch a coach’s eye more than seeing a prospect playing like she enjoys it. Basketball can be a grind – show coaches that this is what you love to do. When you get to college the season is long and difficult so having players on your team that love to play (and practice) is huge.
Be the best YOU that you can be
I am sure you have heard this before – don’t try to be something you are not. Feel free to try some things that you have been working on but the name of the game is to showcase your talent. While watching the Mill City Invite a few weeks ago I overheard two coaches discussing a player they were watching. They were confused why this player was constantly passing up shots and trying to get to the rim. “I thought she was a shooter?” one coach asked. Feature what you do well within the flow of the game.
Have a high MOTOR
Coaches love energy givers! Coaches love to see you hustle to 50/50 balls, get back on defense, and run the floor. They also love to see competitors. Are you doing all you can to help your team win? Are you making your teammates better with your play? When you get to college, coaches do not want to teach effort. Show them they don’t have to worry about this with you.
When the week is over be proactive and responsive
When the viewing period is over, and you have some contact from coaches, be responsive. Keep in mind that the window for these coaches can be narrow, so don’t miss out simply by not reacting to a call, email, or text. If your AAU coach asks you to call a coach do it.
If you are considering D3 options, be proactive about contacting those schools that interest you academically. Many D3 schools simply don’t have the staff to see everyone that may fit their program so let them know you are out there! It is also important to note that many schools offer fantastic financial aid packages that would outweigh some lesser scholarship offers so keep an open mind when deciding to commit.
Take care of these five things over the next week or so and everything else will take care of itself. Good luck!