Class of 2021: Recruiting Tidbits
Anyone that has been following along the Prep Girls Hoops Washington Twitter feed has noticed lots of updates on players in the 2021 class. September first is a big day for junior prospects, as college coaches are finally able to…
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Continue ReadingAnyone that has been following along the Prep Girls Hoops Washington Twitter feed has noticed lots of updates on players in the 2021 class. September first is a big day for junior prospects, as college coaches are finally able to directly contact players. Before junior year, coaches can basically just send out questionnaires and elite camp invites directly to players and/or their parents. 2021 prospects will now receive a lot more personalized mail, emails, texts and phone calls. Some juniors will even begin setting up official visits before you know it. Here are a few things to consider for the junior class as the recruiting process really heats up.
Didn’t receive a call?
Some players did not receive calls in the last couple days and I understand the anxiousness that may be associated with that. Take a deep breathe and understand there is still a good amount of basketball to be played. Ultimately, if a player performs well enough, consistently, there will be college opportunities for basketball. Don’t get too stressed out and start comparing your game (or your child’s game) to other players. Let your play do the talking and keep on working no matter what. Some of those players that received calls in the last few days can and will be passed up by players that didn’t in some cases.
Receiving a call is step one of a potentially long process
Taking a phone call, getting something in the mail or having a coach text you is step one of the recruiting process and it doesn’t mean the school is ready to offer a scholarship. These initial contacts are basically just a nod of “hey we know who you are and you might have some potential”. Coaches may be hot, warm or cooler on the prospect even if they reached out. It is a numbers game. Compiling some of the numbers of updates I have been given in the last few days, (I only posted some updates via twitter) there were multiple schools that literally reached out to 15 plus kids in this state alone. The truth is maybe a couple of them will ever be given a scholarship offer. As I have stated before, colleges have made it known and are making it known who their top 2021 priorities are. Top priority meaning regular contact, visits being pushed for and more than likely an offer on the table. Overall, it is just as important for players that are now getting actively recruited to keep working as it is for players that are not.
Take visits!
Schools that are inviting you onto campus for football games, basketball games, campus visits or anything, just do it! I understand for most people it is not financially possible to go to every campus for unofficial visits, (prospect’s family pays the way) but the more the better. Prospects need to see what they like, don’t like and have face time with the staff and players. Getting a feel for campus is also very important. Some kids think they want to attend a big school, only to learn they actually like a smaller school type of environment, for example. Taking visits is the best way for families and players to educate themselves on these schools that could end up being a legitimate destination.
Lastly, please keep me updated! The response this Fall has been outstanding and it has been fun providing coverage for girls all over the state.