Hey, I'm a junior in high school, and I'm just wondering, what are the ways to better position myself to hopefully one day play for a Division 2 college basketball team? Like, what skill sets are they usually looking for, and does academic performance factor into the scholarship discussions? Kinda stressed but trying to stay on top of my game. Thanks!
First of all, kudos to you for thinking ahead about your future, both athletically and academically! Indeed, skill sets and academic performance are two of the major elements that Division II colleges consider.
As for the skills, different colleges will be looking for different things depending on the coach's strategy and the team's needs at that point. However, universally valued attributes across the board include strong fundamentals, good communication, the ability to work well within a team, defensive competencies, and solid decision-making abilities. Keep working on these, both during practice and in real games.
Joining a club or AAU team can also be greatly beneficial. This gives you the opportunity to play basketball year-round and compete against the best players from other high schools in the area, providing exposure to a wider range of playing styles and strategies.
In terms of your academics, they do play a factor in scholarship discussions. Even though you’re an athlete, colleges still care about your academic performance. Division II schools typically require a minimum of 2.2 GPA for athletic eligibility but many schools will set a higher threshold, especially for scholarship consideration. On top of this, strong grades can open up more academic scholarship opportunities. Balancing sports and academics may be challenging, but it's crucial for your college aspirations!
Participating in school activities outside of basketball can also be beneficial. Joining clubs or student government, for example, showcases your leadership skills and commitment to your school community. In the eyes of college recruiters and admissions officers, it paints a fuller picture of you as both an athlete and a student.
Finally, make sure to record your games and make a highlight reel. This will help you get your abilities out there and could be used when reaching out to college coaches. When the time comes, you might want to reach out to college coaches at the D2 schools that you’re interested in - they may not know to recruit you otherwise.
Hope this advice helps you strategize your high school basketball career and eventually land you a spot on a D2 college team! Good luck!
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