How can I get a college scholarship for playing basketball?

I play basketball at my high school and I’d love to receive a scholarship for it in college. What should I be focusing on to increase my chances and what’s the recruitment process like?

If you're considering using your basketball skills to get a scholarship, it's vital to be proactive and strategic. Here are a few steps you might consider:

1. Skills and Performance: This goes without saying, but the better you are at the game, the higher your chances of being recruited. Regular practice and participation in competitive events can help improve your skills, and your performance in games can considerably affect your likelihood of securing a scholarship. Try to push yourself to become one of the top performers in your team or league.

2. Academic Performance: While your skills on the court play a significant role, it's crucial to not overlook your academic performance. Many schools have minimum GPA requirements for scholar-athletes. Keep your grades up to ensure you're academically eligible for scholarships.

3. Get Exposure: The more exposure you have, the higher your chances of being spotted by a scout or coach. Participate in competitive high school leagues, AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), showcase events, and summer camps. These events are frequented by college scouts looking for talented athletes.

4. Create a Highlight Reel: A highlight reel showcasing your best plays can be very beneficial. It should include footage from multiple games, displaying various skills such as shooting, passing, defense, endurance, and agility. You'll often send this video along with your initial contact with coaches.

5. Contact Coaches: Don't wait for coaches to find you; reach out to them directly. Research colleges you're interested in, reach out to their basketball coaches, express your interest and send them your athletic resume and highlight reel.

6. NCAA Regulations: Familiarize yourself with NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) regulations. Athletes must meet specific eligibility criteria to play at the collegiate level, so it's crucial to understand these rules to ensure you're qualified. A helpful resource is the NCAA Eligibility Center.

7. Recruitment Process: The recruitment process starts as early as freshman year of high school. The coach may start to send you information about their athletic program and institution. During your junior year, coaches can begin to contact you directly, which is when you'll likely start getting offers.

Remember, it’s a very competitive process to secure a basketball scholarship, and not every great high school athlete will go on to get one. However, giving your best both on the court and in the classroom, and being proactive in your recruitment process, significantly enhance your shot at one.