Which American Colleges Offer International Scholarships for Basketball?

I'm an international student interested in playing basketball at college in the U.S., but I don't know where to start. Can anyone suggest colleges that offer scholarships for international basketball players?

Many colleges in the U.S. offer scholarships for international students who excel in basketball, ranging from Division I to Division III schools. Scholarships are typically given by either the college's athletic department or the college’s general scholarship fund.

At the Division I level, some of the most well-known schools for basketball are Duke, UCLA, Kansas, and University of Kentucky. These schools often recruit international players and offer scholarships.

Division II schools like University of Indianapolis and West Texas A&M also offer athletic scholarships, including for international students. These schools may provide more accessibility for international students who are not quite at the ultra-competitive Division I level but still wish to play college basketball.

Division III schools, while they don't offer scholarships specifically for athletics, often offer generous financial aid packages that effectively function as a scholarship. A school like MIT, though known more for its academics than its athletics, has a strong DIII basketball program and extensive financial aid opportunities for international students.

It's also important to keep in mind that in order to be eligible for an athletic scholarship at an NCAA-approved school, you have to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet specific academic and amateur athletics criteria. This includes having a certain GPA in the core classes specified by the NCAA and demonstrating that you’ve maintained your amateur status in the sport.

Start by reaching out to the colleges you are interested in and the coaches of the basketball teams. They can provide you with more specific information about their programs, scholarship opportunities, and the recruiting process.

Good luck with your basketball career! The road to becoming a college athlete can be challenging, but it's an amazing opportunity to both further your education and continue playing the sport you love.