What are the options for international students seeking basketball scholarships?

I'm an international student and a basketball player looking for scholarship opportunities in the United States. How competitive is it to get a basketball scholarship, and what steps should I take to improve my chances?

There are several options when it comes to seeking basketball scholarships for international students. Certainly, it takes high levels of athleticism and skill, but it's certainly a possibility if you're committed and do your due diligence.

1. NCAA Scholarships: The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) represents the highest level of collegiate sports, including basketball. They have Division I, II and III schools. D I and II schools can offer scholarships to athletes. Reach out to NCAA coaches by emailing them your highlight reels, stats and academic performance to demonstrate your skills both in the classroom and on the court.

2. NAIA Scholarships: The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) offers scholarships for athletes similar to the NCAA. Operating with smaller universities and colleges, the NAIA is often a great choice for athletes looking to balance both their athletic and academic commitments.

3. NJCAA Scholarships: The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) offers scholarships for athletes who are intending to start their college career at community colleges. This can be a great route for international students hoping to adapt to the rigors of collegiate play and studying before transferring to a four-year institution.

To improve your chances of obtaining a basketball scholarship, here are some steps to consider:

1. Skills & Exposure: Sharpen your basketball skills continuously. Attend international exposure camps or tournaments where U.S college scouts and recruiters are likely to be. It's important to keep updated videos of your games and skills that you can share with coaches.

2. Academics: Keep your academic performance strong. Scholarships often require maintaining a certain level of academic performance. SAT/ACT scores and your GPA do matter.

3. Networking: Establish relationships with coaches and athletes in U.S. colleges. Reach out to coaches with personalized emails where you speak about why you're interested in their program.

4. Compliance Paperwork: Ensure you're on top of the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA eligibility center, which is required for international students looking for scholarships. This includes paperwork affirming your amateur athlete status and academic transcripts among others.

Remember, it's indeed competitive to earn a basketball scholarship, but with determination and consistently putting effort into both your basketball and academic skills, it can definitely become a reality. Good luck!