The Scholarship Race: How Early Should Schools be Allowed to Offer?

For those who know me well, my stance on this issue is nothing new. I have always believed that the earliest that colleges and universities should be allowed to offer student athletes an athletic scholarship is the beginning of 9th grade. One function of High School is to prepare teenagers to become productive adult citizens, and a college scholarship can be a factor in that. However, prior to that time, I think that as adults we owe it to kids to allow them to enjoy their childhoods without unneeded pressures from influences outside of family and friends. A scholarship offer to a middle schooler (or elementary schooler) creates a false sense of security, and causes many student-athletes to misplace their priorities.

I wrote this particular post as a response to the fact that the one program which I actively cheer for, the University of Washington Football program, had just taken a commitment from a 14 year-old quarterback from San Diego, who was about to enter the 8th grade. I am a UW alumni and at that point was a strong supporter of our coach at the time. There are currently no NCAA rules against making the offer, but I think in this case our head coach was in the wrong.

Imagine peaking at 14. Imagine that at 14 years of age you were once considered the best, and you never were again. I'm not saying this is going to happen to this particular child, but it could. This can lead to many mental health issues like anxiety and depression as well. As a society, unfortunately we have accepted it. USC constantly offers scholarships in basketball (football has as well) to athletes before they reach high school, and nothing is done about it. A lot can happen in five years, and as other athletes develop, then either side can lose interest in the agreement. I understand the argument about commitments being non-binding, but at that age, why commit at all? Rival schools are not going to back off because a 7th grader made a specific school choice. Everyone knows that the commitment probably won't last that long, and the child will become enamored with other schools, or he fails to live up to his 'athletic potential.' He will spend much of the rest of his life failing to live up to what he once was, which will be a cause of a less than happy childhood or adult life (See: Ryan Leaf, Demetrius Walker, Brian Bosworth, Michael Avery, etc...). Additionally, a student-athlete that goes through their childhood expecting to be a great sports star will most likely be lacking in many educational opportunities that youth provides. This sort of thing doesn't need to happen to kids, and the negative impacts far outweigh the positive benefits. If a student-athlete is still good enough, he will be there to be offered when they reach 9th grade. If they still like your school, they can commit then.

Consider this, what negative impacts would there be if the NCAA began allowing Universities to begin offering scholarships to student athletes after the beginning of their high school careers? Would schools have a better understanding of how the kid will develop and turn out? Yes. Would this take pressure off of middle schoolers to be perfect and exceptional? Yes. Would this keep student athletes from reaching their 'glory days' before they can drive? Most likely, yes. Does the NCAA have anything to lose by doing this? No. No school will rescind membership and flee to the NAIA because they can't get a verbal from Johnny the 7th grader. As you can see, there is nothing to lose and a lot to gain by proposing an age rule for offering scholarships.

However, that will lead us to our next problem. Parents (like the one of the 2017 UW commit), will begin homeschooling their kids and holding them back in middle school so they can become more physically mature. In actuality, they want their kids to play against and be compared to younger kids in order to make their child look better. If that happens pre-high school, the NCAA can't do anything about it.

Either way, the NCAA needs to step forward and set the right example. Set a minimum grade limit for when Universities can offer scholarships, and set it at the beginning of 9th grade. Like I said, there really is nothing to lose.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

Getting Recruited: Highlight vs Game Film

While its important to be seen by recruiters, the format in which you present yourself and your abilities is very important. Many times, I've had players ask me for game films so they can put together a 'sick' highlight film. I'll admit, there are benefits to highlight films, my overall belief is that compared to full game film, or being seen in person (best case) they fail overwhelmingly and are not often worth the time it takes to put them together. More often than not, they really do make me... sick. Remember this, when a school invests a scholarship on you, they're investing in all of you... not just your best moments.

Schools rarely come out to see someone in person without some type of influencing factor. Whether they saw you in the summer, spoke to a coach, or even saw a film of you online, they need to make a decision whether or not it is worth the investment of their time and budgeted money to come see you.

Nobody is going to come see you based on a highlight film. Why? They won't come because they don't trust the highlight film. I certainly don't. While I am not a college coach, I have received more highlight films than I want by people who want to attend (usually get a scholarship to) our prep school. What a highlight film can tell me is that you are capable of making some nice plays, hitting some shots, or dunking a ball. At its best I can see what you look like, how long your arms appear to be in proportion to the rest of your body, and (in a best case scenario) if you have any sort of athleticism. Its a decent first glance, and does a little more than a still photograph, but that's it. And I guarantee you, I'm not suggesting to my school that we spend a scholarship on someone because they have a good highlight film. However, I may ask for a full game film based on what they look like in a highlight film.

Highlight films tend to blend together and its nearly impossible to stand out. Everyone in their highlights hits every shot they take. Of course they do, the misses are edited out. They never turn the ball over, they get every rebound, they block every shot, and every pass is an assist. Again, everything not extraordinary is edited out. And why not? It makes no sense to put in mistakes when other people are putting in their greatest hits. The problem is though, that in a sea of highlight films, being perfect doesn't stand out. Plus, everyone watching those films if often bored, knowing they're not seeing true player. To me, its a waste of time, and I'm usually left bored with your taste of music.

Solution: For me, the best I can receive is full game film. Let coaches know what number you are and if you are home or away, and they can see for themselves if you fit their system and what they are looking for. If you do, great. If you don't neither your or the coach's time is being wasted. That's a good thing. I always say, the best school out there is the one that wants YOU. A full game film is the best way for a coach to determine whether or not they want you in their program. It cuts out all the extra unneeded steps that only waste time. Plus, if you really want to impress people, then give a film where you stand out. Trust me, your highlight film song choice, or slow motion features will not help you stand out. Dominate for a full game against decent competition, now that will impress people.

One of the benefits of highlight film is that it is easy to get online. True, however full games can go online too. Sometimes you have to cut them up in 10-15 minute clips, but it still saves time in editing and if you send out a series of links to college coaches, they are more likely to sit down and watch the full game to make an honest evaluation of your skills. Again, if they like what they see and think you are a fit, they will come see you (or bring you to see them) if their budget allows for it. Nobody is going to offer you a scholarship based on highlight film. That's a sure way to get fired. Full game film offers are also rare, however coaches are more likely to come see you play based off of full game film as opposed to highlight film.

Quick recap: When it comes to promoting yourself and your skills, remember that coaches are looking for complete basketball players. Highlight films do not show that. Full games do. Remember, you cannot fool your way into success. Find the right level where you can play and contribute positively. Full game film, more so than highlight film can help you do that.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

The Spring Signing Period

If you're a High School Senior, hopefully you're committed or signed by now. If not, its time to look honestly at the options you have in front of you. Here are the different levels, and how to approach them.

D1: If you have a D1 offer, then great! Seriously consider it, take that visit. If it looks good, take the offer. If you can't see yourself playing there, be realistic and go to a lower level. However, if you have no D1 offers, read on: The biggest mistake most High School Seniors make in their recruitment process is uttering the following sentence: "I'm completely committed to going D1." My immediate response to hearing this (besides vomiting in my mouth) is: Why would you shoot yourself in the foot like that? If people hear you say that sentence, and they're considering you at a D2 or NAIA, they'll back off. Why? Nobody wants a player that is not going to want to be there. Honestly, if you're a senior, have no offers or D1 coaches calling you or coming to see you by this point, and are looking 'only D1' still, you don't live in reality. Most likely, that offer is not coming. Listen, your AAU or HS coach may think you are a D1 player. That doesn't matter. The D1 coach has to think you're a D1 player. If they're not talking to you as often as they can, then they don't think you can help them. If you have some D2 offers, but D1's are calling... fine, entertain them, but remember, those offers won't be around forever. Chances are the school has offered you and a couple of other guys, whoever takes the offer first gets it. Don't get left out.

D2: Depending on the level of D2, you have some time to pick up an offer. I've placed players at Division 2 schools as late as July. However, this is the exception, not the rule. As stated earlier, most D2s offer a few guys at the same position for one scholarship. When someone accepts, the offer for the rest comes off the table. If you have an offer, I'd seriously consider visiting. It shows your interest, and if you feel comfortable with the University and the coaching staff, commit. A free education goes a long way.

NAIA: Some NAIA's aren't done recruiting until August. If you're looking for an NAIA scholarship or aid, its best to be proactive, contact the coaching staff, and guage interest and need. If you feel like you'd like to go there, take a visit (usually on your dime). If you feel comfortable there, commit.

D3: D3's don't offer athletic scholarships. Financial Aid can go a long ways. Contact coaches and find a spot that it financially reasonable for you.

JUCO: Many JUCO's aren't done until school starts. If you've dropped the ball and missed out on 4 year offers, feel like you need another year, didn't qualify academically, or are still D1 "focused," then Juco is for you.

Prep School: Prep is much like Juco without using a year of eligibility. If you feel like you need an extra year or an extra class to qualify, then contact some prep schools about enrolling for the next year. Be careful, Prep Schools are expensive, and everyone who goes has the same goal. You will have to be competetive but relatively unselfish. Be realistic, If you're lacking in skill, or aren't at least the best player on your high school team, Prep School may not be the best choice. Even the best teams have a last guy on the bench, and if you don't want to pay to sit, maybe think about a Junior College. If you contact a prep school looking for a scholarship, don't expect to get it. Like colleges, if they give scholarships, they already have a list of who they are after as well. I hate to be blunt, but if you're contacting them... you're not on that list.

The most important thing about figuring out what to do with your future when its late and you are starting to scramble is to BE REALISTIC. Look at who is actively recruiting you, and what your options are. Keep outside influences away, and make this a family decision. If you feel you need an extra year to 'develop' think about who told you that. If it was a club coach, often he will want you to play on the AAU circuit for another summer, especially if you're paying for it.

Again, BE REALISTIC. Ask yourself this question: Who is recruiting me now? If the answer is nobody, then contact Jucos, preps (but be willing to pay), and NAIAs/D3s. If the answer is D1 or D2, then that is the spot you should seriously look at. Strongly consider all offers. If you blow them off, you'll be the one left with nothing.

Hopefully this help with your decision about your future. Keep the big picture in perspective, be patient, and most importantly be realistic about yourself and your skill level. If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me at adamdesautels@gmail.com.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels