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

A Year at the Summit

My first season as a Varsity Head Basketball Coach begins with tryouts in exactly one week. With a new season on the horizon, I always like to look back at why I do what I do and to answer the following questions. What is the point in becoming a High School Basketball Coach? What can I possibly accomplish in a few short months? I am here to make a difference in the lives of kids. I am here to teach them through a sport how to work with others, how to sacrifice yourself for the betterment of the group, and how to grow and mature through a common goal. Teaching Basketball is teaching life. It is my job to help my players become overachievers, while doing my part to guide them down a path towards a successful future. High School Basketball is not about me. It is never about the coach. It is about the lives of the 12 kids on my roster. This brings me to remember my favorite season as a coach. Keep reading, this story is worth the time.

I eagerly anticipated my second season in Seattle with the Summit Invaders. I was fortunate to return as the assistant varsity coach and head JV coach at the Seattle alternative school. This was a school for students who did not succeed at other schools for one reason or another, and we had a variety of players on our roster from many different, and equally difficult backgrounds. The Summit basketball players had not been known for being the most successful students after they left school, this group proved them wrong. I also was back working for our head coach, Jay Gahan. Jay is the epitome of a coach. He cared more about the kids than about himself, and would do anything to help them grow into responsible, contributing citizens. In a game littered with parasites, people who use kids to make themselves look good, there are not enough Jay Gahan's. Every day on the court, I try to emulate the great character of this man. If I even get halfway there, I will have had a rewarding career. People like Jay are found the most at the high school level. They don't see youth basketball as a 'business', they see it as a way to teach life lessons. This is where basketball is at its best, and where I am going to stay. I have no desire to be a college coach. I only desire to make a difference, like Jay did.

The 2008-09 season at Summit did not start well. By the beginning of the school year, rumors were buzzing that our school was on the district's list to be shut down due to money concerns. Most of our players were underclassmen, and their futures were up in the air and they had no control over it. To say our group was distracted was an understatement. We lost often and badly. Our season had spiraled out of control as we left for a winter tournament without our starting point guard who slept through our departure time (he had insomnia and hadn't slept regularly for weeks). We lost both tournament games, and as a result were sitting at 1-7 at the beginning of January. After a Saturday practice in which 6 varsity players skipped, we pulled the group together for another team meeting. We met, argued, left the team for a players-only meeting, returned to lead an uninspired practice. Our players had lost heart. They were losing their school, they were losing their season, and they were losing each other. There was no motivation. So, we made a switch. We put a sophomore point guard (who began the year as a swing player with the JV) into the starting lineup and moved our PG to the off guard position. They shared pg duties. We also abandoned the full court man-to-man and began playing a halfcourt man. More importantly, we tried to convince them that their season was the way to have Summit remembered. If they finish successfully, their school will not be forgotten. As the season wore on, we began to play much better. We were in close contests, and 1-7 turned to 7-12. The improvement, however was noticeable. To make the district playoffs, we would have to beat a team we lost to by 25, and the team that knocked us out of the playoffs the year before by 21 pts. We would also need Rainier Christian (who had beaten us twice) to lose to Kings West (who had 1 league win on the season). We were prepared for senior night to be the final game in Summit history. Our kids were not. I cannot begin to describe to you the size of the hearts on our team as we began to play on senior night. The night before our 'final game', Rainier Christian lost to Kings West. There was hope, then something clicked, and we beat Seattle Lutheran by 18. Our players played with the passion of that senior night the rest of the way. Our players took out Life Christian by 16 to make the district tournament. I spent most of my time calling coaches of common opponents, writing scouting reports and teaching our opponents offenses to our JV team. They picked the sets up immediately. Every player in our program was committed, confident, and energized. they had become the team we dreamed they'd develop into.

We then beat Quilcene (again, revenge from the previous year) as our senior guard, Kesean Prince, who sacrificed his role as our pg (and finally began sleeping) exploded for 21 in a 20 point win. We lost to Seattle Lutheran, but had made the bi-district tournament as the lowest seed. Our record was now 10-13.

Our first bi-district tournament game was at Darrington. Darrington hadn't lost a game at home all season and won their conference. Our kids executed the game plan perfectly, and we won by 4. Our Sophomore PG Ray Alvarez hit 2 FTs to ice the win. Then, we rode the lockdown defense of Robert Saunders to beat Mt. Vernon Christian by 12, earning Summit's first State Tournament birth since 1996. Summit had never won the bi-district tournament. The championship game would be played in two days. Our record was 12-13.

After two days of prepping for La Conner's low post motion offense, we took the court ready to play. We didn't have a player over 6'1 and they had a good balance of shooters and bigs. We fell behind by 12 points in the second half, but another JV swing player, Jason Castoriano shut down their post, and we began to crawl back into the game. La Conner missed some free throws, and Kesean Prince threw a bullet pass to Jake Roos who layed it in as time expired to send the game to overtime. Jake hit the biggest shot of his life (so far) on his 18th birthday. In overtime, we fell behind by 5 and again crawled back. With 4 seconds remaining, and down by one, Ray Alvarez took a transition jump shot to try to win the game. The shot was blocked and bounced out of bounds. Senior Captain (and 5'10 post) Terrell Shegog sacrificed his body diving out of bounds to save the ball under our basket. He scooped it in mid air and fired it to Jake Roos, who scored with 1.7 seconds remaining. La Conner threw their inbounds pass out of bounds and Summit had won our school's first district championship. They had done it while going for more than 10 assists and less than 10 turnovers for the game. That meant Coach Gahan and I had to coach the first state tournament game barefoot with all of our nails painted pink. Being men of our words, we did. Our record was 13-13.

The Summit Invaders had easily the worst record of all the teams in the state tournament. Our kids fought, but eventually lost in the first round of the State Tournament by 3 to the champion of the SW Washington league. Even though we didn't win the entire tournament, these kids showed heart, determination, resilience, and a willingness to sacrifice for their teammates that I've yet to see since. I thought I knew why I wanted to coach when I began. This team cemented it for me. The school did close, and we lost our jobs, which is why I ended up coming down to Westwind Prep. While I've learned a lot down here, I don't think I will ever learn the valuable lessons that I did that year at Summit. My only regret about that season is that I did not yet have the knowledge or contacts to help place these students into college. That Summit team only had two players who played basketball the next season. They were not overly talented, but no one could match their heart. They are the epitome of a team and a family. This is a group of kids that had been tossed aside, neglected, and thrown away, and they came together and achieved a common goal. Many of those who remember Summit, will do so because of these kids.I am thankful to each player and to Coach Gahan for allowing me to be a part of such a special season.

This team is why I coach basketball. I'm not down here (at Westwind Prep) to become a college coach or a prep school head coach. I'm here because of the kids at Summit. I am in my third year in the youth basketball 'business.' To be honest, I don't like it. There are too many bad people infesting youth basketball. This is why I am a high school coach. At the high school level, you find basketball at its purest form. It is reletively untainted by those looking to profit off of kids. The coaches are relatively genuine, and the spirit of competition is alive and well. The kids are playing for the love of the game, and the coaches are teachers of the essential skills of life.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

What To Look For In A Prep School

Prep Schools come in all sorts of shapes and forms. When choosing the correct prep school for you, please consider all options, then narrow down your list. This is an important decision, because you are looking for the school that will give you the best opportunity to 1. Qualify, 2. Improve, and 3. Get Recruited. The goal for those that go to a prep schools is to recieve a full scholarship to a 4 year college. Do your homework and ask around. Is it possible at this school?

1. When it comes to qualifying, get in contact with the school's principal, coaches, and counselor. Find out if they know NCAA rules and regulations regarding qualification. See if they can put together a tentative schedule that will give you the classes you need to qualify as soon as possible. If they can't, cross the school off your list. Prep schools should have employees at multiple positions that understand NCAA guidelines. If the key people don't know the rules, how can you trust them to help you out? There also needs to be a connection between the school and the basketball program. You need to be at a place where everyone including teachers and coaches are all on the same page. If your 'prep school' contracts you out to other schools, run for the hills, because your best interest is not at the heart of that program.

2. Look at the track record of the coach(es) you will be playing for. How many players have they developed? Call a couple of players who ended up at multiple levels of college athletics, and see if they believe the coaches helped them get better. Don't only call the major successes, call the last couple of players on the bench as well to get a more well rounded idea of what it is like at that school. Have your parents call a couple of parents as well about the school to see if they were satisfied with what went on. If all checks  out, keep that school on your list.

3. Finally, you should check to see if you will have opportunities to be recruited by coaches all over the country. How well do the school's coaches promote their players? What is the school's placement rate for student-athletes moving on to 4 year schools? It should be around 90% or higher, or that school should drop off your list as well. Find out how many players went to a JUCO after their prep year. If there are many, then there is a chance you will waste your time at that prep as well. Finally, call some people who have been around basketball for a while, and ask about the reputation of the school and the coach. If a coach at the school you are considering playing at has a very negative reputation, remember that there is usually a reason for all reputations. People get reputations for a reason. They usually earn them. If the coach or school has a overwhelmingly negative reputation, cross that school off of your list as well. You need to be around people who care about you and your future first and foremost. Make sure your school of choice is surrounded with those types of people. Stay away from the users who only use you to promote their program or school. Those people don't care about you at all. They only care about the image you bring to them and their program.

My best suggestion is to consider multiple schools, and make a ranking grid with your parents. Rate each school based on the three above categories. Go with the one that grades out the highest. Good luck with your search!

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

Basketball Players vs Athletes That Play Basketball

There are two types of people that you often see on the floor in basketball. The first, are the 'athletes that play basketball.' These athletes are those that impress with their physical skills, jumping ability, and quickness. The second are those we call 'basketball players.' The players have a thorough understanding of the game, a strong will and desire to do whatever it takes to win games, and the physical and mental toughness to follow through with their intentions on the court. More often than not, the athletes waste their talent as they rely on their natural ability to carry them. Basketball players often overachieve. This is due to an inherent desire to do anything to win, coupled with the realization that they lack some physical gifts that their competitors have. They realize they need to work harder to even the playing field and overachieve by surpassing the athletes with their toughness and determination.

Every coach loves having basketball players on their team. Basketball players are often internally motivated, and have great leadership skills. Basketball players may not always be the best players on a team, but they are the guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to win a game. Basketball players are the guys you see diving on the floor for every loose ball while the 'athletes' are the ones standing and watching. Basketball players are willing to sacrifice their bodies for their teams by stepping in and taking a charge. Athletes that play basketball are often the ones out of control, jumping off of one foot, and being called for the charge. Basketball players are the ones who live in the gym and the weight room in order to get everything they can out of their bodies while athletes that play basketball sit at home playing 2k and talking about which team they will be playing for. The teams that overachieve have basketball players as their leaders and best players. The teams that underachieve follow the lead of their athletes that play basketball. Basketball players are described by words and phrases like toughness, finisher, glue-guy, does everything, rebounder, efficient, and winner. All of these things help their team and coaches win games. While some coaches recruit based on potential, the ones that often keep their jobs, recruit based on production and ability. As a result, most coaches are looking for basketball players who are also great athletes.

Athletes that play basketball are termed as such because they have yet to develop a work ethic and mindset that is required to become a basketball player. Basketball Players are termed as such because they have those traits. They fully understand the game, and have enough skill to be successful at it. Being called a basketball player is a compliment. Being called an athlete that plays basketball is not.

Athletes that play basketball often have specific terminology that describes their ability, but avoids their skill. If you hear words like potential, natural ability, developing, or upside then beware, an athlete that plays basketball is often being described. Potential and upside mean that you look like you could be good at the game one day. However, the work to be good has not been put in. What are the assurances that it will be? What have you done to turn your potential into skill? Natural ability means that you are physically gifted in at least one aspect of the game. This is a good thing, however what have you done to develop that talent? Developing means that you are getting better, but no one knows how good you will be.

Athletes that play basketball also hear the phrases above the rim, next level body/frame, and shooter. Take a look beyond what these phrases say, but see what they leave out. Playing above the rim means that you can jump, and sometimes dunk the ball. What does it say about getting rebounds or finishing shots? Nothing. Having a great frame means that if you hit the weights, you'd fill out well and be able to physically withstand a season at the next level. What does a great frame say about your ability to defend, rebound or put the ball in the hoop? Nothing. Being a shooter means you take a lot of three point shots. What does it say about your ability to make those shots? Nothing. Chances are, you're a shooter because you make a few per game. But how many shots did it take you? What does being a shooter say about your ability to contribute in other aspects of the game? Nothing. Coaches are looking for a shot maker, not a shooter. Hopefully you're catching on, athletes who play basketball have skill that does little more than look good. If you're chasing a scholarship, looking good won't get you anything. That 'potential' needs to show signs of being realized. That 'talent' must be developed, not 'developing.' The way to realize potential and develop natural ability is by putting in consistent, hard work. That work must be focused and disciplined. If you do not work the right way, then all you will be developing are bad habits. Practice makes permanent, not perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.

Remember, while having natural ability and potential is nice, it can only take you so far. It is more important to have a worker's mindset and the ability to follow through on your desire to win. Nobody cares how quick your first step is if you can't finish at the rim. Nobody cares that you play above the rim if you can't hang onto the ball. Nobody cares how good your frame or how long your arms are if you can't come down with a rebound or hold your position in the post. If college coaches disregard those facts and recruit you anyways, chances are they are either giving you one chance before sending you out of the program since they have a roster full of basketball players to fall back on, or they'll be getting fired before you step on campus. In basketball today, there are fewer and fewer 'basketball players.' Those that make it at the next level are usually those rare athletes who are also basketball players. They are those that at some point stopped telling themselves they were great, but developed their ability. Its time to step back and realistically take a look at how you are described. Are you a basketball player or an athlete that plays basketball? Then, separate yourself from those like you. Work to become a basketball player.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

Online Courses and the NCAA

I have seen this coming from the NCAA for some time now, but in August 2011, the NCAA put into effect a bylaw with some very interesting language regarding online courses. This bylaw can be best described this way: The NCAA is saying: Take an online course at your own risk. Pasted in below is the basic transcription which can be found in an article in the Post Gazette which was written in August. Take a look.

"This month, the NCAA initiated a new policy -- approved in January -- outlining how to determine if "nontraditional" courses meet NCAA standards. The new policy applies to courses completed after Aug. 1.
To be eligible to participate in Division I sports in the first year of college, the NCAA requires students to complete 16 core courses in high school, including four years of English, three years of math and two years of science, among others.
Under the new policy, the NCAA states that nontraditional courses must meet these conditions:
• Course meets all requirements for a core course.
• The instructor and student have ongoing access and regular interaction with one another, including the teacher helping the student.
• The student's exams, papers and assignments are available for evaluation and validation.
• The student's work is evaluated in keeping with the high school's academic policies.
• The course must be completed in a defined period.
• Any student could take the course, not just athletes.
• The course appears on the high school transcript."

I want to draw your attention to one section that specifically makes life difficult for those trying to become eligible through online courses.

"• The instructor and student have ongoing access and regular interaction with one another, including the teacher helping the student."

Please tell me how one can prove that an online teacher has helped the student. The best I can think of is a situation where the student would have to save a series of emails between him/her and the instructor. This would be necessary to attempt to show whether teacher has been helpful at all. Then, you're leaving it in the NCAA's hands to determine if that teacher was indeed 'helping' the student. 'Access' and 'interaction' are also ambiguous words. Access could be through email, but is interaction? How can you prove the teacher and student have been 'working together?' The article goes on to state: "Software-based credit recovery courses are highly individualized and may be customized for each student," Ms. Royer said. "Because of this customization, the courses must be reviewed to determine whether they meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements."

Remember this, the NCAA has been trying to get rid of 'fake' schools and online classes for a long time. This type of vague wording gives them the opportunity to deny online courses without facing a messy lawsuit from the school claiming that it is in fact legitimate. So in a way, the NCAA is saying you may take these classes at your own risk, but they're going to deny it.

This is important because a lot of basketball academies place their students in online courses. A local prep (not Westwind) that was around for only one year did that. I later got a call from one of their students hoping to transfer to our school since their courses were not approved. Another west coast basketball academy may be doing that as well, as they have their students enrolled in a charter school with an online campus.

I have said for a long time, to be skeptical and thorough when deciding between staying at your local high school, moving to a prep school, or attending a basketball academy. It all depends on what your priority is. If your priority is qualifying, then you need to stay away from anything that suggests online courses. Honestly, if you plan to play in college, it doesn't matter how good at the sport you are in terms of qualifying. If you don't qualify, then you're off to a JUCO for two years before you can play for an NCAA institution. So remember, if you're thinking about attending a prep, and they tell you they place their students in online courses, then move in the other direction.

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Source used: www.post-gazette.com/pg/10242/1083635-298.stm#ixzz1aQxQTsyE