The desire for high school prospects to reach the collegiate ranks is something we’ve become accustomed to seeing throughout the years. Every kid wants to make that leap, but only a select grouping even possess the ability to do so. Playing in college at any level should be considered an achievement. However, so many kids are still focused on the “D1 or bust” mentality, or believe that a scholarship-level program is the only route to reach success, when neither ideology really makes any sense. As we’ve stated before, tons of professional basketball players have come from the Division III ranks and made an incredible career out of it. Look at someone like Caleb Farrish, who held offers and had plenty of attention from Division II schools, yet opted to go to Guilford. Between their consistent success, noteworthy academics, and history of getting players to their end goal, they are among the many Division III programs whose resume speaks for themselves. Before going any further, please understand that being featured in this article does not represent any of these players’ ceiling or restrict their overall level, simply a reflection of their current recruitment. Each of the following kids should be obvious priorities for Division III programs…
5’10 Zane Caudle (Providence Grove)
Unlike the rest of the entries on this list, Zane Caudle is someone who had to work tirelessly just to be considered a college prospect. However, it has finally paid off. He recently received his first opportunity to play at the next level from Ferrum, and should steadily see more programs getting involved over the coming months. Although Caudle isn’t particularly big or physically imposing, his IQ and unselfishness is what makes him such a reliable floor general. He’s a crafty ball-handler and excellent playmaker with useful scoring ability from multiple levels. Often being the smallest player in the gym (even dating back to his rec-league games at Proehlific Park), Caudle was forced to learn how to cause problems for opponents in spite of his small stature. Now, he should only continue to gain attention from college coaches going forward.
6’7 Ethan Smith (High Point Christian)
In all honesty, Ethan Smith feels like the type of kid that every Division III program should be pursuing. It’s unclear why more schools aren’t involved with a smart, skilled 6-foot-7 forward with knockdown shooting capabilities. Given his production last season with High Point Christian, one would’ve already expected various programs to extend offers. Alas, the lack of recruitment up to this point should only make his inevitable blow-up that much more enjoyable. Smith, along with senior teammate Thomas McIntosh, seem fairly obvious to be primary options for the Cougars this season, especially after the departure of KJ Garrett. He possesses vision, rebounding ability, and flashes of perimeter skill, but his elite floor-spacing is arguably what separates him from others.
5’10 CJ Wilson (Cox Mill)
Although many folks will remember his play with the Charlotte Hoyas, CJ Wilson’s recruitment has seemingly taken a step since the start of high school workouts. He’s a strong, compact floor general with IQ, toughness, and the ability to steadily outwork his assignment on either end of the floor. Wilson is a useful playmaker and capable scorer, but tends to maintain a fairly balanced approach overall. He defends opposing point guards well, understands how to produce without the ball in his hands, and stands out as a positive teammate in every context. Wilson isn’t necessarily going to blow folks away with his size or athleticism, but his production continually speaks for itself. After receiving two offers, one would expect Wilson to earn plenty of attention throughout the upcoming season.
5’10 CJ Harrist (Metrolina Christian)
After receiving multiple offers, it seems like college programs are on-board with the premise of CJ Harrist being a priority for Division III coaches. The art of playmaking has largely become more about flashiness rather than actually setting up others, but not in this case. Harrist is undoubtedly one of the most purposeful passers across North Carolina, regardless of class or high school classification. The Metrolina Christian game plan mirrors that of a well-oiled machine, featuring a flurry of ball movement and quality off-ball action, which simply makes the point guard look that much more impressive. Harrist has a unique way of never letting the ball stick and is capable of seeking out available passes in a rapid manner. He’s also a respectable shooter and secure ball-handler with excellent defensive positioning. Harrist’s ability to run a team will only continue to be reflected in his recruitment going forward.