This upcoming weekend, the NCHSAA and NCISAA have each organized their respective events to showcase high school teams. With these highly anticipated games set to take place, folks should be preparing in various different ways. The on-court product definitely matters, but its significance is only part of the bigger picture. While it is a big part, there are so many other factors and variables that could lead to a prospect being recruited or not. The following excerpts are simply provided as helpful tips for players, coaches, and parents. Let's look'
1. Parents: Don't Be the Problem
Like a broken record playing the same song for the umpteenth time, we will continue to hammer this point home. The phrases, 'parents are worse than the kids' or 'parents are ruining it for their kid(s)' have been coined countless times by various types of folks within the greater grassroots landscape. Rest assured, screaming at your kid, the coach, or the referee is a guaranteed way for people to avoid you. Do you care to have an opinion about the game plan' Feel free to volunteer for an assistant position. Otherwise' Just stop. There are too many parents who have gotten lost in the transition of aging and forgot that sports are indeed supposed to be a fun activity for kids to enjoy. The added stressor of 'trying to make it' has poisoned so many young minds into thinking they've failed when, in reality, they are part of the overwhelming majority. This is especially true upon accounting for the new, even more challenging recruiting landscape occurring. It's okay to accept a different fate from what was initially expected. That's part of life. Parents should remember to be parents. Let coaches coach and players play.
2. Players: Be Who You Are
Although applicable throughout the entire calendar year, understanding one's own identity is an incredibly important part of standing out to a college coach. Sure, they will (and should be) still awestruck by a raw seven-footer who is oozing with upside, but there is something particularly tempting about a player knowing their abilities. What exactly does this mean' Well, if you are a point guard then go play like a point guard. If you're an undersized big, then go do what you do best. The point should be obvious to most: play to your strengths and mask your weaknesses. Don't try to do too much in front of college coaches and end up looking foolish. If you aren't a three-point shooter, then don't take three-pointers. It's pretty basic stuff. Showing a willingness to defend and actually shut down opponents is arguably as valuable as any one offensive skill. Making the extra pass, even if a teammate misses, shows an understanding of how to make smart decisions and work within the confines of a team structure (which 99.99% will do in college). Furthermore, there's no reason to quit or get discouraged if this weekend doesn't go as planned'rather an opportunity to shore up any issues prior to the high school season.
3. Miscellaneous: Appreciate Every Opportunity
Each year, players who had their mind set on playing at a specific school or level end up extremely disappointed in the end result. More often than not, players (and/or their parents) simply have no feel for their ability. So many kids feel that they are 'D1 players' without having ever watched or attended a non-Division I game. Make no mistake, there are plenty of worthy Division I prospects currently active within North Carolina, but very few who are being drastically overlooked for no real reason. What does that have to do with the sub-heading' It's meant to reaffirm that any opportunity should be seen as a blessing for these players, never as a slight.