By Coach Todd Harmon
The world of college basketball recruiting has changed dramatically in just a few years. As a coach with Colorado Lightning, I want to make sure our families understand what’s happening, what it means for your athlete, and how we can best prepare for the road ahead.
The New Recruiting Landscape
Getting a college basketball scholarship out of high school is tougher than ever. It’s not just about talent anymore—there are more players, from more places, fighting for the same spots. Here’s why:
The Transfer Portal:
College players can now switch schools easily. Every time a player transfers, it opens up a spot at one school but fills one at another. There’s a lot more movement, but not more scholarships for high school seniors.
COVID “Extra Years”:
Players who were in college during COVID got extra eligibility. That’s kept some rosters full longer than usual, and while that’s winding down, it’s still affecting the numbers.
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness):
College athletes can now get paid. This has made U.S. college basketball a magnet for older, experienced international players—especially from Europe—who used to go straight pro. Now, they’re coming here, and they’re ready to play right away.
JUCO Rule Changes:
Junior college players now keep more eligibility when they transfer. Coaches love this—they get older, more mature players who are ready to contribute.
What This Means for High School Athletes
- It’s More Competitive: Coaches are looking for players who can help them win right now. That means they’re often picking older, stronger, more experienced players—transfers, JUCO guys, and international players—over high school seniors.
- Fewer D1 Spots for High Schoolers: There are fewer direct-to-Division I opportunities for high school grads. More kids are starting at D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO and working their way up.
- Development Matters: If your athlete isn’t physically or mentally ready for the college game, coaches will find someone who is. That’s the new normal.
International Players: A New Level of Competition
One of the biggest changes is the influx of international players coming to the U.S. to play college basketball. Many of these athletes are older and have already played professionally for several years in Europe or elsewhere. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals at the Division I level, some of these international players can actually make more money playing college basketball in the U.S. than they would playing professionally overseas.
This means your athlete isn’t just competing with other Colorado high school basketball seniors or transfers—they’re also up against experienced, physically mature international players who are coming here for both the competition and the financial opportunities. It’s a new reality, and it’s making the fight for roster spots even tougher at the D1 level.
So, What’s the Path Forward?
Here’s my advice, as your coach:
- Be Open-Minded: There’s more than one way to get to college basketball. D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO are all great options. Plenty of players have started there and moved up.
- Consider JUCO: Junior college is a real path now. It gives players a chance to develop, get game experience, and keep their eligibility. Coaches are watching JUCOs closely.
- Keep Working: The best thing your athlete can do is keep improving—skills, strength, basketball IQ, and grades. The more “college-ready” they are, the better their chances.
- Start Early, Be Proactive: Don’t wait for coaches to find you. Reach out, send film, and show interest. And keep those grades up—academics matter.
- Stay Realistic, Stay Positive: The landscape is different, but there are still opportunities for kids who are willing to work, adapt, and take the long road if needed.
NAIA: A Real Pathway with Real Opportunities
I also want to highlight the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) as a legitimate and often overlooked path to college basketball. There are a lot of strong NAIA programs out there—some with great facilities, coaching, and competition. For many players, NAIA can be the right fit both academically and athletically.
How NAIA Schools Are Supporting Athletes
NAIA was actually ahead of the NCAA in allowing athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). That means NAIA athletes can get paid for things like endorsements, running camps, social media, and more. While NAIA schools can’t just hand out a salary for playing basketball, they can help connect athletes with local businesses, alumni, or “collectives” that want to support the program. In some cases, these NIL deals can be pretty significant—especially for players who are well-known in their community or who transfer in with a strong reputation.
NAIA Scholarships
NAIA schools do offer athletic scholarships. In fact, NAIA schools are often known for being able to offer more generous scholarship packages than NCAA Division II schools. These scholarships can be full or partial, and are often combined with academic scholarships and other financial aid to help cover the cost of college. To be eligible, athletes need to meet certain academic requirements and register with the NAIA Eligibility Center.
NIL at NAIA: A New Way to Pay for College
At a lot of NAIA schools, helping athletes set up NIL deals is not just talk—it’s really happening. Some NAIA programs are very proactive about connecting their players with local businesses, alumni, and community sponsors. For the right player, the money earned through these NIL opportunities can sometimes cover as much or more than a traditional scholarship.
So, while NIL money isn’t technically a scholarship, it can absolutely mean a free or nearly free college degree for some athletes. If your student is a good fit for a school and markets themselves well, NIL can be a game-changer. This is especially true at NAIA schools where the community is invested in the team and wants to support the players.
Bottom line:
When we’re looking at college options, we’ll consider not just scholarships, but also which schools are set up to help athletes succeed with NIL. For some, that could be the difference between paying for college and graduating debt-free.
Final Thoughts
I’m here to help your athlete find the right fit, whatever that looks like. The path might not be as direct as it used to be, but with hard work and the right mindset, there’s still a way forward.
If you have questions or want to talk about your athlete’s options, reach out to me anytime. We’re in this together.
Let’s keep working.
Coach Todd
Colorado Lightning Basketball
