Next Level
College Preparation & Recruiting
Your roadmap to playing basketball at the college level.
The Recruiting Journey Starts Now
Whether you dream of playing Division I or want to compete at any college level, preparation is everything. This guide walks you through the timeline, requirements, and steps to make your college basketball dream a reality.
Timeline
NCAA Eligibility Timeline
What to do each year of high school.
9
Freshman
Build Your Foundation
  • Focus on academics — your GPA from 9th grade on counts for eligibility
  • Take NCAA-approved core courses (check the NCAA Eligibility Center list)
  • Play on your school team and AAU/travel basketball
  • Start building a highlight video of your best plays
  • Attend basketball camps at colleges that interest you
10
Sophomore
Increase Your Visibility
  • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (eligibilitycenter.org)
  • Take the PSAT as practice for SAT/ACT
  • Research colleges and programs that fit your academic and athletic level
  • Attend showcases, tournaments, and exposure events
  • Create a list of 20-30 target schools
11
Junior
Active Recruiting Phase
  • Take the SAT and/or ACT (aim for NCAA minimum scores and above)
  • Send introductory emails to college coaches at target schools
  • Update your highlight video and player profile
  • Schedule unofficial campus visits (free, unlimited)
  • Coaches can start calling you June 15 after sophomore year (D1)
12
Senior
Decision Time
  • Take official campus visits (max 5 for D1, unlimited for D2)
  • Submit final transcripts to the NCAA Eligibility Center
  • Early signing period: November; Regular signing period: April
  • Apply for academic and athletic scholarships
  • Sign your National Letter of Intent (NLI)
Registration
NCAA Eligibility Center Registration
Required steps to be eligible to play college sports.
1
Create Your Account
Go to eligibilitycenter.org and create a free account. You'll need your Social Security number and high school information.
2
Request Transcripts
Ask your high school counselor to send your official transcript directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
3
Enter SAT/ACT Scores
When you register for SAT or ACT, use code 9999 to send scores directly to the NCAA.
4
Complete Amateurism Questionnaire
Answer questions about your athletic participation, competition, and any compensation received.
5
Submit Final Certification
After senior year, request final transcripts with graduation date. The Eligibility Center will issue your final certification.
Divisions
College Division Differences
Understanding your options at every level.
NCAA D1
362
schools • Full & partial scholarships. Highest competition level.
NCAA D2
311
schools • Partial scholarships. Strong athletics & academics balance.
NCAA D3
443
schools • No athletic scholarships. Academic & merit aid available.
NAIA
250+
schools • Athletic & academic scholarships. Smaller schools, strong community.
NJCAA
500+
schools • Junior/community colleges. 2-year pathway to 4-year programs.
Stand Out
What College Coaches Look For
Skills and traits that get you recruited.
Basketball IQ
Coachability
Work ethic
Character & attitude
Academics
Athletic ability
Skill development
Leadership
Team-first mentality
Competitive fire
Communication
Consistency
Academic Requirements
Minimum Academic Standards

NCAA Division I — 16 core courses, 2.3 minimum GPA in core courses, sliding scale with SAT/ACT scores. Higher GPA = lower test score requirement.

NCAA Division II — 16 core courses, 2.2 minimum GPA in core courses, minimum SAT of 820 or ACT sum of 68.

NCAA Division III — No NCAA academic requirements, but you must be admitted to the school and meet their academic standards.

NAIA — Meet 2 of 3: 2.0 GPA, 18 ACT or 970 SAT, top half of graduating class.

Core courses include: English (4 years), Math (3 years — Algebra I or higher), Science (2 years), Social Science (2 years), plus additional core courses from the NCAA-approved list.

Outreach
Contacting College Coaches
Use this template to introduce yourself to coaches.
Email Template
Subject: [Your Name] — [Position] — Class of [Year] — [High School/AAU Team] Dear Coach [Last Name], My name is [Your Name] and I am a [grade] at [High School] in [City, State]. I play [position] for both my high school team and [AAU/Travel Team Name]. I am very interested in [College Name] because [specific reason — academics, program, coaching style, location]. Here are my key stats and information: - Height/Weight: [X'X" / XXX lbs] - GPA: [X.XX] (Core GPA: [X.XX]) - SAT/ACT: [Score] - Season averages: [PPG/RPG/APG/SPG] - Highlight video: [Link] - Player profile: [Link] I would love the opportunity to learn more about your program. I am available for unofficial visits and would welcome any chance to speak with you. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [AAU Coach Name & Phone]
We're Here to Help
Baby Blue Ballerzz is committed to helping our players reach the next level. Talk to your coaches about your college goals — we'll help you navigate the recruiting process every step of the way.