The athletic recruiting process is all about finding the right place for you, right? Well, yes. But, it's also about making sure you are the right fit for the team. So, how do you figure out whether a coach will want or need you? By watching their stats.
Watching the stats of current players on teams you want to play for is a great way to start for three reasons:
- It can show you what kind of performance is expected
- You can see where the team is lacking, and if you fill that gap
- You can follow athletes who play your position and watch their progress over the season to see if the coach is looking for someone else to play over them, or see how you can work to play like them.
Related: How to Effectively Roster Stalk College Basketball Teams
How Do I Track Stats?
Log the names and jersey numbers of the person/people who play your position. Keep notes on them weekly to know their progress throughout the season.
Keep track of the other players' work ethic. Watch their games if they are televised. Can you outwork them?
Babysit players' stats. If you are a young recruit and are early in your recruiting process, you have time. Try to catch a few games if you can. If you can't do this in person, watch their games on TV, ESPN3 or ESPN+. Keep tabs on certain players that you will possibly be competing with for a spot or playing alongside.
Research potential positions. Look at players who can play a second position that you could potentially be playing as well. If you are a point guard, look at shooting guard positions.
In basketball especially, look at the turnover-to-assist ratio. You can also look at how many shot attempts players take. Can you do better?
Watch film. Most players in most sports have a highlight video posted to Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Hudl, etc. When watching film, pay close attention to their go-to moves, their strengths, and their weaknesses.
Related: Dos and Don'ts of Making Highlight Videos for Athletes
Look at when athletes on the roster will be graduating, so you know if any roster spots are opening up.
Google the athletes that you need information on. You will at least find a couple of videos or articles on them and how they are playing.
Incoming freshman – Keep track of new players, their role, and their stats. This will give you some indication if first-year students play.
Transfers – You will already have some experience. See who is playing your position so you can determine if there's potential for you to play right away or if you will come off the bench behind someone.
Related: 8 FAQs about the NCAA Transfer Process
As a student-athlete who plans to impact a team, it is essential to be prepared for what will be coming your way. Know who is on the team, understand their stats, know their favorite moves, know their habits, but most importantly, know the difference between them and yourself. So take notes on rosters, know the year athletes will be graduating, do your research on other potential positions (that will put you one step ahead of other recruits), and babysit players' stats. Although this is a team sport, you want the best chance possible to showcase your skills. You have to be ready to put in the work, but it all starts off the court, during the recruiting process.
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* Originally published on January 17, 2022, by Destiny Washington
