Regardless of what sport or division you want to compete in, all athletes can learn a thing or two about recruiting from Lake Forest College men's basketball coach, Ken Davis. From social media to highlight tapes and more, here's his best advice.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Starts with talent level. Can they help make an impact on our team? Next is how they are academically. Can they succeed at our school? Lastly, how the adults and teammates feel about them. Watch them interact with both.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Seeing them play with their club team or high school. Be spoken about on a recruiting list of a person we trust. Individual email from him or a HS coach instead of the mass emails everyone now sends out.
Related: 9 Questions Athletes Should Ask Coaches During the Recruiting Process
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
For us, at the end of their junior year high school season. Sending us an email works for us.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?
Since NCAA rules only permit us to do so much out of season, they will spending time with our strength coach when they get to campus. We want them seeing their professors during office hours and taking an active role in academic success. On the court putting in the effort we expect and doing things necessary to succeed.
Related: Recruiting Horror Stories™: My Grades Cost Me Scholarship Offers
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
DO: Make us aware of your spring and summer schedule. Respond to texts and be engaged over the phone. Visit campus if interested. Be honest during the process. DON'TS: Send silly emails about wanting to play for us and winning the National Championship and other claims without even knowing us with mas emails sent to hundreds of schools. Posting every time they visit a campus and taking pictures with every coach to promote their recruiting. Silly stuff on social media.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be honest with coaches if you are or aren't interested.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
If it is not more than 3 minutes, I'll watch it. Have clips of various things they do on both sides of the ball.
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When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
Off season and maybe one during the season.
What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
They'll get recruited at the level that is generally right for them and make sure they are a priority for that school instead of seeing them once. People will find you if you're good enough and not get over promoted by HS or club coaches at a level they can't succeed.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
I look at every kid's social media when we recruit them. Be careful.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on May 5, 2022, by Andrew Streeter