Come back every Monday for Coaching Staff's Advice on the college recruiting process, what they look for in athletes, and what to expect as a college athlete.
Kevin App is in his eighth year coaching men's basketball at Williams College and over the course of his career there, his teams have racked up many honors, including one NESCAC Player of the Year, ten All-NESCAC performers, two All-Americans, and a grand total of 106 All-Region honorees. Needless to say, Coach App knows how to recruit winners. Here's how you can get on his radar.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
At Williams College, it starts with academic scores. If those requirements are met, we try to build our program around shooting the basketball.
Related: 5 Reasons Grades are Important as an Athletic Recruit
How should an athlete contact you?
Email or filling out our online recruiting questionnaire is the best way to initially contact us.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
A recruit's size and skill level is what we're looking for.
Do: highlight your strengths
Don't: have it be longer than 4-5 minutes.
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?
Each game is great if possible. This allows a coach to accurately see a prospects impact in a full game. Only doing it at the end of the year may make a coach think, “is this ALL their good plays all year?”
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
My advice would always be to put yourself in the best situation to have as many options as possible. This means doing well in the classroom and performing on the court. I also encourage recruits to visit multiple schools so when they make a decision they've been able to compare it to other options.
The things that will make your college experience are your teammates, your coach, winning, and your performance (in that order).
-Kevin App
What camps, leagues, showcases, and teams would you recommend a recruit to attend to gain exposure with college basketball coaches?
It completely depends on the type of student/player. For an academic-minded player, the Ivy League Elite Camps are a great option.
How big of a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
I think social media can only hurt a recruit and not necessarily help them. What they post on social media can create red flags. For example, do they only post things about their team when they have a big game? That might tell a coach that you're more concerned about yourself than your team doing well.
Related: Can a Tweet Cost You a Scholarship? 8 Coaches Talk Social Media and Recruiting
What is the minimum SAT/ACT score a high school athlete needs to have when applying to Williams College?
It's never set in stone, but as a coach I typically look for a 30 – ACT or 1350 – New SAT as a starting point.
What advice do you have for high school or club coaches that are working with recruitable players? How can they make sure athletes get in front of the right people?
The best advice is to be honest with them. I'd also say the advice should always be [to] go where you feel comfortable and go where they want you.
What type of events do you recruit at?
Academic showcases, Ivy League Elite Camps, and July AAU Tournaments.
Related: Thinking of Attending a Camp or Showcase? 6 Things to Consider
What advice can you offer a recruit?
Enjoy the process. The things that will make your college experience are your teammates, your coach, winning, and your performance (in that order).
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on December 5, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
