Love, Respect, Prepare, Learn, Improve 

There are four levels to the recruitment process for players: grammar school (5 years), middle school (3 years), high school (4 years), and college (4 years).

The student-athlete will undergo at least sixteen years (16) of school with eighth grade somewhere in the middle.

Eighth grade is considered the “hump” which marks the ending of middle school and the beginning of high school.

For example, Wednesday is often referred to as “hump day” in a working week.

This midpoint represents an obstacle or hill that all players must hurdle. If so, then for talented players with drive and potential is ESPN with its immediate top 25 high school freshmen national rankings. Furthermore, athletes have a chance at Team USA, John Lucas Camps, Hoop Scoop Online, Mc Donalds All – American game, EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League), high school varsity and potential college scholarship offers.

The game is political yet informational.

National Director of Recruiting for ESPN, Paul Biancardi, offers his virtues on how players should develop their “game.” Biancardi’s words are quoted below, while we detail the principles he’s possibly communicating to basketball players of any grade or class.

“Love The Game” – AAU offers over 30 sports from aerobics to Olympic wrestling: If you so choose basketball, enjoy it with a deep passion.

“Respect The Game” – Treat others how you want to be treated, whether on or off the court. Be 100% true to yourself.

“Prepare For The Game” – Steadily work hard to perfect your craft. Be mentally and physically conditioned at all times.

“Learn The game” – Achieving basketball greatness is a marathon, not a sprint. Seek and you shall find.

“Improve Your Game” – You are only as good as your last buzzer-beater shot or come-back game win. Ceiling room exist for growth at every level.

Parents and players alike must realize that it’s not all about colorful hype on the internet, but who finishes last in a competitively saturated market.

Points, stats, hype, wins, rankings… you can save it!

Thank you Paul Biancardi for helping players overcome their toughest challenges during a seemingly endless hoop journey.