Keys to recruiting,
insider ESPN tips

Condensed from a much larger article at NCSA Athletic Recruiting. Please click here for the full story.

“What do college coaches look for in recruits?

“Paul Biancardi, basketball recruiting analyst for ESPN, spoke at Dan Tudor’s National Collegiate Recruiting Conference in Boston recently...

“While this is basketball centered, recruits in all sports can learn important information here...

► “When looking at recruits, think of the word CAT: character, academics, talent.”

“When talented players make good choices and develop good habits, they maximize their talent. Talent gives them a chance to be great, but they have to maximize it.”

► Paul also shared powerful information on the four P’s:

“One, performance.”

“Two, production. You are what you repeatedly do. College coaches love consistency...

“Three, potential. You hear that the prospect could turn into a player. You have to ask yourself: does that athlete believe in their potential and their ‘why’? If they don’t believe, why should you as a coach?

“Be on the look out for that athlete that sets a standard higher than his coach or his family...

“Four, projection. When you look at a recruit, they have to be someone that you can project to be a starter or role player. When will they be?

► Biancardi then shared the 5 Keys to Greatness in Recruits:

“One, love for the game! That athlete will invest the time to be great. The coach doesn’t have to say passion, focus or intensity because they know those things...

“Two, look for players that respect the game. Everyone in the game: teammates, their own coaches and opposing coaches, the officials, and the fans. Even the media. A player that respects the game is grateful and not entitled...

“Three, a player that prepares for the game. Who is first to show and last to go at practice? … there are two types of players: ‘Feel like it’ or ‘everyday’ players. The first kind works and prepares when he or she feels like it. The second one brings it every day! People ask me when you start preparing for the next season. Answer: When your season is over.”

“The fourth key for greatness in recruits is those that are adding to their game. Are they trying to prove themselves or improve themselves? Big difference.”

“Five. Learn the game. You want recruits that can beat people with their bodies and their mind.”