Men's Basketball

Basketball College Athletic Scholarships for Men

If you play high school basketball and want to compete at the college level, you probably already know you’ll face stiff competition for both a spot on the roster and scholarship money. We’re here to help. This webpage is a resource for you to use during your college planning and placement process that will help you get noticed, meet deadlines and achieve your goal.

Never forget, in basketball—as in all collegiate sports—you need to take charge of your own recruiting. Narrow down the schools you’d like to attend and compete for. Then, take responsibility for introducing yourself to your sport’s decision-makers at these schools. Keep yourself in front of them in a professional, respectful way with regular emails or phone calls. Work hard to improve your athletic performance while also keeping an eye on your academics.

Earning a spot on any college team—and maybe even being awarded athletic scholarship money—isn’t easy, but don’t despair. While it takes time, discipline and persistence, it is doable.

Men’s Collegiate Basketball—Divisions

As in other college sports, men’s basketball is organized under two primary governing bodies: the NCAA and NAIA. Here’s an overview of how these divisions work and what they have to offer.

NCAA Division I – Basketball Men’s Programs

• There are 351 men’s Division I basketball programs in the U.S. If you dream of being recruited for a DI team, you’re competing against the best players in the country for a roster spot and scholarship money.
• Speaking of which, beginning in 2025 the NCAA will remove DI scholarship restrictions, allowing all sports, including basketball, to divide scholarships among athletes. In other words, DI basketball will go from being a headcount sport to an equivalency sport, and programs will be able to offer a mix of partial and full-ride scholarships.
• D1 men’s basketball programs will be allowed to offer 15 scholarships, up from the current limit of 13, and will have a maximum roster limit of 15 players.

Top Division I Basketball Programs for Men

Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s basketball, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level basketball program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten DI men’s basketball programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Stanford University
2. Princeton University
3. Harvard University
4. University of Florida
5. Columbia University
6. Yale University
7. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
9. University of California, Berkeley
10. University of Michigan

NCAA Division II – Basketball Men’s Programs

• There are 312 men’s Division II basketball programs in the U.S. However, potential recruits should know that these DII teams are composed of players who could easily be on DI squads, but perhaps appreciate the better balance between academic achievement, athletic participation and campus engagement versus a DI school.
• DII coaches can award up to 10 scholarships per team. These are equivalency scholarships, meaning coaches receive a pool of funds and distribute them as they see fit. As a result, some players may be offered partial scholarships instead of full rides.

Top Division II Basketball Programs for Men

NCSA offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s basketball programs, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level basketball program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten DII men’s basketball programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Colorado School of Mines
2. Hillsdale College
3. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
4. Bentley University
5. Truman State University
6. Florida Southern College
7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
8. Rollins College
9. Grand Valley State University
10. Adelphi University

NCAA Division III – Basketball Men’s Programs

• Student-athletes looking to land a roster spot at one of the nation’s Division III men’s college basketball teams are in a good position. There are currently 402 DIII basketball schools in the nation, making up the largest division level in the NCAA.
• DIII schools don’t offer athletic scholarships. However, academic-related grants can be used in lieu of athletic scholarships. Many DIII basketball players receive financial aid, so seeking a DIII roster spot can be a good way to offset the overall cost of college.
• Student-athletes who want to push themselves academically as well as athletically may find the best fit at a DIII school—able to develop as athletes while still having time and flexibility in their schedules to pursue passions and interests outside of basketball.

Top Division III Basketball Programs for Men

NCSA offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s basketball programs, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level basketball program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten DIII men’s basketball programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Johns Hopkins University
3. University of Chicago
4. Emory University
5. Tufts University
6. Washington University in St. Louis
7. Amherst College
8. Williams College
9. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
10. University of Rochester

NAIA – Basketball Men’s Programs

• The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) can give student-athletes a more well-rounded college experience than even DIII schools. There are more than 200 NAIA schools that offer men’s basketball, and there are scholarships available.
• But while most NAIA men’s basketball programs are at smaller schools, don’t let that fool you. NAIA basketball teams offer similar levels of competition to DIII basketball colleges.
• Remember that NAIA schools have financial aid opportunities outside of athletic scholarships available. Student-athletes should look into academic, merit and need-based scholarships to bring down the overall cost of attending college.

Top NAIA Basketball Programs for Men

NCSA offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s basketball programs, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level basketball program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten NAIA men’s basketball programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Dordt University
2. University of California, Merced
3. Indiana Wesleyan University
4. Oklahoma City University
5. University of Michigan, Dearborn
6. Marian University, Indiana
7. Northwestern College, Iowa
8. Madonna University
9. Taylor University
10. St. Ambrose University

What Does It Take to Play Basketball At The College Level?

For starters, it doesn’t hurt if you have fantastic technical ability, but there are other ways to get the attention of a coach. As an example, how do you respond to adversity? How do you manage stress or pressure? Remember, recruiters are looking at the big picture, the total athlete.

Getting recruited also takes name recognition. In almost all instances, you need to let coaches know you’re interested in getting into their basketball programs. Here’s how to do that:

• Build A Target List
  Don’t waste time pursuing programs that aren’t a good match. Look at the roster to see how you qualify athletically and learn more about the school’s academic requirements.
• Create An Online Profile
  Think like an influencer, i.e., you need a platform to get noticed. Make it easy for coaches to see your highlight video, key stats, contact information and academic history.
• Make Contact, Follow Up
  You can’t sit around and wait to be discovered. Proactively reach out to college coaches by sending an introductory email that includes your online profile, highlight video, academic information, outstanding athletic achievements and personal interest in the program. Then continue to follow up with noteworthy updates throughout the year.
• Get Visibility
  Compete in the summer during “live” periods. Scheduling conflicts make it difficult for college coaches to watch recruits play in-person during the regular season. So they turn to “live” periods—stretches in the offseason that allow college scouts and coaches to hit the road and see several players at once. Attend elite and/or exposure camps, as well.
• Be Persistent
  If you’re an upperclassman who isn’t being actively recruited, rework your target list. Consider new opportunities, including lower-division programs where you might be more competitive. Make visits. Tap your high school coach for help in identifying programs.

You may have talent and self-discipline, but unless you get your name out there in a consistent and respectful way, you may also fly under your preferred program’s radar. Show those coaches and scouts how much you want to compete for them in their basketball program. That type of drive gets attention and will help you distinguish yourself from those you’re competing with.

When Can Colleges Start Recruiting for Men’s Basketball?

• DI and DII coaches can begin contacting recruits, sending recruiting materials, emailing, texting, calling and making verbal offers starting June 1 and June 15, respectively, after the athlete’s sophomore year. At any time, they can send general recruiting materials, such as brochures and camp information.
• However, none of this means recruiting starts after sophomore year. Coaches are doing their homework before this point and create a list of their top prospects. That way, when June 1 or June 15 rolls around, they know exactly who will receive scholarship offers.
• Notably, student-athletes are allowed to call college coaches and talk to them on the phone as long as the student-athlete is the one initiating contact. As always, be proactive in your own recruiting by building a realistic list of target schools, creating a highlight film, and emailing and calling college coaches to put yourself on their radar.
• DIII and NAIA teams don’t have restrictions on when coaches can contact recruits, and can therefore reach out at any point during high school. That said, these schools tend to follow the lead of DI and DII schools and start contacting athletes during their junior and senior years.

Men’s Collegiate Basketball Recruiting Standards—Overview

“Am I good enough to play college basketball?” If you’ve gotten to this point, this is a question you’ve almost certainly asked yourself. Whether a perimeter player or post player, this section lays out the different requirements needed to compete at the college level, from NCAA Division I to NAIA programs. When student-athletes know where they fit in best, they can create a realistic list of target colleges and improve their chances of connecting with college coaches.

DI Men’s Collegiate Basketball Skills

• These recruits are ranked nationally and are included in top lists, such as ESPN Top 150, Rivals and Scout. They have elite ball handling and defensive skills and are the best players on their high school and club teams. Simply put, they are the top recruits across the country.
• Typically recruited through their AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) club team, these athletes receive interest and verbal offers from college coaches early in the process during the summer after sophomore year. They’re awarded top accolades, including All-State honors, and start on varsity all four years.

DII Men’s Collegiate Basketball Skills

• These players have mastered the fundamentals and are considered the top players on their high school and club teams. They have control on the court and will continue to develop under a collegiate training program.
• They’ve received awards like All-Region, All-District and All-Conference. Top NCAA DII programs make verbal offers to these athletes at the beginning of their junior year.

DIII Men’s Collegiate Basketball Skills

• These players have some club and varsity experience, earning them accolades, such as All-Area and All-Conference. They have the fundamentals nailed down and may need to continue to work on other parts of their game, whether it’s rebounding, defense, etc.
• A number of these recruits will receive offers after the summer of their junior year and into senior year.

NAIA Men’s Collegiate Basketball Skills

• These basketball recruits will look like some DII prospects. They have varsity experience and have played with a high-level club for two to three years. They’ve earned awards, such as All-Area and All-Conference.
• In a collegiate training program, they’ll continue to get stronger and improve their technical ability. These recruits can receive offers during their junior year and into their senior year as well.

Men’s Basketball Point Guard Recruiting Guidelines

Top DI

• Club Experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, qualifying for national tournaments and elite events across the country.
• Ranks nationally on lists such as Rivals, Scout and ESPN Top 150. High-profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low DI / Top DII / Top NAIA

• Club Experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Gets college coach exposure at club summer tournaments.
• High School Experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.

Low DIII / Low NAIA

• Club Experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it’s not necessary.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area or All-Conference.

Men’s Basketball Power Forward Recruiting Guidelines

Top DI

• Club Experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, qualifying for national tournaments and elite events across the country.
• Ranks nationally on lists such as Rivals, Scout and ESPN Top 150. High-profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low DI / Top DII / Top NAIA

• Club Experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Gets college coach exposure at club summer tournaments.
• High School Experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.

Low DIII / Low NAIA

• Club Experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it’s not necessary.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades, such as All-Area or All-Conference.

Men’s Basketball Center Recruiting Guidelines

Top D1

• Club Experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, qualifying for national tournaments and elite events across the country.
• Ranks nationally on lists such as Rivals, Scout and ESPN Top 150. High profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low DI / Top DII / Top NAIA

• Club Experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Gets college coach exposure at club summer tournaments.
• High School Experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.

Low DIII / Low NAIA

• Club Experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it’s not necessary.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area or All-Conference.

Men’s Basketball Shooting Guard Recruiting Guidelines

Top DI

• Club Experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, qualifying for national tournaments and elite events across the country.
• Ranks nationally on lists such as Rivals, Scout and ESPN Top 150. High-profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low DI / Top DII / Top NAIA

• Club Experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Gets college coach exposure at club summer tournaments.
• High School Experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.

Low DIII / Low NAIA

• Club Experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it’s not necessary.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area or All-Conference.

Men’s Basketball Small Forward Recruiting Guidelines

Top DI

• Club Experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, qualifying for national tournaments and elite events across the country.
• Ranks nationally on lists such as Rivals, Scout and ESPN Top 150. High-profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low DI / Top DII / Top NAIA

• Club Experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Gets college coach exposure at club summer tournaments.
• High School Experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.

Low DIII / Low NAIA

• Club Experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it’s not necessary.
• High School Experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area or All-Conference.

Final Thoughts on Achieving Your Goal

As mentioned earlier, while earning a spot on any college team isn’t easy, with time, discipline and persistence it is doable. Here are some final words of wisdom and strategy on the matter.

• Find The Right Match

By researching schools and targeting programs where your particular skills would add to the team’s ability to put up points, you have a better chance of not just landing a spot on a college roster but even getting some scholarship money. So do your homework and find a program that will benefit from your strengths. It’s a good way to make yourself stand out to a recruiter.

• Create A Target List

After you’ve done your research, create a list of schools you’re competitive for. There might be a range of programs that span several different levels. As an example, your rebounding skills may put you in the mix for DI recruiting, but if you also consider DII or NAIA programs you might have a better chance of earning a roster spot. Putting it all down on paper will help you order your thoughts and see the situation more clearly.

• Keep Up Your Grades

Speaking of homework, make sure you keep a focus on your academics as you strive for excellence in your sport. Recruiters will be looking at both. Make sure you’re taking classes as required by the NCAA Eligibility Center, as well as the ACTs and SATs. And if you do land a spot on a college basketball team, you’re going to be expected to keep up your academic performance along with your athletic performance, so you might as well get used to doing it now. Good luck!