August 17, 2007
Parents must get recruited too
The typical recruiting article features a player hearing from colleges X, Y and Z, sometimes with one in the lead. What is rarely mentioned is parental involvement throughout the sometimes start-and-stop but always lengthy and ever-changing process labeled recruiting.
To rectify this, here’s Pastor Horacio Jones speaking about the recruiting process surrounding his son, Chris Jones, the #4 rated prospect in 2008 according to NorCalPreps.com .
When asked about the genesis of his son’s recruiting, the very well-spoken Jones said, "Chris started getting letters entering his sophomore year. He was being told he was one of the top prospects in his class and the letters were more the ‘welcoming’ type, general introductory notes indicating the schools were aware of him."The elder Jones prepared himself and his family for what to expect by talking with close friends in college athletics and friends who had already gone through the process with their own sons and daughters. Plus, one particular basketball camp also provided classes for parents, specifically designed to provide information about NCAA recruiting rules, regulations and process.
A player can be unofficially offered an athletic scholarship at any point--note the recent spate of articles about eighth graders and the like verballing to some colleges--but it is after June 15 of a prospect entering his or her junior year of high school when calls can legally be made by schools to a recruiting target.
It is usually around this time that schools also begin blitzing a prospect with basketball program media guides, selected inspirational quotes and, most importantly and tellingly, handwritten personal notes. Such has been the case with Chris Jones.
Although it cuts both ways, parents and players utilize many methods of determining degree of interest. One specific barometer is who comes to see the games of the player in question. About this crucial measuring stick, Pastor Jones said, "You know schools are serious if the head coach is there in person, not just his assistant. Some schools will call, express interest--then nothing," indicating how fluid the mutual evaluation minuet can be.
Specific to his son but applicable to many if not all, Jones laid out these specific parameters for his son’s destination. "The first is academic perspective," he said. "Does the school have a strong academic support system, one that will facilitate my son being successful in graduating on time? Does the school have an environment of success? Does the school offer the major of my son’s interest?"
"The second is the basketball perspective," Jones continued. "Is the coaching staff familiar with my son’s strengths and weaknesses? Does the playing system fit his strengths and are they a primary need for this team? Is there a plan in place to develop his weaknesses? Do most of the players like and respect the coach?"
Interestingly, Jones said "We plan on watching film during Chris’ official visit in order to make our own determination about playing style and team needs. We will also talk with other players (prospective teammates) to see if most are satisfied with the coachign staff."
Finally, Jones added "The third is a social perspective. Is there a family atmosphere among the basketball players that will help develop Chris into a man? Do the players get along on and off the floor? How many former players come back, returning for open gyms and things like that?"
Jones understands the situation. "As a parent, I recognize college basketball is a business and recruiting is a mutual evaluation process. You need to determine if you are comfortable with the coaching staff and the school."
When decision day finally arrives and Chris Jones makes his decision, he will obviously have enjoyed tremendous parental support and guidance. Quite tellingly, the elder Jones said, "My son plans to call each coach in the final group and thank them for the interest."
So there you have it. Call this a blueprint for success, a model all would be wise to follow throughout the evolving phases of college recruiting which consists of enlisting not only players but also their families.