Basketball Strategies

STUDENT-ATHLETE!

Year after year, it amazes me how many Athletes just don't get it. The term "Student-Athlete" was created for a reason. As an Athlete, you are suppose to be a "student" first then an "athlete".

While reading my local newspaper this morning, there was another article of a promising high school athlete that has to come up with a "Plan B". As a senior, he was heavily recruited for his athletic performance on the field and ultimately accepted (last February) a full scholarship to The University of Texas.

Sounds good however, what this young high school star forgot is that he still had to "clear" the NCAA Clearinghouse in order to be "accepted" into this Division I school. What a let down. This Athlete, family and friends had probably been beaming for months around the promise of this kid's future at one of the most prestigious football schools in the country. After all, "they" wanted him so bad, they made an early offer. He's been in the newspaper as one of the areas Top 100 Football Players. Today, he's got to consider "Plan B".

Who's to blame here? One could argue, the Parents should have known about the NCAA's requirements. One could argue, the Coach should have helped ensure he meet the requirements. At the end of the day, it's "you" the Student-Athlete!


As young-adults, you have more access to information than ever before. The internet, FACEBOOK, Twitter and YOUTUBE are filled with stories the requirements for gaining access to the college of your choice. You can't say, "I didn't know". Maybe, you didn't care to know but, you knew.


Schools, Coaches and the NCAA has done a far better job in communicating the requirements of accepting a scholarship to a Division I school. You can't just be the areas Top Athlete. You must be a good student as well. Start now taking ownership of your future. Don't look back one day and "wished" you had listened. Sure, it's good to be able to fall back on a Plan B. There's nothing like experiencing Plan A.