5 answers
anthony
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
448 views
I'm trying to play basketball get a scholarship, and go to the NBA, any tips or help?
im good at basketball, and I've been hooked for basketball for a long time and i really wanna know and get tips on how i could go to the NBA
5 answers
Brandon Brown
Founder / Consultant
3
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Hey Anthony!
I was also an aspiring NBA player. I played basketball my entire life. Played as the captain of my high school basketball team, and we were 2x Northern California's North-section champions. I also got a full ride to Occidental College but turned it down for an academic scholarship to USD in San Diego.
To hone your craft, you need to start by going to basketball camps. (You should ask your coaches for tips on some good camps in your area.) You should also go to open gyms and play with people older than you and/or at the highest level in your surrounding area so you can step up and play at the highest level. You don't get better playing people at your level or under.
If you want to get to the NBA, you need to play basketball year-round. You need to make your high school varsity basketball and play well. You should be in the starting 5 lineup (at the very least, ideally, you should be your team's best player). This is because this is the only way you get enough playing time for the most exposure for scouts to watch you play and get the stats you need to impress scouts. You'll get awards and be ranked in top stats, which will help your cause.
During the summertime, you need to try out and make an AAU basketball team so that you can play all year and get exposure to college recruiters. AAU tournaments are one of the ways college recruiters can view and scout talented young players.
Getting into the NBA isn't just about athleticism. You need to keep your grades up and reach the eligibility requirements for the National Student Clearinghouse. (Check the To Do list below for the link to National Student Clearinghouse and view the section on Requirements.) You can no longer go straight to the NBA from high school, so you must get into a strong college basketball program for the greatest visibility and competition. Ideally, you should go to a D1 top-10 basketball program. Also, you should do well at school, so you're prepared for life after you finish playing ball and are economically secure.
If you don't make it to the NBA, there are other ways you can still make money playing basketball. For example, you could go overseas and play pro ball in Europe or Asia like Stephon Marbury (example: Marbury made more money playing in China and getting endorsement there than in the US at the NBA). Or you could make YouTube videos like The Professor of the And1 circuit or Tristan Jass (he turned down a full-ride college scholarship because he was making more money recording his trick shots and street ball games).
It's a lot of hard work and dedication but not impossible. Hope this is helpful, and best of luck to you!
Best,
Brandon
Learn more about National Student Clearinghouse and its requirements https://www.ncsasports.org/articles-1/national-clearinghouse
I was also an aspiring NBA player. I played basketball my entire life. Played as the captain of my high school basketball team, and we were 2x Northern California's North-section champions. I also got a full ride to Occidental College but turned it down for an academic scholarship to USD in San Diego.
To hone your craft, you need to start by going to basketball camps. (You should ask your coaches for tips on some good camps in your area.) You should also go to open gyms and play with people older than you and/or at the highest level in your surrounding area so you can step up and play at the highest level. You don't get better playing people at your level or under.
If you want to get to the NBA, you need to play basketball year-round. You need to make your high school varsity basketball and play well. You should be in the starting 5 lineup (at the very least, ideally, you should be your team's best player). This is because this is the only way you get enough playing time for the most exposure for scouts to watch you play and get the stats you need to impress scouts. You'll get awards and be ranked in top stats, which will help your cause.
During the summertime, you need to try out and make an AAU basketball team so that you can play all year and get exposure to college recruiters. AAU tournaments are one of the ways college recruiters can view and scout talented young players.
Getting into the NBA isn't just about athleticism. You need to keep your grades up and reach the eligibility requirements for the National Student Clearinghouse. (Check the To Do list below for the link to National Student Clearinghouse and view the section on Requirements.) You can no longer go straight to the NBA from high school, so you must get into a strong college basketball program for the greatest visibility and competition. Ideally, you should go to a D1 top-10 basketball program. Also, you should do well at school, so you're prepared for life after you finish playing ball and are economically secure.
If you don't make it to the NBA, there are other ways you can still make money playing basketball. For example, you could go overseas and play pro ball in Europe or Asia like Stephon Marbury (example: Marbury made more money playing in China and getting endorsement there than in the US at the NBA). Or you could make YouTube videos like The Professor of the And1 circuit or Tristan Jass (he turned down a full-ride college scholarship because he was making more money recording his trick shots and street ball games).
It's a lot of hard work and dedication but not impossible. Hope this is helpful, and best of luck to you!
Best,
Brandon
Brandon recommends the following next steps:
i am really grateful you took the time to answer this question, thanks brandon!
anthony
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
389
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
There's an old joke about a tourist in New York City, who asks a local "How do I get to Carnegie Hall??" The local replies "Practice, practice, practice".
To have a shot at getting into the NBA, you have to be an extremely good basketball player, which requires a LOT of devotion to the sport. Most players would have gone to a big sports college and played there, and to do that, you generally have to play in high school.
After all that, you also need to be extremely lucky. Injuries are common and can end your chances before you get started. There may just happen to be a few people your age who are just slightly better than you. Or the NBA teams may not actually need anyone the years you are coming up.
It's certainly a good dream to have and to work towards, but there is no guarantee it will ever happen, so be sure to have some kind of backup plan.
To have a shot at getting into the NBA, you have to be an extremely good basketball player, which requires a LOT of devotion to the sport. Most players would have gone to a big sports college and played there, and to do that, you generally have to play in high school.
After all that, you also need to be extremely lucky. Injuries are common and can end your chances before you get started. There may just happen to be a few people your age who are just slightly better than you. Or the NBA teams may not actually need anyone the years you are coming up.
It's certainly a good dream to have and to work towards, but there is no guarantee it will ever happen, so be sure to have some kind of backup plan.
Thank you so much, Fred!
anthony
Brad Gaskill
Under Armour, Inc., PLM, Apparel - Basketball Uniforms
23
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Hi Anthony,
To put your question into context I think it's important to understand that there are 450 roster spots available in the NBA - 30 teams and 15 roster spots. These are the 450 best basketball players in the world! There are roughly 18,000 collegiate basketball players and roughly 540,000 high school basketball players. While the odds of making it as a NBA player are low it's not impossible. There are all kinds of opportunities to make basketball a career. As a player it starts with dedicating yourself to the game. Everyday you should be working on getting better - ball handling, shooting, strength, and conditioning to name a few. You'll need to compete year round in order to get exposure to college coaches and NBA scouts. It will take a lot of time, effort, and hard work. If a career as a player doesn't work out there are plenty of ways to still make a career out of basketball - coaching, scouting, analytics, video, etc. Best of luck!
To put your question into context I think it's important to understand that there are 450 roster spots available in the NBA - 30 teams and 15 roster spots. These are the 450 best basketball players in the world! There are roughly 18,000 collegiate basketball players and roughly 540,000 high school basketball players. While the odds of making it as a NBA player are low it's not impossible. There are all kinds of opportunities to make basketball a career. As a player it starts with dedicating yourself to the game. Everyday you should be working on getting better - ball handling, shooting, strength, and conditioning to name a few. You'll need to compete year round in order to get exposure to college coaches and NBA scouts. It will take a lot of time, effort, and hard work. If a career as a player doesn't work out there are plenty of ways to still make a career out of basketball - coaching, scouting, analytics, video, etc. Best of luck!
Raven Gerald
College Basketball Coach
18
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Raven’s Answer
To become an NBA player, I suggest that you do the following:
- Work on improving your basketball skills every day or at least multiple times a week in order to become a great player
- Try out for your school's basketball team
- Join a travel basketball team (also known as an "AAU" basketball team) in your area in order to be watched by more college coaches
- Earn a basketball scholarship in either your junior or senior year of high school, so that you can join and play for a college basketball team
- In college, continue to work hard at improving your skills every day and helping your team win games in order to increase your chances of becoming a better basketball player
- Enter yourself into the NBA Draft at the end of your senior year of college so that an NBA team can potentially draft you to be on their roster and play for their team
- Work on improving your basketball skills every day or at least multiple times a week in order to become a great player
- Try out for your school's basketball team
- Join a travel basketball team (also known as an "AAU" basketball team) in your area in order to be watched by more college coaches
- Earn a basketball scholarship in either your junior or senior year of high school, so that you can join and play for a college basketball team
- In college, continue to work hard at improving your skills every day and helping your team win games in order to increase your chances of becoming a better basketball player
- Enter yourself into the NBA Draft at the end of your senior year of college so that an NBA team can potentially draft you to be on their roster and play for their team
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3440
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Anthony,
Blueprint for a Successful Basketball Career and Ascending to the NBA
Embarking on a professional basketball career, especially reaching the NBA, is a demanding journey that calls for unwavering dedication, relentless effort, inherent talent, and resilience. Here are some actionable steps to help you realize your dream of becoming an NBA player:
1. Hone Your Skills: Consistently strive to enhance your basketball skills. Concentrate on refining your shooting, dribbling, passing, defensive skills, and overall basketball understanding. Participate in camps, clinics, and training sessions to boost your abilities.
2. Maintain Dedication: Achieving success in basketball demands steadfast commitment and devotion. Remain disciplined in your training routine, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices to reach your full potential.
3. Find Expert Advice: Think about collaborating with seasoned coaches, trainers, and mentors who can offer invaluable feedback and advice to help you evolve as a player. They can also support you in navigating the competitive landscape of basketball.
4. Play at an Elite Level: Participate in competitive teams such as AAU programs, high school varsity teams, and possibly college teams to display your skills against top-tier talent. Competing at an elite level will enhance your exposure and improve your game.
5. Prioritize Academics: Keep up with good grades in school as academic eligibility is key for securing scholarships and playing at the college level. Many NBA players have attended college before joining the league.
6. Join Showcases and Tournaments: Engage in basketball showcases, tournaments, and combines where scouts and recruiters might be present. These events provide opportunities to display your skills and get spotted by college coaches or NBA scouts.
7. Maintain Physical Fitness: Look after your body by adhering to a proper fitness routine, ensuring sufficient rest, staying hydrated, and preventing injuries through appropriate warm-ups and conditioning exercises.
Nutrition tips https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos?
8. Establish Achievable Goals: While aiming for the NBA is commendable, it’s crucial to set short-term, attainable goals along the journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones as you advance towards your ultimate goal.
9. Build Connections: Forge relationships with coaches, players, scouts, and other members of the basketball community. Networking can unlock opportunities like scholarships, tryouts, or introductions to influential contacts.
10. Trust in Your Abilities: Confidence is a key ingredient in success. Trust in your abilities, stay optimistic during setbacks, and uphold a strong work ethic to surmount challenges on your journey.
Bear in mind that the journey to the NBA is fiercely competitive, but with determination, hard work, and strategic planning, you can enhance your chances of realizing your dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Basketball Association (NBA): The NBA's official website provides useful information on player development pathways, draft eligibility requirements, scouting processes, and career advice for budding basketball players.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): The NCAA website provides insights into collegiate athletics regulations, scholarship opportunities for student-athletes, academic requirements for eligibility, and guidelines for transitioning from college to professional sports.
Basketball Coaches Association: Professional basketball coaches’ associations often share resources on skill development drills, training techniques, and career guidance for players aspiring to reach higher levels of competition like the NBA.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Blueprint for a Successful Basketball Career and Ascending to the NBA
Embarking on a professional basketball career, especially reaching the NBA, is a demanding journey that calls for unwavering dedication, relentless effort, inherent talent, and resilience. Here are some actionable steps to help you realize your dream of becoming an NBA player:
1. Hone Your Skills: Consistently strive to enhance your basketball skills. Concentrate on refining your shooting, dribbling, passing, defensive skills, and overall basketball understanding. Participate in camps, clinics, and training sessions to boost your abilities.
2. Maintain Dedication: Achieving success in basketball demands steadfast commitment and devotion. Remain disciplined in your training routine, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices to reach your full potential.
3. Find Expert Advice: Think about collaborating with seasoned coaches, trainers, and mentors who can offer invaluable feedback and advice to help you evolve as a player. They can also support you in navigating the competitive landscape of basketball.
4. Play at an Elite Level: Participate in competitive teams such as AAU programs, high school varsity teams, and possibly college teams to display your skills against top-tier talent. Competing at an elite level will enhance your exposure and improve your game.
5. Prioritize Academics: Keep up with good grades in school as academic eligibility is key for securing scholarships and playing at the college level. Many NBA players have attended college before joining the league.
6. Join Showcases and Tournaments: Engage in basketball showcases, tournaments, and combines where scouts and recruiters might be present. These events provide opportunities to display your skills and get spotted by college coaches or NBA scouts.
7. Maintain Physical Fitness: Look after your body by adhering to a proper fitness routine, ensuring sufficient rest, staying hydrated, and preventing injuries through appropriate warm-ups and conditioning exercises.
Nutrition tips https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos?
8. Establish Achievable Goals: While aiming for the NBA is commendable, it’s crucial to set short-term, attainable goals along the journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones as you advance towards your ultimate goal.
9. Build Connections: Forge relationships with coaches, players, scouts, and other members of the basketball community. Networking can unlock opportunities like scholarships, tryouts, or introductions to influential contacts.
10. Trust in Your Abilities: Confidence is a key ingredient in success. Trust in your abilities, stay optimistic during setbacks, and uphold a strong work ethic to surmount challenges on your journey.
Bear in mind that the journey to the NBA is fiercely competitive, but with determination, hard work, and strategic planning, you can enhance your chances of realizing your dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Basketball Association (NBA): The NBA's official website provides useful information on player development pathways, draft eligibility requirements, scouting processes, and career advice for budding basketball players.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): The NCAA website provides insights into collegiate athletics regulations, scholarship opportunities for student-athletes, academic requirements for eligibility, and guidelines for transitioning from college to professional sports.
Basketball Coaches Association: Professional basketball coaches’ associations often share resources on skill development drills, training techniques, and career guidance for players aspiring to reach higher levels of competition like the NBA.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
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