16d ago (edited) in Resource
Pat Forde speaks about the state of recruiting, NIL, college sports
Summary Below:
A robust futures market in basketball has been growing for decades, particularly for middle school kids who are starting to develop and show potential. The real scouting starts after puberty, when players are assessed for their potential to become stars at the high school, college, and professional levels. Scouts are often looking for talent as early as 13, 14, or 15 years old. If you can identify a rising star early, it can be incredibly valuable.
The Role of Unofficial Scouts and Runners:
These scouts or "runners" aren’t necessarily affiliated with universities but play a significant role in the recruiting process. They seek to attach themselves to star players and guide their paths, whether it's through high school, college, or the professional level. Their value lies in the connections they can facilitate and the money they can potentially earn if they’re successful in guiding players to the right opportunities.
The Rise of Street Agents:
A large portion of basketball recruitment involves unofficial scouts or "street agents"—people who have no official title but scout playgrounds, pickup games, middle school events, and grassroots tournaments. College coaches often have to communicate with these street agents to stay aware of where players are and to help identify potential talent. As the influence of shoe companies grew, high schools had less control, and the recruitment process became a gray area, filled by unofficial scouts and street agents.
International Expansion in Basketball Recruiting:
In the last 10 to 15 years, the international boom in basketball has been noticeable. Historically, there have been international players who made an impact in the U.S., such as Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1980s, but the influx of international talent has increased dramatically. Many international players, especially from Africa, Europe, and South America, see the U.S. as an opportunity for growth, and there are middlemen in the U.S. and Canada who bring them over to help manage their development and path to a professional career.
As recruiting has accelerated, the focus is shifting to younger international players, even those as young as 13 years old, especially if they have standout physical traits like being exceptionally tall for their age.
The Role of Money in Grassroots Basketball:
A key factor driving the entire ecosystem is money. Grassroots basketball has created an underground economy where money flows for scouting, introductions, and setting up opportunities for players. It’s common for street agents or middlemen to ask for money for things like highlight reels or arranging visits to players. Once a player gains attention, the financial involvement only grows, from helping arrange their move to the U.S. to funding their development.
Street Agents’ Influence on NBA Players:
You would be surprised at how many NBA players still maintain relationships with the same street agents who scouted them at 14 or 15. These street agents and shoe representatives often continue to have influence over the players throughout their careers. The early involvement can lead to long-lasting relationships, with some agents even transitioning into successful careers in NBA management.
The Impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness):
The rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals has changed the landscape of recruiting. High school and college players can now make significant money through NIL opportunities. As this market has expanded, it has created a more lucrative space for street agents and other opportunists to get involved. While NIL allows for more opportunities, it has also led to exploitation and a more chaotic environment, with players potentially being taken advantage of.
Exploitation of Young Athletes:
There’s a growing concern that young athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds (like those from Africa), are being commodified and exploited. Many players are promised opportunities in the U.S., only to arrive and face poor living conditions and broken promises. This creates a system where only the best players are taken care of, while others are discarded once they no longer hold value. These kids are often left vulnerable, with little support or guidance, as those around them profit from their potential.
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Pat Forde speaks about the state of recruiting, NIL, college sports
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