Introduction

USA Basketball Opportunities

This introduction is for parents and players interested in learning more about basketball opportunities in the USA.

Here you will find an overview of the two options available to students with a focus on the Collegiate (University) level of play.

  Lastly, 3 ways to find out what level a player is will be shared at the end of the page.

Two Options

  1. High School
  2. College / University (We will focus on this level)

High School 

Transfer of a current student to an American high school. Opportunities at this level can be scholarship-based, fee-based, or free. The process will vary depending on high school requirements etc.

College / University 

Here are 3 Associations that offer student-athlete opportunities that offer different levels of competition

  1. NCAA
  2. NAIA
  3. NJCAA

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association)

Highest level of collegiate basketball serving larger 4-year colleges around the USA

Here’s a quick overview.

Division I 

  • Offer full athletic scholarships (cover all expenses)
  • Schools typically have more resources, and larger budgets to support student-athletes
  • Currently 351 Division I schools
  • Eligibility requirements for student-athletes

Division II

  • Offer full and partial athletic/academic scholarships offered (depending on each program/students situation)
  • Can be less basketball/time intensive than Division I programs
  • Currently 296 Division II schools
  • Eligibility requirements for student-athletes

Division III

  • Do not offer athletic scholarships, however, financial aid is offered (depending on each program/students situation)
  • Less basketball/time intensive than Division I & II level
  • Currently 433 Division III schools
  • Eligibility requirements for student-athletes

Useful Additional Information 

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

Smaller athletic associations accommodate smaller 4-year colleges. Comparable to NCAA Division II & III.

Here’s a quick overview

  • Two Divisions – I & II
  • Offer athletic scholarships and financial aid at both Divisions
  • Less strict eligibility requirements

NAIA Website

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

The athletic association serves junior colleges (2-year) which are also known as community colleges

Here’s a quick overview

  • Currently a total of 525 colleges at the Division I, II & III levels in 24 regions
  • 2-year colleges that require students to transfer to a 4-year college
  • Offer full and partial athletic scholarships at Division I & II level only
    • Certain limitations at the Division II level
  • Option considered for multiple reasons both academic and athletic related
  • Must graduate high school or hold a diploma and be an amateur

NJCAA 

How Do I Know What Level Is Right For Me?

  • Get objective feedback from someone that knows the current level of competition in the USA/internationally, what coaches are looking for, and can evaluate where you are in comparison to other recruits
  • Play against competition that have already be evaluated at these level
    • Participate at events, camps or tournaments
  • Understand and learn the requirements and demands of each level
    • Can you meet these demands and requirements?
    • Do you want to meet these demands and requirements for 2 or 4 years?