WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT COLLEGE RECRUITING
Every year, hundreds of players from Australia and New Zealand dream of playing college basketball in the United States, but most aren’t told the full story. At Elevate Recruiting, we want to be upfront about what it takes, what it costs, and what you’re truly signing up for.
We’ve done it ourselves, now we’re here to help you do it the right way.
You’re Competing With the World
U.S. college coaches aren’t just choosing between local players — they’re scouting players from all over the world. Every offer is limited, and if you’re not standing out, you're being overlooked.
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Reality: Being "good for your region" doesn’t always translate to U.S. college-ready. Exposure and fit matter more than raw stats.
Most Players Don’t Get Full Scholarships
Full rides are rare — most players receive partial scholarships, if anything or often receive academic money aside from basketball.
Reality:
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JUCOs often cover housing/tuition, but you may still pay for flights, meals, or books
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NCAA D2 and NAIA may offer partials or mix with academic scholarships/grants and D3 offers no athletic money at all, just academic
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"Preferred walk-ons" get a roster spot, but no scholarship
Tip: Know what you're eligible for, and don’t bank everything on a full-ride promise
Coaches Won’t Find You — You Must Market Yourself
If you think coaches will magically discover you, think again.
Reality:
You need a professional highlight video
You need to contact coaches directly via email and Twitter/X
You need to showcase your grades, film, and resume — clearly and quickly
Prep School & JUCO Are Not Failures — They’re Smart Steps
Not everyone goes straight to NCAA D1 — and that’s okay.
Reality:
Prep school helps if you’re not academically eligible or need more development
JUCO is a proven path for international players — 2 years then transfer
Both options can lead to higher-level schools and better offers
You Will Spend Money Before You Earn Money
Travel. Visas. SATs. Applications. It adds up.
Reality:
Expect to invest in:
Flights to the U.S.
Visas (SEVIS and interview)
Highlight videos & digital marketing
School applications
Medical checks
Insurance
But with smart planning and the right advice, you can keep costs manageable.
What You Can Control
Here’s what you CAN do now to increase your chances:
Have a strong highlight tape (not just full game footage)
Be active on Twitter/X with a clear athlete profile
Reach out to coaches personally
Maintain good academic standing (GPA, SAT, etc.)
Know your strengths and be realistic about your level
Work with experienced recruiters who’ve done it before