The college basketball world is changing fast, and these shifts are also impacting young foreign players considering the NCAA route. For years, the traditional path was clear: get recruited out of high school, earn a scholarship, develop for a few years, and then turn pro.
But with major shifts in recruiting, eligibility, and player movement, it’s time to rethink how international players should approach U.S. college basketball—and what this means for their long-term careers, including overseas opportunities.
High School Players Are No Longer the Priority
For decades, top college programs built their rosters by recruiting elite high school players. But now? That’s no longer the focus for many top teams.
Legendary coach Rick Pitino (now at St. John’s, a top-10 program) recently made headlines when he announced that his team is not recruiting high school players at all. Instead, they are only looking at transfer players with college experience. And Pitino isn’t alone—many top programs are following this strategy, prioritizing experienced players over young, unproven prospects.
What does this mean for European players?
- The days of expecting a scholarship straight out of high school may be over for all but the absolute best European talents.
- To get recruited, playing at a junior college (JUCO) or transferring from another program may be the best strategy.
- Young international players must now think long-term and be open to multiple steps before reaching the NCAA’s highest levels.
Junior College Players Now Have More Eligibility
One of the biggest recent rule changes involves junior colleges (JUCOs)—and it could be a game-changer for international players.
Previously, if a player spent two years at a JUCO, they would only have two years of eligibility left if they transferred to a four-year college. But under the new rules, JUCO players can now transfer to a D1, D2, D3, or NAIA school with all four years of eligibility remaining.
This means a player could spend:
– 2 years at a JUCO
– 4 more years at a four-year university
– A total of 6+ years playing college basketball (redshirt or injury redshirts included)
For European prospects, this presents a new strategy:
- Instead of trying to land a D1 scholarship right away, starting at a JUCO could be a smarter, longer-term option.
- Players who develop late physically or need time to adjust to the American game can now do so without losing eligibility.
- If you’re not a top recruit at 18, you still have time to earn your way into a strong four-year program.
The Overseas Basketball Market Will Feel the Impact
This new landscape won’t just affect college basketball—it will also shape the overseas market in the years to come.
With players staying in college longer, the average age of import players turning pro could rise. Instead of 22-year-olds entering the overseas market, we might start seeing more 24- and 25-year-old rookies.
How will this change overseas basketball?
- Older, more developed rookies could make it harder for younger players to break into the pro market.
- European teams may prefer seasoned players with six years of college experience over fresh 21-year-olds.
- More competition for import spots, as overseas clubs often prioritize experience over potential.
For European players considering the NCAA route, this means:
- Think long-term—don’t just focus on getting to college, but also how this affects your pro career.
- Plan your path carefully—JUCO + NCAA could work for some, while others may want to start playing pro earlier.
- Understand the market shift—teams may demand more experience from rookies, making early career decisions even more important.
Make the Right Move for Your Career
The world of basketball is evolving, and if you’re an international player with dreams of going pro, you need to stay ahead of these changes.
At SJM Consultation, I help players navigate the new college basketball landscape, find the right paths to professional basketball, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re looking for a Plan of Action (POA) to secure an NCAA opportunity or advice on transitioning to the pro level, I’ve got you covered. DM me or book a consultation today!
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