Buzz
If you're passionate about basketball and have the skills to match, you might wonder how to turn your love for the game into a paycheck. Even the most devoted players need more than just enthusiasm; it takes significant effort and some luck to make it as a professional. Fortunately, there are ways to boost your chances of making it big and excelling on the court. We know you're eager to learn how to prepare for a professional career, so keep reading for answers to your top questions!
Steps
How are athletes recruited to play at a professional level?
Many young players are recruited to play in college programs. If you're a skilled high school player, college coaches might notice you and consider you for their team. They'll observe your gameplay and behavior, both on and off the court, to assess whether you're a good fit for their team. From there, you might be offered a scholarship or a place on the team to compete at a higher level.
- Only 2% of high school basketball players make it to college-level play, so it's crucial to put in the effort to hone your skills.
College athletes participate in drafts to join professional teams. In a draft, professional teams select their top choices from college players to sign. If you perform exceptionally well in college and capture the attention of professional coaches, you may be chosen and offered a contract.
How can I get noticed by basketball scouts?
Share highlight reels online. Whenever you're playing a game, ask a friend or family member to record your performance. Try to capture footage from every game throughout the season. Look for the moments that highlight your skills and potential as a player. Use video-editing software to compile your best plays and send them to coaches. You can also share the videos on your social media to increase your visibility.
- Consider creating a dedicated Instagram or YouTube account to showcase your basketball highlights. This way, you can increase your chances of gaining exposure and possibly open doors to new opportunities.
Ask your coach for help. Speak to your coach about your aspirations to play professionally and ask if they have connections with college scouts or coaches. Your coach could then email or call these contacts to discuss your potential. It's important to maintain a positive relationship with your coach so they’re more likely to recommend you.
https://www.usatodayhss.com/2012/top-10-ways-high-school-basketball-players-can-get-noticed-by-college-coaches</ref>
Do I have to attend college to play professional basketball?
No, but playing college basketball improves your chances. NCAA teams are often featured in televised games, which means you'll have a better opportunity to get noticed. College ball also puts you under pressure, helping to develop the strong mindset needed to succeed as a professional.
- There are various programs to consider. Even if you don't play for one of the major NCAA conferences, you can still gain valuable experience at a Division 2 or 3 school.
- If you play for a Division 1 school in the NCAA, you'll get the most exposure, as those games are typically broadcast on TV from the most prestigious schools.
- Consider programs in the Big 10, Big 12, or Pac 12, as they have well-established basketball teams.
How can I qualify for the draft?
Declare your eligibility if you’re 19 or older and at least one year removed from high school. You can declare for the draft once you turn 19 in the draft year and a basketball season has passed since your high school graduation. To declare, send a letter to the NBA Commissioner 60 days before the draft date with your name, eligibility state, and request for the draft entry application. Complete and return the application to be considered for the draft.
- Send your letter to:
Office of the General Counsel at the NBA
645 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10022. - You can check the status of your application around two weeks after submission at https://www.draftexpress.com/. If your name isn’t listed, contact the NBA office to confirm your status.
- The draft is open to all, but your chances are better if you’re an active player.
If you’ve completed four years of college, you’re automatically eligible. No need to declare if you’ve played college basketball for four years. If you didn’t attend college but it’s been four years since high school, you’re also automatically eligible for the draft.
- Your best chances come if you played for your college team throughout your education.
Demonstrate your abilities at the draft combine in Chicago. The combine is your last chance to impress scouts and coaches before the draft. During the event, they’ll assess your height, weight, strength, and vertical leap, and you’ll perform basketball drills to showcase your skills and convince NBA personnel you belong on their team.
- Attending the combine is optional. If you're confident in your ability or worried about injury, you don’t have to participate. Some top draft picks in the past have skipped the combine.
How many players are selected in the draft each year?
The NBA selects 60 players annually. Every year, the 30 NBA teams each have one pick per round for two rounds total. The draft order is determined by each team's performance in the regular season, with the teams that performed the worst picking first and playoff teams choosing later in the draft.
The WNBA drafts 36 players each year. In the WNBA, each team selects one player per round for three rounds. Since there are fewer teams and players, the competition is fiercer, making it harder to get picked during the draft.
Can I still play professionally if I’m not drafted?
A team may still offer you a spot as a free agent. If you’re not selected in the draft, you become a free agent, meaning any team can sign you. A coach may notice your talents and invite you to their training camps. If they like what they see, they might offer you a contract. Keep a positive outlook, as you never know when an opportunity might come your way.
- As a rookie free agent, you can sign with any team that extends an offer.
Try out for the G-League to play in the minors. The G-League, the NBA’s official minor league, is designed to help players develop and eventually make it to the NBA. In some cases, an NBA team may invite you directly to join their G-League affiliate. Otherwise, G-League teams hold open tryouts in the off-season and invite select players to their training camps. Find out if there’s a G-League team near you and when they host their tryouts.
- As of the 2019-20 season, there are 28 G-League teams across the United States.
You can return to college ball and try again for next year’s draft. If you're still enrolled in college, contact your school's athletic director after the draft and express your desire to return to the team. As long as you’re not under contract with a professional team or represented by an agent, you can go back to the NCAA and continue playing for your college team.
- If you’re not in college, playing overseas in leagues like the Euroleague, which includes countries such as Spain, Slovenia, France, and Croatia, might be your next step.
How tall do I need to be to play basketball?
Most male players are over 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. The average height for male players is around 6 1⁄4 feet (1.9 m). Being taller than that gives you an advantage, especially if you're playing as a forward or center. While shorter players can still make it, they may face greater challenges against taller competitors.
Women players typically average around 5 1⁄2 ft (1.7 m). Coaches often look for players who are at least this height, particularly for point guard or shooting guard positions. Taller women are more likely to play as forwards or centers. If you're shorter, there's still a chance to go pro if you're highly skilled, but the competition will be tougher.
What are the odds of becoming a professional player?
Only about 1.2% of male college players make it to the pros. With just 60 draft spots available each year, the majority of high school and college basketball players won’t make it to the major leagues. It’s a tough path, but if you keep pushing and refining your skills, you’ll improve your chances.
- If you're open to playing in the G-League or internationally, your chances increase to 21% of making it to the pros.
Roughly 0.8% of female college athletes reach the majors. The WNBA has fewer draft spots, meaning there’s more competition for those spots. While the odds are lower, you shouldn't give up on your goal. Keep sharpening your skills and improving your game to maximize your opportunities.
How can I improve as a player?
Master the fundamentals of the game. If you're not already familiar with the official basketball rules, start by reading them so you have a solid understanding. Watch games on TV or search for old highlights online to see how the game flows and how players interact. You can also find videos that break down different positions and strategies to help you level up your game.
- Focus on understanding the court layout, the game’s pace, and common fouls to boost your basketball IQ.
Get involved with a basketball team early on. Start playing as soon as possible to allow yourself ample time to hone your skills. Look for youth leagues in your area or try out for your school’s basketball team to gain experience, learn from coaches, and develop teamwork abilities.
Be a team player and show good sportsmanship. Every member of a basketball team plays an important role, so don't just focus on keeping the ball to yourself. Include your teammates on the court, communicate, and work as a unit. Since scouts also evaluate your sportsmanship, stay composed under pressure and focus on your plays.
- It’s normal to get frustrated with a bad call or play, but move past it quickly so it doesn’t affect the rest of your game.
- Unsportsmanlike behavior can lead to mistakes or poor decisions that could cost your team the game.
John Wooden, Legendary Basketball Coach
The day you think you have nothing left to learn is the day you stop growing as a player. Keep pushing yourself, striving to learn more, and you will constantly surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
How can I train for basketball?
Work on basketball drills regularly. Focus on mastering the basics, including ball handling and shooting. Dedicate time every day to practice dribbling, shooting from various angles, and positioning. When practicing with other players, pay attention to skills like rebounds, passing, and defense to build more confidence on the court.
- If you're on a team, your coach will lead drills during practice, but don’t forget to continue practicing on your own in your spare time to perfect each skill.
- Give it your all whenever you practice. Take feedback on your form or drills constructively and use it to improve your performance.
Stephen Curry, Professional Basketball Player
Put in the work to master your craft on the court. "Basketball is more than just a game. It’s an art form that requires dedication to truly master."
Incorporate strength training to build muscle. Focus on exercises targeting the key muscle groups you'll use during a game, such as your legs, arms, and chest. Effective exercises to include are squat jumps, lunges, shoulder presses, dips, dumbbell presses, and planks. It’s also beneficial to add sprints and vertical jumps to boost your speed and agility on the court.
- Stay consistent with workouts during both the basketball season and off-season to maintain peak fitness and readiness.
Participate in basketball camps to improve your skills and gain exposure. Basketball camps cater to all age groups, and many are held during the summer. These camps give you the opportunity to work with coaches, refine your skills, and gain game experience while learning to play in a team environment. Sometimes, college scouts and recruiters attend these camps looking for promising players to recruit to their teams.
-
Regularly check in with your coaches about your goals and seek feedback on areas where you can improve. This will help you stay on track and continue progressing towards your aspirations.
Important Considerations
- Don’t let disappointment get the best of you if you don’t make it as a professional player. It takes a combination of skill, timing, and a bit of luck, and only a select few are chosen each year.
