Staying on Track with Two Critical Questions
The Ultimate Hoopers' Guide
If you’re an aspiring college basketball player or the parent of one, there are two critical questions you must consistently ask yourself throughout the journey to success. These questions will serve as your guiding principles, helping you make informed decisions and stay focused on the right path. Let’s break them down and explore why they matter.
The Two Critical Questions
Where Are You at on Your Journey?
Are you:
- Just starting out and building fundamental skills?
- A varsity player aiming to become an all-conference athlete?
- Competing for Player of the Year in your state?
Your answer will constantly evolve, and recognizing where you stand allows you to adjust your strategy accordingly.
What’s the Next Best Move for Me?
This could be:
Spending more time in the gym to develop translatable skills
Attending the right exposure camps and showcases
Finding a reputable AAU program that aligns with your long-term goals
Identifying gaps in your game and working to close them
The Importance of These Questions
With so many camps, trainers, and AAU programs available, it’s easy to get distracted. Not all opportunities are beneficial—some can actually hinder progress if taken at the wrong time. By consistently asking these two questions, you ensure that your focus remains on preparation and development rather than chasing exposure before you’re ready.
Understanding Translatable Skills
To succeed at the college level, you must develop skills that translate. What does that mean?
- Your skills should fit the position you project to play.
- Your athleticism should be at a level where you can compete effectively.
- You must be able to execute in real game situations.
If your skills aren’t ready yet, the gym—not exposure events—should be your priority.
Maximizing Exposure When You're Ready
If you’ve developed translatable skills, it’s time to focus on exposure.
Here’s how:
- Attend legitimate exposure camps and showcases (beware of scams!)
- Join AAU teams that prioritize playing the right talent in front of college scouts
- Work on getting in front of the right college coaches who are looking for players with your skillset
What If You Haven’t Been Recruited?
If you’re a senior and recruitment hasn’t gone as planned, don’t give up – Instead:
Identify skill gaps and dedicate 90 minutes a day to fixing them
Show improvement—college coaches notice growth and trajectory
Stay persistent and keep reaching out to programs
Identify skill gaps and dedicate 90 minutes a day to fixing them
Show improvement—college coaches notice growth and trajectory
Stay persistent and keep reaching out to programs
Identify skill gaps and dedicate 90 minutes a day to fixing them
Show improvement—college coaches notice growth and trajectory
Stay persistent and keep reaching out to programs
Consistency is Key
Evaluate your journey quarterly and realign your efforts accordingly. Regularly revisiting these two questions will keep you on track and give you the best chance to achieve your college basketball dreams.
If you need guidance on development and recruitment, reach out to Coach Watts at WattsBasketball.com. His mission is to be the #1 developer of college basketball talent, helping players maximize their potential through structured training and exposure strategies.
Game Changers Key Takeaways
Success in basketball is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently asking yourself “Where am I at on my journey?” and “What’s my next best move?” you can avoid distractions and focus on what truly matters. Keep working, keep improving, and stay dedicated to your dream.
See you in the gym!