Let’s Talk Truth: Talent Alone Isn’t Enough
I’ve been in this game a long time—played it, coached it, trained hundreds of kids through my program. And if there’s one thing I wish more young players and parents understood, it’s this:
Exposure doesn’t matter if you’re not ready.
I’ve seen too many kids fly all over the country chasing clout—highlight tapes, big tournaments, social media buzz—but when it’s time to actually play, to really compete? They’re not prepared. Not mentally. Not skill-wise. Not physically.
And coaches see right through that. Every time.
Development Comes Before Exposure
I’ll be real with you: I’m working with a young man right now—great kid, super coachable, athletic—but he spent his high school years focused on the wrong things. He went to all the “right” tournaments, had the gear, made the mixtapes. Now he’s sitting post-juco with no offers because he never built a foundation.
You can’t microwave development.
If your footwork is sloppy, if you don’t understand reads, if your motor isn’t consistent—no amount of exposure will save you. You’ve got to build your game before you try to broadcast it.
Train Like a Real Prospect
When I work with players, I can tell real quick who’s serious. Some kids show up just to say they trained. Others show up to get better. There’s a difference.
The ones who make it? They attack their weaknesses. They ask questions. They stay after. They’re not afraid to get uncomfortable.
And when I talk to college coaches, they’re looking for exactly that: players who already train and carry themselves like they belong at the next level. Not just hoopers—prospects.
So the question is: Are you training like you want to play college ball? Or are you just playing around?
Check out my video where I talk about why being a D-1alone isn’t enough in today’s basketball.
Recruiting is About Relationships and Readiness
A highlight reel might get a coach to watch you once. But it won’t get you an offer. They want to see how you respond to adversity. How you move without the ball. How you compete in tough moments.
That’s why elite camps at colleges are gold. You get to be around the actual coaching staff. You get coached, evaluated, and maybe most importantly—you build relationships. You show them who you are, not just how you play.
And in this new era, where the transfer portal is packed and COVID has extended eligibility? Coaches are even more selective. They’re not gambling on potential. They want players who are ready right now.
We’re in a Different Recruiting World
I’ve been saying this for a while: recruiting has changed. There are fewer spots for high schoolers. Coaches are filling rosters with transfers and older players because they’re a safer bet.
So if you’re in high school dreaming about D1 offers, you’ve got to shift your mindset. You’ve got to become undeniable. You’ve got to show coaches that you’re not just interested—you’re prepared.
This isn’t meant to discourage you. It’s meant to wake you up.
What Hasn’t Changed: The Fundamentals Still Matter
Here’s the thing that gives me hope: even though the landscape has changed, what coaches value at the core hasn’t.
They still want players who:
- Compete every play
- Are coachable
- Play hard without being told
- Make good decisions under pressure
- Put team success before personal glory
All the flash in the world won’t replace fundamentals and grit.
It Takes a Village to Build a College-Ready Player
We’re doing everything we can in our program to make sure kids don’t fall through the cracks. But this isn’t just on me or any one trainer or coach.
It takes a community.
We need more parents asking better questions. More mentors giving real talk. More programs focused on development, not just tournaments and gear bags. More honest evaluation.
I know the system. I know what works. I know what gets kids recruited—and what doesn’t. I’ve walked this path myself. And I’m here to help guide the next generation through it.
Social Media Won’t Get You a Scholarship
Let me be clear: likes and followers don’t translate to offers.
I’ve seen kids put more effort into editing highlight reels than working on their left hand or learning help-side defense. It’s backwards.
You don’t need more followers. You need more focus.
If your goal is to play college basketball, then treat your development like it matters. Forget the clout. Fall in love with the work.
So… Are You Really a Prospect?
Here’s a quick gut check:
✅ Can you handle pressure on both ends?
✅ Do you know how to play within a system?
✅ Are you the hardest worker in the gym—consistently?
✅ Can you lead, even when things aren’t going your way?
✅ Are your grades right and your character solid?
✅ Do you seek out coaching—or just tolerate it?
If you’re not checking most of those boxes, you’re not ready yet. And that’s okay—as long as you’re willing to get to work.
Let’s Get Back to the Real Work
Washington has talent. I’ve been around long enough to know it. But talent without guidance? It gets wasted. Ten D1 offers in the 2025 class? That’s not a reflection of talent—it’s a reflection of how we’re preparing that talent.
It’s time to raise the bar.
We don’t need more viral moments. We need more kids putting in consistent, focused work. More players treating development like it’s urgent. More families committed to the long game.
And if you’re one of those kids, or a parent ready to do this right—we’ve got room for you.
Let’s stop chasing hype.
Let’s build something that lasts.