S.P.A POSTGRAD BASKETBALL ACADEMY

When should basketball players do a post-grad year?

The reason usually depends on what the goal of the player is. The main goal of most players is to get a scholarship to a Division 1 school. Going to a prep school will give a player exposure during the additional AAU/camp season and when the post-grad year starts. If a player already has D1 offers they will hopefully bump up a level or gain more offers from the level they are currently at—if they have the right skillset and size, a post-grad year could take a low major player and bump him up to a mid to high major player. A kid with D2 offers might get a D1 offer. Players who have D3 looks might have a chance to bump up to a scholarship. Some players might not have any offers and will be open to seeing what schools reach out to them during this year.  Players also should consider a post-grad year if they need to improve a certain skillset. Some need to improve their handle, shot, speed, strength etc.  Another example of a player who would benefit from a post-grad year is one who needs to get eligible for the NCAA. These players can go the JUCO route or do a post-grad year as long as they are not too far behind in their core classes. Getting a player’s grade point average increased and scoring higher on a standardized test will open up the possibility of going to schools that require higher academic requirements.  Some players graduate high school young for their grade. They need this extra year to catch up to their peers on the court.  This year is about players betting on themselves.

What should basketball players expect during a post-grad year?

If you sign with a postgrad school before you graduate high school, then you should talk to the coach about how to plan your summer. AAU teams, postgrad academy live period events, and elite camps are vital for being seen by college coaches. Since the postgrad school coach’s job is to get his players to the next level, he will have a good idea of what level a player is before school begins in the Fall. Ideally you will tell your prep school coach your goals and what schools you want him to reach out to. The coach will then tell you if it makes sense to attend any of these colleges’ elite camps. Most of these camps have staff members from multiple colleges and at all levels working them. The postgrad coach will also let college programs know of your interest and invite them to the open gyms during the Fall.

Once you arrive at a postgrad in the fall you will go through orientation then get into the routine of classes and workouts. A valuable time for players is the open gyms in the Fall. These are important as college coaches from all over the US descend on these schools to look for recruits. Offers can be made. During this fall period postgrad coaches will get their players in shape through conditioning and stronger in the weight room. At this age players will be more inclined to put on muscle since they are maturing as young men.

Once official practice starts then the routine will be similar to high school. This includes classes and practice each day. The basketball season will be similar to high school as well. It will just be better competition than most players are used to. There will be fall, winter and spring breaks. Once the season ends, postgrad will go back to having open gyms. Some players might not have signed with a school yet, while some colleges will still need to fill roster spots. Once the year is over there will be a graduation ceremony and the next stage of life will begin!

 Choosing a postgrad basketball program is beneficial for students who want to improve their athletic skills, physical strength, and academic performance before college. These programs offer a chance to gain exposure to college coaches, compete against higher-level talent, and develop independence and maturity in a structured environment. They provide an extra year of development without using NCAA eligibility, which is particularly helpful for late bloomers or those needing to improve test scores or grades. 

Athletic development

• Skill and physical improvement: Programs offer rigorous training to improve skills, strength, conditioning, and endurance. 
• Higher-level competition: Athletes can compete against other postgrad teams and even college programs, providing a more challenging and realistic experience than high school. 
• Increased exposure: A national schedule and participation in showcases expose players to college coaches and scouts who might have overlooked them in high school. 
• Late bloomer opportunity: It's an ideal option for late physical or skill developers, allowing them to mature and become a more attractive recruit. 

Academic and personal growth

• Improved academic readiness: Students can improve their GPA, retake core courses, or work on standardized test scores. 
• Enhanced study skills: The program structure helps develop time management and study habits crucial for college success. 
• Increased maturity: Living away from home and managing a demanding schedule prepares students for the independence and responsibilities of college life. 
• Holistic development: The focus is on developing both the athlete and the person through a combination of elite sports training and a strong academic foundation. 

Strategic benefits

• NCAA eligibility: The year does not count against a player's NCAA eligibility, unlike a year at a junior college. 
• More time for decision-making: Players can take more time to choose the right college that fits their academic and athletic goals. 
• Flexibility: Athletes can choose between different types of programs, from those heavily focused on basketball to those integrated with partner universities offering college classes.