The Rise of the Farm System: How Low/Mid-Majors Are Losing the Recruiting Battle

 

The College Basketball Landscape Has Changed

If you’re a low- or mid-major coach, you probably feel it already. The rules of recruiting and roster building have shifted overnight.

What used to be a level playing field has tilted hard toward the Power 4 schools (Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC). Between the end of the National Letter of Intent (NLI), the rise of revenue sharing, and the wild freedom of the transfer portal, smaller programs are stuck in a cycle: develop players, then lose them.

In other words, many schools outside the Power 4 are being forced into the role of developmental programs — farm systems feeding talent upward.

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🚫 No NLI = No Commitment

For years, the NLI gave coaches security. If a recruit signed, you could count on them showing up in the fall. Now? That security is gone.

• Recruits can flip late.

• Players can transfer with no penalty.

• Coaches are recruiting athletes twice: once to get them, and again just to keep them.

This constant instability makes planning a roster year to year nearly impossible.

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💰 No Revenue Sharing = No Leverage

The next big change: money is moving down to the athletes. Power 4 schools are preparing to share sports revenue with players — essentially paying them like employees.

Low- and mid-major schools? They don’t have that luxury. Budgets are already stretched.

So even if you win a recruiting battle on culture, role, and development… you can still lose when the bigger school waves a paycheck.

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🔄 Transfer Portal = Open Season

The portal was designed to give athletes freedom. In reality, it’s turned into a poaching ground.

• A mid-major freshman averages 15 a game? He’s gone.

• A quarterback throws for 3,000 yards in the MAC? He’s recruited again — this time by the SEC.

The better you do your job developing players, the more likely you’ll lose them to a Power 4 program.

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🧪 The “Farm System” Effect

Put those pieces together, and you see the pattern:

• Recruits use low/mid-majors as a launch pad if they don’t get Power 4 offers out of high school.

• After one or two good years, the bigger programs swoop in with NIL money, exposure, and the promise of a bigger stage.

That means low/mid-majors are no longer viewed as final destinations. They’ve become a stop along the way.

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🔑 So What Can Coaches Do?

This is the hard part: you can’t control all of it. But there are steps that keep your program competitive:

1. Build an Identity
Be the program known for something. Guards, shooting, big-man development — own your lane.

2. Retain Through Culture
Loyalty matters. Connect players with alumni, mentors, and each other. Make them feel like family, not just a jersey.

3. Get Creative With NIL
Even without huge money, you can offer local deals, media exposure, and career opportunities bigger schools often overlook.

4. Advocate for Change
Coaches at this level must speak up. Push for reforms like transfer windows, NIL tiers, or even training compensation when players transfer up.

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🎯 Final Word

The reality is tough: low/mid-majors aren’t playing on the same field anymore. The deck is stacked, and yes — many programs are being treated like farm systems.

But here’s the truth: your value hasn’t disappeared.
Players still need the right fit, real development, and a chance to play meaningful minutes.

Power 4 schools can offer money and exposure.
Low/mid-majors can offer something harder to replace:

• A clearly defined role

• A culture that builds players, not just uses them

• A program that prepares them for the next level — whether that’s pro basketball, life after hoops, or both

The game has changed, but the mission hasn’t. Keep building. Keep adapting. Keep reminding athletes that a program is more than a pit stop.

🏀 How Many Times Should You Dribble Before You Shoot?

Have you ever wondered if you're dribbling too much before your shot? 

Well, the stats say… probably, yes. Let’s dive into what the numbers show — and how you can use this info to level up your game.

This isn’t just for stat nerds. If you’re serious about getting buckets and becoming more efficient, this is for you.

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1. 📉 The More You Dribble, The Harder the Shot

What the stats show:

According to data from the NBA, players shoot best when they don’t dribble at all. Yep — catch and shoot is where the money is. Once players start dribbling 2, 3, or more times, their shooting percentage drops big time.

Why?

• More dribbles = more defense

• More dribbles = tougher shot angles

• More dribbles = lower rhythm

What it means for you:

Every dribble gives the defense a chance to recover. Fewer dribbles means quicker, cleaner looks.

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2. 🎯 0–1 Dribble Shots Are the Sweet Spot

These are the shots that top scorers practice the most:

• Catch and shoot

• 1-dribble pull-up

• Shot fake + side step

NBA players — even the best — hit these shots at a higher clip than when they dribble 3 or 4 times.

What it means for you:

If you want to be more consistent, get really good at shooting with 0–1 dribbles. Be ready before the ball even hits your hands.

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3. ⚠️ 3+ Dribbles? Leave That to the Elites

Players like Kyrie, Luka, or Steph can dance with the ball and still hit tough shots. But the truth is, most players aren’t them.

Once a shot takes 3 or more dribbles:

• Shooting % drops

• Shot difficulty goes up

• The offense slows down

That’s not saying you can’t create… but you need to earn that skill level through work.

What it means for you:

Work on your handle, sure. But don't confuse iso highlights with efficient basketball.

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4. 🧠 Ball Movement > Dribble Movement

Teams that move the ball get better shots — and it's backed by data. When the ball swings from side to side and players catch and shoot, it's harder to guard.

When the ball sticks and guys dribble too much, defenses settle in, help-side rotates, and shot quality drops.

What it means for you:

Move the ball. Then move your feet. The better the offense, the fewer dribbles it takes to score.

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5. 💪 Train For Efficiency — Not Just Flash

In your workouts, don’t just copy mixtapes. Build a foundation of:

• Spot-up shooting

• 1-dribble pull-ups

• Attacking off the catch

Once you can do those at game speed and under pressure, then work on creative combos and advanced reads.

What it means for you:

The best players know when to keep it simple and when to create. Efficiency wins.

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📚 Final Word:

Every hooper wants to score. But the best players are the ones who score smart. If you learn to get buckets with fewer dribbles, you’ll:

• Get more playing time

• Help your team win

• Stand out to coaches and scouts

So the next time you're working out, remember:

“Less bounce. More buckets.”

September: The Secret Month That Separates Hoopers

Introduction

The AAU season has wrapped up, school is back in full swing, and the high school basketball season is only a few short weeks away. While November might feel far off, September is actually one of the most important months for athletes. It’s the “secret month” that separates hoopers who show up ready to dominate from those still trying to catch up once tryouts start.

For players, this is the time to sharpen—not scramble. For parents, it’s the time to help your athlete establish routines that set them up for both academic and athletic success. Here’s a breakdown of the four key areas every athlete should focus on during September.

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1️⃣ On the Court: Sharpen, Don’t Scramble

The season is around the corner, but this is not the time to overhaul your entire game. Instead, focus on getting consistent, high-quality reps.

• Skill Reps Matter: Stick to fundamentals—shooting, ball handling, footwork, and finishing. Work at game speed from game spots.

• Pickup With Purpose: Don’t waste time on lazy runs. Compete hard in 3-on-3 or 5-on-5 and treat every possession like it’s the season.

• Film Study: Review your AAU games or last season’s film. Identify 2–3 specific areas to improve before November (ex: reducing turnovers, improving free-throw consistency).

Player Takeaway: If it doesn’t translate to in-game performance, it shouldn’t be your focus this month.

Parent Tip: Ask your athlete what their top 2–3 goals for the season are and check in weekly to keep them accountable.

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2️⃣ Strength & Recovery: Stay Ready, Stay Healthy

By now, the heavy summer workouts should give way to a more balanced in-season approach. The goal is to be strong, mobile, and fresh going into November.

• Strength Maintenance: Hit the weight room 2–3 times per week, focusing on bodyweight strength, core stability, and functional movements.

• Injury Prevention: Prioritize mobility, stretching, and activation work for the hips, knees, and shoulders.

• Recovery Habits: Sleep 7–9 hours, hydrate daily, and build recovery into your routine (foam rolling, stretching, or yoga).

Player Takeaway: It doesn’t matter how talented you are if you can’t stay on the court. Treat recovery as seriously as training.

Parent Tip: Encourage healthy sleep and nutrition habits—two areas teenagers often overlook.

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3️⃣ Academics: Handle Business in the Classroom

Athletes often forget: your first eligibility test happens in the classroom. Coaches recruit students first and hoopers second.

• Start Strong: September grades matter. A strong academic start prevents stress later in the year.

• Time Management: Balance training and schoolwork by setting a weekly schedule. Avoid procrastination—it only compounds once games begin.

• Recruiting Prep: Update highlight reels and transcripts early. If recruiting is on the radar, this is the perfect time to reach out to coaches.

Player Takeaway: Don’t wait until you’re in a grade hole to care about academics. Put in the same effort in the classroom as you do on the court.

Parent Tip: Help your athlete create a calendar that balances assignments, workouts, and rest.

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4️⃣ Mindset & Leadership: Set the Tone Early

Champions aren’t just built on talent—they’re built on habits and leadership. September is the time to establish both.

• Lead by Example: Show consistency in workouts, school, and effort.

• Be Vocal: Push teammates during pickup and conditioning. Coaches notice who sets the standard.

• Stay Disciplined: The habits you build now carry into the season—good or bad.

Player Takeaway: Leaders aren’t appointed in November. They’re revealed in September.

Parent Tip: Reinforce positive leadership habits. Recognize effort, consistency, and accountability just as much as scoring or athletic performance.

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Conclusion

September isn’t just another month—it’s the month that sets the tone for everything that follows. The skills, habits, and routines you sharpen now will determine how ready you are once tryouts and games arrive.

For players: treat September like your advantage month. For parents: help your athlete balance their commitments and support their growth both on and off the court.

Remember: Championships aren’t won in November—they’re built in September.

🏀 What to Do After AAU Season: A 4-Week Blueprint for Earning a College Scholarship

AAU basketball season is nearly over — the long travel weekends, packed gyms, and high-stakes matchups are in the rearview. But for serious athletes hoping to earn a college scholarship, this is not the time to sit still or spin your wheels.

What happens in the 4 weeks after AAU could be just as important as what happened during it.

Here’s a structured month-long plan designed for athletes (and their parents) who want to:

• Recharge the body

• Rebuild their skills

• Re-engage with college coaches

• Reposition themselves for long-term success

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🔁 WEEK 1: RECOVER + REFLECT

Why it matters:
Your body and mind have been through a grind. The constant pressure to perform, back-to-back games, and travel fatigue add up fast. Recovery is not a luxury — it's necessary if you want to keep growing.

What to do:

• Active Recovery: Light activity like yoga, swimming, mobility work, or walking. Avoid intense runs or heavy lifting.

• Film Study: Watch 2–3 of your AAU games. Not just the highlights — full possessions. Write down what you did well and where you struggled.

• Get Feedback: Ask your coaches, trainers, or mentors for honest evaluations.

• Update Materials: Now’s the time to trim your highlight tape to 2–3 minutes and gather updated stats, test scores, and transcripts.

Parent Insight:
Encourage your child to reflect on their own—not just wait for outside validation. This builds self-awareness and maturity, two qualities that college coaches love.

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🧱 WEEK 2: RELOAD SKILL + REBUILD BODY

Why it matters:
After time off, athletes are tempted to jump back into games. Don’t. This is your chance to fix the flaws you saw in film without the pressure to perform. Train smart before training hard.

What to do:

• Skill Workouts (3–4x/week): Focus on weaknesses — shooting under pressure, ball security, left-hand work, or decision-making.

• No Open Runs Yet: Controlled settings lead to more intentional reps.

• Strength + Mobility (2–3x/week): Rebuild strength gradually. Add flexibility, core stability, and ankle/hip mobility to prevent future injuries.

• Rest: Take 1–2 full days completely off to allow the body and nervous system to reset.

Parent Insight:
This week isn’t about visibility. It’s about development. Refrain from pushing your athlete back into exposure events or scrimmages too early. Progress happens in the dark.

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💻 WEEK 3: RE-ENGAGE + RECRUIT

Why it matters:
August is a “quiet” month in the college recruiting calendar — but smart athletes use it to stand out. Many coaches review film, finalize rosters, and look for late adds. This is your moment to make your presence felt off the court.

What to do:

• Reach Out to Colleges: Email 10–20 programs. Include your highlight reel, position, measurables, GPA, and upcoming schedule.

• Clean Up Your Social Media: Coaches check it. Be intentional.

• Simulate Game Situations in Workouts: Add time/score situations, 3-dribble rules, and decision-making layers.

• Build a "Top 10" Target List: Focus on fit, role, academics, and realistic opportunity.

Parent Insight:
Let your child take ownership of communication with coaches — but help them stay organized. Use a spreadsheet to track outreach, responses, and key info.

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🎯 WEEK 4: READY FOR SEPTEMBER

Why it matters:
This is your tune-up week. College workouts begin. High school open gyms are around the corner. While others are still on vacation, you’ll be locked in and ready.

What to do:

• Follow Up: Reconnect with coaches you contacted in Week 3.

• Finalize NCAA Eligibility Tasks: Register at the NCAA Eligibility Center and confirm your transcript/test scores are in order.

• Stay Game-Ready: Maintain intensity in 2–3 workouts per week. Don’t overtrain — just stay sharp.

• Prep for the Fall: If you’re entering your junior or senior year, schedule fall visits, register for the ACT/SAT if needed, and confirm your fall schedule.

Parent Insight:
The athletes who come into September with a plan stand out. Help your child balance physical prep with academic readiness. Make sure they know how to speak about themselves with confidence when a coach calls.

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💬 Final Thoughts

The AAU season might be over, but this next phase is where scholarships are won or lost.

Let your body recover. Let your game evolve. Let your name circulate the right way — with smart communication and steady development.

A quick FYI surrounding NCAA goals.

 A quick FYI surrounding NCAA goals.

Each year, talented high school players try to catch the eye of college coaches throughout the country in hopes of landing an athletic scholarship or in most cases earning a spot on a college team. According to the NCAA, which serves as the governing body to majority of college/universities athletic departments, there are approximately 537,000 high school participants in boys basketball throughout the country of which only 3.6% (19,213) will don a college uniform (of any level) compared to close to 16,500 (4.5%) of the approximate 375,000 girl participants.

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There is no doubt these statistics are not favorable, but at the same time they are not impossible.  

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Stay realistic! 

Training in ISOLATION can be counterproductive.

Using the writings of Rick Fenoglio on "isolation" training, here are five reasons why isolation training can be counterproductive:

1. Lack of Contextual Application:

Fenoglio emphasizes that isolation training focuses on specific skills in a vacuum, which can lead to a disconnect when these skills need to be applied in a game situation. For example, practicing dribbling or shooting in isolation does not replicate the dynamic and unpredictable nature of an actual game where decision-making, positioning, and reacting to defenders are crucial.

2. Neglect of Team Dynamics:

   According to Fenoglio, team sports that require players to work cohesively is undermined by Isolation training for such training does not foster the development of communication, teamwork, and understanding among players. These skills are vital for executing plays, defending effectively, and maintaining team morale during games.

3. Limited Development of In-Game Adaptability:

   Fenoglio points out that isolation training can limit a player's ability to adapt to real-game scenarios. In a game, players need to make quick decisions and adapt their skills to the flow of play, opponents' strategies, and their teammates' actions. Isolation training does not adequately prepare players for these complexities, leading to a potential gap in their overall game performance.

4. Risk of Overemphasis on Individual Skills:

   Fenoglio suggests that while individual skills are important, an overemphasis on them can lead to a player becoming one-dimensional. For example, a player who excels in shooting during isolation training might neglect other essential aspects like passing, defense, or off-the-ball movement. This imbalance can make it easier for opponents to exploit their weaknesses during a game.

5. Mental and Physical Burnout:

   Fenoglio warns that repetitive isolation drills can lead to mental and physical burnout. Engaging in the same types of drills without variation can become monotonous and demotivating, reducing the player's overall enjoyment and passion for the sport. Additionally, focusing on the same muscle groups and movements repeatedly increases the risk of overuse injuries.

In summary, Rick Fenoglio's insights highlight the limitations of isolation training in developing well-rounded players. Contextual application, team dynamics, in-game adaptability, balanced skill development, and preventing burnout are all crucial factors that isolation training often fails to address.

5 ways to solve the NIL "Crisis"

✅ Ideal Solutions to Restore Competitive Balance in College Basketball

While NIL and the transfer portal are here to stay, there are practical solutions that could level the playing field and help mid-majors remain viable. Here’s a framework of potential fixes that the NCAA, conferences, and individual programs could implement.

💡 1. NIL Revenue Sharing Model

• Current Problem: NIL currently operates as an unregulated free-market system, which disproportionately benefits high-major programs with larger collectives and booster networks. Mid-majors can’t compete financially.

• Solution: Implement revenue sharing across divisions, where a portion of the NIL revenue from high-major conferences is distributed to mid-major programs.

• How It Would Work:

  • Similar to how pro sports leagues share media revenue, the NCAA could mandate that a small percentage of major-conference NIL earnings go into a Mid-Major Development Fund.

  • This would give mid-majors more financial resources to offer competitive NIL deals and retain their top players.

• Example: A system where 5–10% of Power 4 programs’ NIL revenue goes into a fund for mid-majors could provide smaller schools with a fighting chance.

• Impact:

  • Helps mid-majors retain key players.

  • Reduces the financial gap between tiers.

  • Preserves roster continuity at mid-majors.

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🔒 2. Two-Year Transfer Commitment Rule

• Current Problem: The one-time, no-sit transfer rule allows players to switch programs freely, encouraging constant roster churn and making mid-majors vulnerable to poaching.

• Solution: Implement a two-year commitment rule for transfer players, where they must stay at their new school for at least two years.

• How It Would Work:

  • After transferring, a player is required to remain at their new school for two seasons before they are eligible to transfer again.

  • Exceptions could be made for coaching changes or family emergencies.

• Impact:

  • Reduces the frequency of portal entries.

  • Discourages players from jumping ship for short-term NIL gains.

  • Allows mid-majors more time to develop and retain talent.

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⚖️ 3. Transfer Compensation for Mid-Majors (NCAA Training Fee Model)

• Current Problem: Mid-majors invest in player development only to have high-majors swoop in and benefit without compensating the original program.

• Solution: Create an NCAA-sanctioned training compensation model (similar to FIFA’s system in soccer), where high-majors must pay a transfer fee to mid-majors when they sign their players.

• How It Would Work:

  • If a mid-major player transfers to a high-major program, the high-major school pays the original program a transfer fee (based on the player’s scholarship year or playing contributions).

  • This fee could be either direct monetary compensation or NIL-equivalent credits to support mid-major collectives.

• Example: If a breakout star transfers from a mid-major to a Power 5 school, the high-major program must pay a fee (e.g., $100K) to the mid-major’s athletic department or NIL fund.

• Impact:

  • Mid-majors are incentivized to develop players without fearing total roster depletion.

  • Adds financial accountability for high-majors.

  • Helps mid-majors reinvest in their programs.

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🔥 4. NIL Cap or Tiered Collective System

• Current Problem: High-majors’ massive NIL collectives create an uneven playing field, turning recruiting into a financial arms race.

• Solution: Implement a salary-cap-like system where schools are placed into NIL tiers with spending limits.

• How It Would Work:

  • Divide schools into three tiers based on their conference revenue.

  • Each tier would have a cap on the total amount they can distribute in NIL deals.

  • Mid-majors would be placed in a tier with a competitive cap, preventing high-majors from grossly outspending them.

• Impact:

  • Creates a more level playing field.

  • Prevents high-majors from stockpiling talent with massive NIL deals.

  • Allows mid-majors to retain more players.

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🔧 5. NCAA Oversight on NIL Deals to Prevent Tampering

• Current Problem: NIL tampering (contacting players at other schools through third parties) is rampant, allowing high-majors to poach mid-major stars with backdoor offers.

• Solution: Implement NCAA-mandated transparency and enforcement to prevent tampering.

• How It Would Work:

  • Require all NIL offers to be publicly disclosed to the NCAA for verification.

  • Enforce tampering rules with strict penalties (loss of scholarships, fines) for programs caught offering under-the-table NIL deals to players already under scholarship.

• Impact:

• Deters high-majors from illegally luring mid-major players.

• Creates more transparency in NIL negotiations.

• Protects mid-majors from predatory recruiting tactics.

✅ Ideal Outcome: Balance & Sustainability

Combining these solutions would create a more sustainable and competitive college basketball landscape:

• Revenue sharing gives mid-majors more financial strength.

• Transfer compensation ensures player development is rewarded.

• Two-year transfer commitments promote roster continuity.

• NIL caps prevent financial monopolies.

• Anti-tampering measures preserve fair recruiting practices.

ve Cinderella stories—schools like Loyola Chicago and Florida Gulf Coast making deep NCAA Tournament runs. However, with the best players being poached before their teams can truly break through, those magical mid-major runs are becoming rarer