In a recent high-impact call hosted by PGC Basketball, a powerhouse trio of basketball minds—Rudy Bently Junior, Dustin Aubert, and Yale Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Amber Raisner—shared invaluable advice for young athletes with college basketball aspirations. Their collective insights cut through the noise to reveal what coaches are really looking for in recruits.
The Winning Formula
The panel highlighted their priority list for recruitment that might surprise many:
- Defense comes first – Coaches want players who can stop opponents
- Rebounding matters – It creates additional possessions and shows grit
- Speed is non-negotiable – “Sprint!” was their emphatic command, effort matters
- Relationships are key – The first call recruiters make is to your current coach
- Impact without the ball – Learning how to move, cut, and create space when you’re not the primary option, IQ matters a lot
- Have fun – Love the game and what it gives you and enjoy every minute.
Communication That Gets Noticed
When interacting with college coaches, the panel advised:
- Show genuine passion for basketball, love of the game
- Bring high energy to every conversation, eye contact to every conversation (huddle, call)
- Avoid one-word answers that kill dialogue
- By junior year, create a comprehensive profile on social media with height, GPA, and game highlights
#1 is Development Priorities – Get Better Everyday
“Be selfish about your improvement,” the experts agreed. They recommended:
- Only participate in AAU if it genuinely helps your development
- Have a written plan to get better – strength, skills, etc.
- Prioritize skills development over games e.g. playing 15 min won’t necessarily make you better
- Be obsessed with getting better every day
- Study film to learn off-ball movement and anticipation, develop your knowledge of the game, usually a weakness attribute of young players
- Be strong, fast and explosive – weight training, etc.
- Be humble, be a good person, be a good teammate
- Play multiple sports until junior/senior year
The Leadership Factor
What truly separates standout recruits isn’t always scoring ability. “Coaches want leaders who bring teams together, stay vocal, and lift others up,” they explained. The panel emphasized that your energy and vibe matter tremendously, especially for point guards who “can’t afford to have a bad day” due to their impact on team mindset.
The Winning Edge
The coaching experts highlighted that 91 PGC graduates played in NCAA tournaments, crediting their daily commitment to improvement. Their parting advice resonated powerfully: “Dare to be different. Do different things than others. Get better every day. Surround yourself with people who support you.”
For aspiring college basketball players, this insider perspective from three basketball authorities offers a clear roadmap to catching coaches’ attention for all the right reasons.
Here is the link to the full zoom session PGC Basketball: LINK.
About PGC Basketball
Point Guard College (PGC) Basketball has established itself as one of the premier basketball development programs in North America. Founded with the mission to transform how players think about the game, PGC offers specialized training camps, coaching resources, and mentorship opportunities that have helped thousands of athletes elevate their game and achieve their collegiate basketball dreams.
The Expert Panel
Rudy Bently Junior – A respected basketball development specialist with PGC, Bently has mentored hundreds of athletes who have gone on to play at the collegiate level. His focus on fundamental skill development and basketball IQ has made him a sought-after trainer for serious players.
Dustin Aubert – As a veteran PGC coach and former collegiate player/coach, Aubert brings a wealth of experience in player development and recruitment strategies. His expertise in helping athletes navigate the recruiting process has helped countless players find their perfect college fit.
Amber Raisner – Currently serving as an Assistant Coach for Yale Women’s Basketball, Raisner brings invaluable insight from the collegiate recruiting perspective. Her experience identifying and developing talent at the Ivy League level offers a unique window into what high-academic institutions seek in prospective student-athletes.
