WHAT IS A POST-GRAD BASKETBALL PROGRAM AND IS IT FOR YOU?
A post-graduate basketball program is normally a residential program dedicated to increasing opportunities for post-graduate athletes to be recruited to play college basketball. Basketball players have the unique opportunity to mature while getting physically stronger. They gain the experience of playing college basketball competing nationally against junior college basketball programs, and some include playing some of the top post-graduate teams in the country. They gain national exposure through events which attract various college basketball recruiters from across the country. Many college programs endorse post-graduate programs thus positioning many of the players with an added advantage of being recruited over other athletes as these players have gained experience playing collegiate-level basketball before becoming a college basketball player.
Post-Grad Basketball
Post-graduate program is for the student-athlete looking for an extra year to become more physically, mentally or academically prepared for college without loosing any of their 4 years of college eligibility.
Normally, post-graduate programs operates on a nine-month schedule (September-May) in order to prepare young men and women for the hectic schedule of a collegiate student-athlete after they have graduated from a traditional high school. The programs are optimized to provide the best in basketball training while enhancing the college recruitment opportunities of the student-athlete.
The best programs include competition with (but is not limited to) top junior colleges and high-level prep tournaments around the nation. Athletes participate in two or more on-court workouts per day along with daily athletic performance training. Additionally, they receive mentorship and guidance in the college recruitment and selection process. All the while, the student-athlete continues to focus on individual skill training. Program coaches then work with each player to plan a schedule for individual training, summer camps, tournaments and leagues that will provide maximum opportunity for improvement, development, and exposure in the summer months.
Post-Grad Academics
It's equally as crucial for post-grad student-athletes to continue their academic development while evolving athletically. Elite programs have both in-house and extended academic options either located on their campus or in partnership with local educational institutions near the post-grad program. Enrollment into the post-grad programs allow the student-athletes to improve their academic profile and SAT scores, further develop study and writing skills, and take Advanced Placement coursework – which can lead to college credit. Enrollment in quality post-grad programs should offer the opportunity to earn college credit and give the student-athletes a true taste of college life on a part-time basis.
With a top level post-grad program that offers a variety of college level preparatory, encouraging instructors and an accommodating schedule, the student-athlete should be positioned to enter college fully prepared academically and athletically.
Costs
Post-Grad programs are not cheap. Tuition can range from $5,000 to $50,000 per year, although many offer full-ride scholarships for those student-athletes with maximum potential to move on to the next level. Like all things in life, buyer beware must be in the forefront since there are always bad, good and great post-graduate programs spread out throughout the United States and beyond. A critical component that should have priority in the decision-making process on whether to attend a post-grad program is to determine if the program is in good standing or accredited by the NCAA and/or the college/university that they student-athelte wants to attend.
