(This article was originally posted on Indiana Basketball Source on October 3, 2014) Open gym visits are often confusing for high school prospects and their parents. The confusion comes from the varying degrees of interest that a coach visiting a player is associated with. Here is a look at the possibilities.
Most players and parents know that letters from colleges do not mean much. Players are more excited by calls and text messages although many times those do not mean much either. A coach watching open gym is tied with the most enthusiasm by parents and players alike. Usually that excitement is warranted but excitement levels should be reserved.
We believe a college coach observing an open gym of a prospect can mean three main things. Here is our breakdown.
High Interest
Most players – especially prospects that do not have any current scholarship offers yet – assume a college has high interest when a coach comes to an open gym or a game. That can certainly be correct but it is not always the case. High interest in our eyes means that the school has already offered the player and wants to check up on the prospect/keep in contact with the player or that the program has watched the player a couple times in the past.
Medium Interest
A very confusing level of attention for players and parents is the medium level. This position often means that a school is in contact with the player. The college likely has sent letters along with calls or texts expressing interest. This could mean a number of things. The school might have seen a player a time or two and the player has intrigued a coach on the staff. It could be because of the player's athleticism, body composition or skill set. The coach or coaches are not sure the player can help the program, but they are not ready to move on from the player.
It could also mean that the school has received a recommendation from a coach (high school or other college) or a scout that they respect. A school will often express interest in the form of letters, calls, text messages off of a recommendation before even seeing a player. That does not mean the school is ready to offer the player.
A scholarship offer is possible but it likely will not come after one open gym visit.
Low Interest
The most common reason for an open gym visit by a college coach, but it is also the least understood level by players and especially parents. There are multiple reasons for a coach to stop at an open gym even though there is very little interest in a player.
As pointed out in this article, an open gym visit by a college coach does not automatically mean a scholarship offer is coming soon. A visit from a college coach should often be met with reserved enthusiasm.
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