Recruitment Talking Points
Essential questions and topics for international student-athletes throughout the recruitment process
How to Use This Guide
As an international student-athlete, navigating NCAA recruitment requires asking the right questions at the right time. This guide provides comprehensive talking points organized by recruitment stage to help you gather all necessary information and make informed decisions about your college choice.
Pro Tip: Don't try to cover everything in one conversation.
Use these stages as a roadmap, and take notes after each interaction with coaches and programs.
Focus: Building relationship and understanding basic program fit
About the Coach
- How long have you been coaching at this program?
- What's your coaching philosophy and style?
- How do you develop players over their four years?
- What's your experience with international players?
Playing Style & Fit
- What style of basketball does your team play? (tempo, defensive scheme, offensive system)
- What position do you see me playing?
- Why are you recruiting me specifically?
- What skills do you want me to develop?
Program Overview
- What's the team culture like?
- How many international students are on the team?
- What conference do you compete in?
- What are your expectations for freshmen?
Focus: Deeper dive into academics, support systems, and program expectations
Academic Support
- What majors are available and which ones are most flexible for athletes?
- What academic support is available? (tutoring, study hall, academic advisors)
- What's the typical class schedule for athletes?
- What are graduation rates for athletes on your team?
- Do you have an ESL program or language support?
International Student Support
- What support does the school provide for international students?
- Is there an international student office?
- How do you help with visa processes and documentation?
- What happens during school breaks when dorms close?
- Are there cultural organizations or international student groups?
Training & Development
- What does a typical day/week look like for athletes?
- What are your strength and conditioning programs?
- What training facilities and equipment are available?
- What's your practice schedule during season and off-season?
- Do players train together during summer break?
Roster & Playing Time
- What's the current roster composition at my position?
- Who's graduating and when?
- How do you determine playing time?
- What's your redshirt policy?
Focus: Financial details, scholarship specifics, and comprehensive support
Financial & Scholarship Details
- What percentage scholarship are you offering? (athletic scholarship)
- What does the scholarship cover exactly?
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Meal plan details
- Is there academic scholarship money available in addition to athletic?
- What is the total Cost of Attendance (COA)?
- What are my out-of-pocket expenses?
- Personal expenses
- Travel home
- Medical insurance
- Technology/laptop
NIL Opportunities
- What NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities exist at your school?
- Are there NIL collectives supporting athletes?
- What's the school's policy on NIL for international students? (F-1 visa restrictions)
- What education and support do you provide about NIL?
Travel & Family Visits
- Do you cover flights home during breaks?
- How many times per year?
- Which breaks (winter, summer)?
- What's the maximum amount covered?
- Do you cover my official visit costs?
- Can you assist with parents visiting?
- Tickets for games
- Travel reimbursement
- Accommodation recommendations
- What about family members attending games or tournaments?
Housing
- Where do freshmen live? (dorms, apartments, athlete housing)
- What are housing options for years 2-4?
- Do athletes live together?
- What's included in housing? (furniture, utilities, wifi)
- What happens during winter/spring/summer breaks?
- Can I stay during summer if training with the team?
Meals & Nutrition
- What meal plan is included?
- Is there an athlete dining hall or nutrition center?
- Are pre/post-workout meals provided?
- Do you have a nutritionist available?
- What dining options are available on campus?
- Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? (religious, allergies, preferences)
Focus: Final details, commitment terms, and decision-making clarity
Scholarship Terms
- Is this scholarship renewable?
- What are renewal requirements?
- Can it be reduced?
- What happens if I get injured?
- When do I need to decide?
- What's the National Letter of Intent (NLI) process?
- Can I have everything in writing?
Health & Medical
- What medical insurance is provided?
- Is there an athletic trainer available?
- What medical facilities are on campus?
- What's your injury rehabilitation protocol?
- Is mental health support available?
Future & Career Development
- What career services are available?
- Do you have internship programs?
- What's your alumni network like?
- Do you help with post-graduation opportunities? (professional basketball, work opportunities)
- What about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students?
Final Questions
- Can I speak with current international players on the team?
- Can I speak with players from my country or region?
- What are your expectations of me as a player and student?
- What makes your program special for international students?
- How will you support my transition to the US?
Visa & Immigration
- What visa support do you provide?
- Who helps with F-1 visa applications?
- What documents will you provide for my visa?
- What about visa renewals?
Timeline & Transition
- When should I arrive on campus?
- Is there early arrival for international students?
- What's the orientation process?
- When does pre-season training start?
Safety & Campus Life
- How safe is the campus and surrounding area?
- What security measures are in place?
- What's the local community like?
- Are there other international students on campus?
Transportation
- Do I need a car?
- Is public transportation available?
- How do athletes get to practice/games?
- How far is the airport?
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning Signs:
- Coach avoids answering financial questions directly
- No clear international student support system
- High roster turnover or transfer rates
- Pressure to commit quickly without official visit
- Limited or no access to current players
- Vague answers about playing time and role
- No discussion of academic support
- Poor graduation rates for athletes
Pro Tips for Your Conversations
Take Notes: Document answers and compare programs systematically
Ask Follow-ups: Don't accept vague answers - ask for specifics
Talk to Players: Current players give the most honest feedback
Get It in Writing: Important commitments should be documented
Include Parents: Have them on calls when discussing finances
Research First: Know about the school before asking questions
Keep This Guide Handy
Use this guide during every conversation with coaches to ensure you gather all essential information