Recruiting procedures for men's college basketball programs

The purpose of this study was to determine key elements and steps in the recruiting process of a student-athlete for participation in a men's college basketball program. The researcher also looked at the differences in recruiting practices at the NCAA Division I and Division III levels.Prior to the start of data collection, an instrument was developed using Copeland's (1982) work on the college recruiting process as a template. The 46 questions survey covered the identification process, the selling process, and general information about the particular program. One hundred coaches from Division I and Division III were randomly selected from the National Directory of College Athletics to participate in the survey. Surveys were mailed on September 1, 2002. Participants were strongly encouraged to reply by October 1, 2002. If participants did not reply by September 15, 2002 a follow-up letter was sent with a survey and self-addressed stamped envelope enclosed for return.The study found that live evaluation and coverage of A.A.U. and summer events were considered the most important aspects of the evaluation and identification process.Campus visits were considered the most important part of the selling portion of the recruitment process. Differences in the recruiting process were found between Division I and Division III basketball programs. The aspects showing the most significant differences included the use of home visits, and the importance of A.A.U. events, and summer camps.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.