NCAA Basketball Recruiting Timeline: What You Need to Know

October 10, 2025
6 min read
TNS Team
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Understanding the NCAA basketball recruiting calendar is crucial for maximizing your exposure and opportunities. With strict rules governing when coaches can contact you and evaluate your play, knowing the key dates and periods can give you a significant competitive advantage.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the recruiting timeline by grade level, explains contact periods, and provides strategic tips for each stage of your recruiting journey.

Quick Overview: NCAA Contact Periods

Contact Period

Coaches can have in-person contact with recruits and their families on or off campus.

  • • Phone calls allowed
  • • Official/unofficial visits allowed
  • • Can attend your games

Evaluation Period

Coaches can watch you play but cannot have in-person contact off campus.

  • • Can attend your games
  • • Phone calls allowed
  • • No off-campus contact

Quiet Period

Coaches can only have on-campus contact with recruits.

  • • Phone calls/written contact allowed
  • • Cannot attend your games
  • • On-campus visits OK

Dead Period

Coaches cannot have any in-person contact.

  • • Phone calls/written contact OK
  • • Cannot attend games
  • • No campus visits

Freshman Year Timeline

Key Fact: Coaches cannot contact you directly, but you can reach out to them at any time.

September - November

  • Start building your target college list (20-30 schools)
  • Focus on academics - maintain strong GPA
  • Join AAU or club basketball team
  • Begin collecting game footage for highlight video

December - February

  • Perform well in high school season
  • Attend college basketball games when possible
  • Start following college programs on social media

March - August

  • Play in AAU/club tournaments and showcases
  • Begin informal campus visits to see what you like
  • Create initial highlight video (even if basic)

Sophomore Year Timeline

Key Fact: June 15th after sophomore year - coaches can begin calling and texting you!

September - November

  • Refine college list to 15-20 realistic targets
  • Send introductory emails to coaches
  • Create your recruiting profile on the TNS platform
  • Register with NCAA Eligibility Center

December - February

  • Excel in high school season - this is when coaches watch
  • Send updated stats and highlights to coaches
  • Consider taking PSAT for scholarship opportunities

March - August

  • Attend college camps at target schools
  • Perform well in AAU tournaments (coaches evaluating)
  • June 15th: Coaches can now contact you!
  • Respond promptly to coach communications

Junior Year Timeline - CRITICAL YEAR

Key Fact: This is the most important recruiting year. Coaches are actively evaluating and making offers.

September - November

  • Maintain consistent communication with top 10 target schools
  • Take SAT/ACT - aim for scores above NCAA minimum
  • Schedule unofficial visits to top schools
  • Update highlight video with recent footage

December - February (High School Season)

  • Evaluation Period: Coaches heavily scouting games
  • Perform at your highest level - this is when offers happen
  • Keep coaches updated on schedule so they can watch you
  • Ask your coach to reach out to college coaches on your behalf

March - August (AAU Season)

  • Play in elite AAU tournaments (Peach Jam, Nike EYBL, etc.)
  • April: Evaluation Period begins
  • Many coaches attend AAU tournaments to evaluate prospects
  • Attend college camps - build relationships with coaching staffs
  • Begin receiving scholarship offers from interested schools

Junior Year Pro Tip:

Don't wait for coaches to find you. Be proactive in reaching out, sending updates, and expressing genuine interest in their programs. This is the year to be aggressive in your recruiting efforts.

Senior Year Timeline - Decision Time

September - November (Early Signing Period)

  • Schedule official visits (limited to 5 total)
  • Narrow choices to top 3-5 schools
  • Early Signing Period: November (1 week window)
  • Many top recruits commit during this period
  • If you have a clear choice, signing early can relieve pressure

December - February (High School Season)

  • Continue performing well - some spots still available
  • If unsigned, maintain contact with interested schools
  • Consider all division levels (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO)

March - May (Late Signing Period)

  • Late Signing Period: April - May
  • Programs filling remaining roster spots
  • Opportunities may open as other recruits decommit
  • Make final decision and sign National Letter of Intent

Important Dates to Remember

Contact Dates

  • June 15 after sophomore year: Coaches can begin calling/texting
  • Before June 15: You can always reach out to coaches first

Signing Periods

  • Early Period: November (1 week) - Senior Year
  • Late Period: April through May - Senior Year

Official Visits

  • Limited to 5 official visits per recruit
  • Can begin August 1 before senior year

Evaluation Periods

  • High School Season: December - February
  • AAU Season: April - July

Strategic Recruiting Tips

For Underclassmen

  • Send monthly updates to coaches with stats and highlights
  • Build relationships early - don't wait until junior year
  • Focus on academics - keep all options open
  • Play on the best AAU team possible for exposure

For Upperclassmen

  • Be realistic about your level - consider D2, D3, NAIA
  • Schedule official visits strategically (you only get 5)
  • Ask coaches directly about their interest level
  • Don't rush decision - find the right fit academically & athletically

Master the Timeline, Maximize Your Opportunities

Understanding and strategically navigating the NCAA basketball recruiting timeline can make the difference between landing your dream scholarship and missing out on opportunities. By knowing when coaches can contact you, when they'll be watching you play, and when critical signing periods occur, you can position yourself for success.

Remember, recruiting is a process that requires patience, persistence, and proactive effort. Start early, stay organized, communicate consistently with coaches, and perform when it matters most.