Recruiting Philosophy

November 13, 2025

Navigating College Basketball Recruiting with Coach Keith Mondillo

The landscape of college basketball recruiting is changing faster than ever, and high school athletes looking to make the leap to the next level need guidance to navigate it effectively. In this episode, veteran college coach Keith Mondillo, with over 30 years of experience, breaks down the realities of modern recruiting and offers actionable strategies for players hoping to get noticed.

Coach Mondillo begins by exploring how the recruiting process has evolved, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL deals. These changes have created both opportunities and challenges, requiring athletes to understand the nuances of exposure, timing, and personal branding.

One of the key themes of the session is getting noticed by college coaches. Mondillo explains the importance of participating in exposure events, crafting a highlight reel that showcases not just athletic ability but also basketball IQ, and maintaining consistent, professional communication with coaches. He also dives into what coaches are truly looking for — not just talent, but work ethic, coachability, and the intangibles that separate standout athletes from the rest.

Communication is another pillar of successful recruiting. Through his College Coach Communication System, Mondillo emphasizes building relationships with coaches in a structured and respectful way. He shares how players can effectively introduce themselves, follow up after games, and present themselves as both skilled athletes and reliable teammates.

The video also provides practical guidance for planning a recruiting strategy in 2026, including steps to maximize exposure and navigate the recruiting ladder. Mondillo highlights the intangibles that make a recruit stand out, from leadership qualities to mental toughness, showing that character and mindset are just as important as athletic performance.

For high school athletes aspiring to play at the collegiate level, this episode is a comprehensive guide to the modern recruiting process. From understanding the new landscape to taking deliberate steps to get noticed, Coach Mondillo’s insights offer a roadmap for success in one of the most competitive arenas in sports.

October 26, 2025

Inside Ross Hodge’s Recruiting Philosophy at West Virginia

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful basketball program, and West Virginia’s new head coach, Ross Hodge, is already showing a clear vision for building his team. After taking over following Darian DeVries’ departure to Indiana, Hodge has been selective in his public commentary but recently shared insights on his approach during an appearance on Field of 68.

In this clip from the Gold & Blue Breakdown show on @CouzsCornerSports, Couz and Jonathan break down Hodge’s recruiting philosophy and highlight a center on the roster who’s flying under the radar. They also discuss the additions of Honor Huff and Treysen Eaglestaff, showing how Hodge is targeting players that fit both his system and long-term vision.

For coaches and basketball enthusiasts, this clip is a reminder that successful recruiting isn’t just about chasing talent it’s about strategy, fit, and the ability to see potential where others might not.

Watch the video to see how Hodge’s approach could reshape West Virginia basketball and what lessons coaches can take away when building their own programs.

September 28, 2025

Building a Culture and Competitive Team

Recruiting isn’t just about talent it’s about building a culture that lasts. A strong program isn’t defined solely by its wins, it’s defined by the people who buy into your philosophy, uphold your values, and elevate the team. A highly skilled player or coach who doesn’t fit your culture can derail progress faster than a weak schedule.

The ultimate goal is to assemble a roster and coaching staff that not only competes but also reinforces the culture you want to sustain long term.

1. Character Over Stats

Talent will only take you so far. Skills can be taught, but character traits like work ethic, resilience, coachability, and emotional intelligence are harder to instill. When evaluating a player or coach, ask yourself:

  • Are they willing to do the small, often unseen things that make a team successful?
  • Do they respond positively to feedback, pressure, or mistakes?
  • Do they demonstrate leadership and accountability even when no one is watching?

A player who can score 30 points a game but consistently disrupts team chemistry is ultimately more harmful than a 15-point contributor who leads by example and pushes others to improve.

2. Cultural Fit is Key

Every program has its own identity. Before recruiting anyone, clearly define your program’s culture and expectations. A cultural fit is someone who:

  • Understands and embraces your philosophy on playing style, effort, and teamwork.
  • Contributes to a positive, disciplined environment.
  • Shares the same values, both on and off the court.

This goes for coaches, too. A highly knowledgeable assistant may seem like a great hire on paper, but if their approach contradicts your vision, they’ll cause friction and confusion.

3. Spotting Red Flags

Even the most talented athletes or coaches have warning signs. Some key red flags include:

  • Poor attitude or unwillingness to learn.
  • Inconsistent performance or lack of mental toughness.
  • Difficulty handling coaching, criticism, or pressure situations.
  • A history of team conflicts or poor sportsmanship.

These are things that may not show up in highlight reels but can undermine your program. Overlooking these signs for immediate talent gain can be costly in the long run.

4. Identifying Good Signs

On the flip side, certain traits signal a player or coach is worth investing in:

  • Coachable and adaptable. They can learn, adjust, and execute your system effectively.
  • Mentally tough. They maintain focus and effort under adversity.
  • High basketball IQ. They understand spacing, timing, and situational decision making.
  • Leadership qualities. They naturally elevate teammates, encourage others, and hold themselves accountable.
  • Commitment to team over individual stats. They understand the bigger picture and prioritize winning as a group.

5. Holistic and Long Term Approach

Recruitment isn’t just about immediate impact. A player or coach who fits today may evolve and grow into a cornerstone for your program in years to come. Consider:

  • How will this person contribute to team development and culture over time?
  • Can they mentor younger players or support staff development?
  • Do they have the potential to grow into leadership roles?

Long-term potential often outweighs short term gain. Building a strong foundation ensures sustained success rather than quick wins that fade.

6. Position Specific and Role Recruitment

A strategic recruiting approach accounts for team composition and roles:

  • Players: Evaluate their skill set in relation to your system. A point guard with exceptional vision is more valuable in a motion offense, while a forward with physicality is critical in a defensive minded system.
  • Coaches: Identify gaps in your staff’s expertise. Hiring a shooting coach may be more beneficial than another general assistant if your team struggles with perimeter efficiency.

Recruiting with purpose ensures that each addition strengthens both on court performance and off court culture.

7. Recruitment Process and Strategy

  • Observation: Watch players and coaches in real games, practices, and other settings. How they behave when things go wrong is just as important as when they succeed.
  • Communication: Set clear expectations upfront about culture, work ethic, and philosophy. Transparency prevents future misalignment.
  • Relationships: Build trust early. Players and coaches who respect your program are more likely to buy in fully.

Recruitment is not just about filling a spot; it’s about shaping the team’s DNA. Your decisions now impact how the program performs and develops for years to come.

August 24, 2025

What Coaches Look For

In this video, Texas based basketball coach and scout Tim Littlefield shares valuable insight into the recruiting process and what coaches are really looking for when evaluating high school players.

Coach Littlefield breaks down the intangibles that often matter just as much as skill things like attitude, body language, effort, and how players respond to adversity. Beyond talent, recruiters are watching how athletes carry themselves, interact with teammates, and demonstrate coachability.

For players hoping to get noticed, this perspective is a reminder that recruiting is about the whole person, not just the stat sheet. Skills can be refined, but character, work ethic, and mindset are what set players apart in the long run.

If you’re an athlete chasing the dream of playing at the next level, or a coach guiding players through the process, Coach Littlefield’s advice is both practical and eye opening.

Watch the full video below to hear his detailed breakdown of what truly catches a recruiter’s eye.

August 10, 2025

Geno Auriemma on the #1 Thing He Looks for in Recruiting

When it comes to recruiting at the highest level of college basketball, few coaches have the track record of success that Geno Auriemma, head coach of the UConn Women’s Basketball program, has achieved. In this short but powerful clip, Auriemma shares one of his non-negotiables when evaluating players and it’s not just talent.

For Auriemma, attitude is everything. Skills can be developed. Game IQ can be taught. But if a player shows a poor attitude especially towards teammates, he won’t put them on the floor. He values players who bring energy, positivity, and a genuine enthusiasm for the success of others.

The message is simple and universal: basketball is a team sport, and your mindset can either elevate or damage the group. If you can’t celebrate a teammate’s success or put the team’s needs ahead of your own, you’re not ready to compete at the elite level.

Whether you’re a high school athlete dreaming of college basketball or a coach shaping young players, this insight is a reminder that character is just as important as skill.

August 4, 2025

Coach Jared Grasso’s Unique Recruiting Philosophy

In today’s college basketball landscape, recruiting can feel like a game within the game. But Bryant University’s Head Coach Jared Grasso approaches it differently and that’s exactly what sets him apart.

In this podcast interview, Coach Grasso shares his unfiltered thoughts on recruiting players who fit the culture first, not just the stat sheet. He dives into what he looks for beyond talent toughness, loyalty, and the willingness to be coached. His philosophy is refreshingly honest, it’s not about chasing stars, but about building a team that believes in each other and plays for something bigger.

If you’re a young coach, recruiter, or someone passionate about team building, this interview is packed with insights that will challenge how you see talent evaluation and long term success.

Watch the video below to hear Coach Grasso’s philosophy in his own words straight from a coach who’s built a reputation on authenticity and results.

August 2, 2025

WHAT IS YOUR RECRUITING PHILOSOPHY?

My recruiting philosophy is simple and to the point. Recruiting is a skill that has to be continually refined and evaluated. I believe recruiting should be:

  1. Relationship Oriented – At its heart, recruiting is building relationships. I believe recruiting should start beyond basketball by learning who the player is and who they’re becoming. Recruiting is the bloodline of a successful program.  Strong player-coach and coach-player support system relationships will drive programs forward and keep these student athletes at their respective universities.
  2. Focused On Culture – Regardless of a player’s talents and abilities, I believe it is far more important that a player fits and meshes with the university and program standards and culture.
  3. Honest and Transparent – In an effort to build a lasting, meaningful relationship, I believe that coaches should be transparent with potential recruits and be honest with where they see them within the program. I believe that a player should be transparent with their desires in return. If there is transparency in the recruiting process, coaches can weed out and potentially rid their program of entitlement issues by having expectations laid out early.
  4. Focused Beyond Basketball – I believe that a coach should prioritize the student before the athlete. I believe one of my roles as a basketball coach is to provide the student athlete and their family with all of the information they need to make the best decision possible for them and their family beyond just basketball.

July 26, 2025

WHAT UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL COACHES LOOK FOR IN RECRUITS?

A Deep Dive into Philosophy, Priorities, and Fit

Written from experience, observation, and honest reflection.

When people ask me what university basketball coaches are looking for when they recruit, I always start by saying: it’s not just about how many points you can score. That might get you noticed, sure. But what gets you recruited and more importantly, what gets you kept in a program is a combination of things that go beyond raw stats.

University coaches are building programs, not highlight reels. They’re looking for the right players, not just the best ones. That means people who reflect their team’s values, can grow within their system, and who will compete and represent the school well both on and off the court.

Below is a breakdown of what I believe coaches are truly looking for, based on real interactions, coaching experience, and years of watching players either earn or lose opportunities.

1. Character and Maturity

At the end of the day, coaches are looking for players they can trust not just as athletes, but as people. Character comes before talent in many programs. I’ve seen coaches walk away from highly skilled players because they showed poor attitude, blamed others for mistakes, or acted bigger than the team.

A player’s true character shows when they’re on the bench, when they’re subbed out after a mistake, or when they’re not the star of the team. Coaches are watching all of that.

Example:
A few years ago, I saw a head coach scout a player at a tournament. The kid was averaging 25 points a game, but when he was subbed out in the second half, he threw his towel and argued with his coach. That was enough for the university coach to walk away. Later, that same coach offered a roster spot to a different player on the team someone who only scored 8 points, but defended, hustled, and supported teammates even when he wasn’t on the floor.

2. Coachability

You can have all the potential in the world, but if you’re not coachable, it won’t matter. University coaches want players who respond to feedback, who show up early and stay late, and who don’t act like they’ve already made it.

Coachability isn’t about saying “yes coach” all the time. It’s about applying corrections without taking them personally, and being hungry to improve.

Example:
I know a player who was told by a recruiter, “Your jump shot needs work.” Instead of shutting down, he asked, “Can you tell me what you see?” That turned into a conversation, and eventually an invite to a summer training session with the team. That’s how it works, small moments that show your mindset.

3. Basketball IQ

High-level programs run detailed systems. You can’t fake your way through them. Coaches are looking for players who read the game, not just react. Do you understand spacing? Do you know how to set a proper screen? Can you make the right read out of a ball screen, rotate on defense, or recognize a mismatch?

They don’t just want scorers, they want decision-makers.

What to look for in a recruit’s IQ:

  • Can they adapt mid-game when their matchup changes?
  • Do they understand time and score situations?
  • Do they play with purpose off the ball?

Example:
A university coach once told me they offered a scholarship to a wing who only averaged 7 points per game because she made great decisions, never forced bad shots, knew how to cut at the right time, and made others better. “She connects everything for her team,” he said. “That’s what I want.”

4. Competitiveness and Toughness

Toughness doesn’t always mean physicality it means resilience. Can you play through fatigue? Can you bounce back from a missed layup or a bad foul call? Do you compete every possession?

Coaches are watching:

  • Do you dive for loose balls?
  • Do you battle for rebounds, even if you’re outsized?
  • Do you want the toughest defensive assignment?

Example:
I once coached a guard who wasn’t the most athletic, but she fought for every possession like it was a championship game. A coach from a top U Sports program told me: “She doesn’t flinch. We need that toughness in our locker room.”

5. Skill Set + Role Fit

Not everyone needs to be the top scorer. In fact, most recruited players aren’t. Coaches are looking for specific tools that fill a gap on their roster. They’ll ask:

  • Do we need a 3&D guard?
  • Do we need a rim-protecting big?
  • Do we need a high-IQ passer who can run second-unit offense?

Your job is to know your strengths, play to them, and show that you can execute a role.

What not to do: Try to do everything and end up looking undisciplined. Coaches see that as a red flag.

Example:
There was a 6’7” forward who barely took any shots at a tournament, but he hedged hard on screens, altered shots at the rim, and sprinted the floor every possession. A coach said, “He doesn’t need touches, he’s already helping us win.”

6. Defensive Ability

Defense is a non-negotiable. You can be a 20-point scorer, but if you don’t commit to defense, you’ll get exposed in university.

What coaches are looking for defensively:

  • Footwork and lateral quickness
  • Communication on switches
  • Willingness to take charges
  • Consistency — not just effort in spurts

Example:
One of the most recruited guards in the west last year averaged only 10 PPG, but she was the best perimeter defender in her league — always guarding the opposing team’s top scorer, full-court pressure, never giving up on plays. That’s the kind of glue player that programs want.

7. Body Language and Energy

You’re being evaluated all the time. Coaches are watching how you act:

  • During warmups
  • When your team is losing
  • After getting subbed out
  • On the bench

Bad body language = bad look. Crossed arms, sulking, showing up teammates — that can cost you a roster spot.

On the flip side, positive energy can make a real impression. Clap for teammates. Talk on defense. Celebrate hustle plays.

8. Academic Responsibility

If you can’t stay eligible, you can’t play. Coaches don’t want academic headaches. They want players who are disciplined off the court, who show they can balance school and basketball.

Example:
I know a player who got ruled out of two potential programs because of failing grades — and this was despite being a top scorer. His spot went to a more well-rounded athlete with a strong GPA and similar skill level.

9. Social Media Awareness

Fair or not, your Instagram and TikTok accounts are being watched. If you’re posting content that shows poor judgment, immaturity, or a lack of focus — that might be the thing that turns a coach away.

Clean up your socials. Highlight your journey, your progress, and your love for the game. It matters.

Final Thoughts:

Don’t try to be everything. Be excellent at something.

A lot of players hurt themselves by trying to do too much. They want to be flashy, put on a show. But most coaches are just looking for someone who can:

  • Defend
  • Rebound
  • Move without the ball
  • Make the next pass
  • Bring consistent energy
  • Be mature

If you can do those things, and do them every time, you will get noticed — even without 25-point games or viral mixtapes.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared, consistent, and authentic to your role and identity as a player.