“Some College Coaches might skip the early Viewing Period?” – The New Reality of Early Viewing Periods in Girls Basketball

Once upon a time, the early NCAA Viewing Period was the Super Bowl of spring for high school and AAU girls’ basketball. It was where dreams were born, offers got sparked, and the bleachers were lined with polos and lanyards from every level of college hoops.

But this Spring you may glance around the gym begin to ask yourself:

“Where are all the college coaches? There use to be more than this on the baselines.”

The answer reveals a paradigm shift.

What Is a Viewing Period, Really?

A viewing period is a window of time designated by the NCAA where Division I college coaches can watch prospective athletes compete in person—primarily at AAU events. These weekends have historically held massive value for athletes hoping to get on the radar and for programs hoping to evaluate talent live.

For years, these were sacred recruiting rituals. But now?

Some coaches are choosing not to attend.

And it’s shaking the culture.

So, Why the Shift?

Let’s break it down:

1. The Transfer Portal Changed the Game

With thousands of athletes entering the portal annually, many college coaches are prioritizing college-ready transfers over unproven high school players. Coaches are re-recruiting their own rosters and cherry-picking portal talent rather than building from the grassroots.

2. Budget Cuts & Economic Impact

Traveling a coaching staff across the country isn’t cheap. Let’s talk numbers—because the money matters. On average, sending a single college coach to an early viewing period can cost a college program on average between $2,000 to $4,000 per coach for a single 3-Day viewing weekend. Here’s an example of the breakdown: round-trip airfare typically runs between $400–$650 depending on distance; hotel stays for 2–3 nights average $200 per night; rental cars tack on another $150-$200; meals and per diem add another $150–$200; and then you’ve got Coaches Packets, which often cost $400–$700 depending on the event organizer. Multiply that by three or four staff members, across multiple events and suddenly, mid-majors and even some Power 4 programs are looking at five-figure travel costs before July even begins. That’s why more and more coaches are picking their spots—and skipping early periods to protect the bag. Some programs, especially mid-majors, are trimming costs. Skipping early viewing periods entirely becomes a fiscal strategy.

3. Official Visits Over Evaluation

The timing of April viewing periods now overlaps with official visits. Many coaches are choosing to stay home and close the deal a rare unsigned senior, but mostly hosting portal prospects, instead of scouting the next class.

4. The Talent Funnel is Crowded

With extra COVID years still cycling through, and the portal creating logjams, fewer roster spots are truly open. That means less incentive to travel to scout 2026’s and beyond. Especially considering they’re likely to pluck a player from the Transfer Portal, instead of a non-Top 100 high school player.

What Does This Mean for Players?

• You can’t rely on the crowd anymore. An empty college sideline doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough—it means you must be proactive.

• Relationships matter more than ever. Stay connected. Send film. Follow up. Create intentional recruiting conversations.

• Brand yourself. In this era, players must promote their game with professionalism and purpose.

• Be ready when it’s time. When the next period hits—or when a coach is watching—show them why you’re the one.

So… What’s the Future?

This isn’t the end of grassroots recruiting. But it is a fork in the road. And don’t get it twisted, there will be college coaches out, but some will choose to not go out. We watched this last year, but expecting more this year to follow suit.

College coaches are evolving how they recruit.

Players must evolve how they pursue.

Gems In The Gym will continue to educate, guide, and spotlight athletes so they can thrive in any climate. Early viewing period or not, your light still shines.

Just make sure it’s seen.

Follow @GemsInTheGym for more insights, scouting, and truth from the trenches of girls basketball.