THEY’RE NOT JUST WANDERING BY: HOW TO GET COLLEGE COACHES TO YOUR COURT

Let’s keep it all the way real:

College coaches aren’t strolling through tournaments like tourists hoping to “discover” you by accident. They’re on a mission, following a schedule, tracking players they already know or have been told about. If you want to be one of them—you better move with purpose.

These trips cost coaches thousands.

Flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, meals, tournament entry fees, coaches packets—and that’s before they even step in the gym. They’re not wasting that on random walk-bys. They came to work. They came for value. So if you’re not part of the plan, you’re probably not part of the view.

Here’s how you fix that:

1. Play on the Right Platform

If you’re on a known circuit like Select Events Power 24, Nike EYBL, Adidas 3SSB, or Under Armour Association, you already give yourself a good chance to be seen. Why?, They have a history of college prospects, good competition and a good quality of basketball. Coaches lean into what they trust, what they know & a re familiar with, and those platforms have deep pools of all of those.

Independent? No problem. But be strategic.

Play in NCAA-certified events, and make sure they’re the kind of events coaches actually attend, but more importantly they’re going to ATTEND YOUR SPECIFIC games. You can’t get discovered if nobody’s in the building. 1,000 coaches in the building means nothing to YOU, if not a single one is on your court watching your game.

2. Pre-Tournament Outreach

Waiting to “get seen” is passive. Winners are proactive.

Before the event starts, send this to coaches:

• Full Name

• Class

• Jersey Number & Colors

• Team Name

• Court Number & Game Times

• Highlight Clip or Game Film Link

Text. DM. Email. Coaches are watching their phones during events. If they know where you are and what time you play, you just gave yourself a shot.

3. Get an Advocate to Vouch for You

You know what really gets a coach to change courts? A text from someone they trust:

“Yo, this kid is real.”

Whether it’s a scout, evaluator, or coach—if they’re respected, that nudge matters. Coaches lean on relationships. Get someone in your corner who will speak up and guide traffic to your game. Relationships in this business are everything!

4. Be Consistent on Social Media

Social media is not just for clout—it’s a tool.

Post your schedule. Tag coaches. Share your clips. Tell your story.

The more active and consistent you are, the more familiar you become. And when they recognize your name on a roster or game schedule, they’re more likely to show up.

5. Play Well When It Matters

Game 1 is prime time. Come out slow, and you might lose your window.

Ball out early and the word spreads. Coaches pivot. They’ll rearrange their schedule if they hear you’re worth the look.

6. Your Matchups Matter

Coaches aren’t just watching you. They’re watching the kid you’re guarding.

So when your matchup is a known name—make it a moment. Lock in. Show grit. Be undeniable. Compete!

7. Use Services Like Gems In The Gym

We’ve built trust. We have reach. And we know how to create buzz that brings attention.

At Gems In The Gym, we’ve spent decades building a platform that helps prospects get the right eyes on them—through scouting, evaluation, exposure, and straight-up advocacy. We’re in the gym. We see the work. And we’re not afraid to tell a college coach who’s worth checking out.

Final Word:

Exposure isn’t magic—it’s strategy.

If you’re relying on hope, you’re already behind. Get informed. Be intentional. And give coaches a real reason to come find you.

Let’s work.

Kameo Williams