The D1 Obsession: Chasing the Dream

Let’s get something straight right off the bat: the obsession with D1 basketball has reached a level that’s hurting more than helping young players and their families. It’s not like it used to be—now, the game is tougher, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. I’ve seen players, good players, chasing after that Division 1 offer as if it’s the only validation of their talent or worth. But let me tell you, that’s a dangerous mindset, and it’s leading to more missed opportunities than ever before.

Back in the day, you worked hard, made your high school team, maybe got on a solid AAU squad, and if you were good enough, the colleges would come knocking. But things have changed, and not necessarily for the better. The introduction of the transfer portal and the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals have turned the entire college recruitment process into a wild, unpredictable game.

Coaches now have access to a whole pool of experienced, college-ready players in the transfer portal, guys who have already proven they can handle the pace and physicality of the college game. That’s a huge advantage for a coach looking to fill a gap quickly. Why take a chance on a high school player who needs time to develop when you can grab a seasoned player who’s ready to contribute immediately? High school players are being overlooked, and this is a major shift in the recruitment game.

And let’s not forget NIL. Money has entered the conversation in a big way, and now, top recruits aren’t just choosing schools for playing time or development—they’re making decisions based on which program offers the best financial package. For a lot of kids, the dream of going D1 isn’t just about basketball anymore; it’s about striking gold with the right NIL deal. It’s an entirely different kind of pressure.

The biggest issue with this D1 obsession is that it’s stunting the development of players. Kids and their families are so focused on getting that scholarship, they forget about the most important thing: getting better. You see it all the time. Players jump from one AAU team to the next, playing in meaningless tournaments just to get exposure, while their actual skills are getting lost in the shuffle.

The fundamentals—footwork, shooting mechanics, defensive positioning—are often neglected in the pursuit of highlight reels. They want to impress with dunks, crossovers, and flashy plays, but none of that will matter if they can’t shoot consistently or defend multiple positions at the next level. The result? They get passed over by coaches who can spot that lack of development a mile away.

I’ve been in this game a long time, and I can tell you right now, most players need time to grow. But when you’re chasing the D1 dream, patience goes out the window. It’s all about immediate results. That’s a mistake. Every player’s journey is different, and sometimes the best path isn’t D1—it’s finding the right fit, whether that’s at a D2, D3, NAIA, or even a strong junior college program.

Here’s what most families don’t understand: D1 basketball is a business, plain and simple. It’s not just about talent; it’s about fit, timing, and need. If you think every D1 school is going to roll out the red carpet for a player just because they’re good, you’re missing the bigger picture. D1 coaches are under enormous pressure to win, and they don’t have the luxury of waiting for a player to develop. If you’re not ready to contribute right away, you’re either sitting on the bench or getting passed over.

Add the transfer portal into the mix, and it’s even more cutthroat. Coaches are constantly evaluating whether they can replace a high school recruit with a more experienced transfer who’s ready to step in and produce. This means fewer high school kids are getting that shot, and those who do make it often find themselves fighting for minutes behind players with more experience and polish.

So, what’s the solution? Stop chasing the D1 dream like it’s the only option. Focus on development, on getting better each day, and finding a program that fits who you are as a player and a person. You’ve got to play the long game here. Sure, you want to get noticed, but not at the expense of your growth as a player. The transfer portal and NIL have changed the game, but the fundamentals of basketball haven’t. If you develop your skills the right way, the right opportunities will come, whether that’s at D1 or somewhere else.

Players and families need to ask themselves some tough questions: Is this about validation, or is it about truly finding a place where you can develop and succeed? Don’t let ego drive the decision. It’s a big world out there, and there are plenty of paths to success that don’t involve chasing a D1 offer that may not be the right fit in the first place.

At the end of the day, the game is about opportunity, not just for exposure but for growth. The obsession with D1 basketball, especially with the transfer portal and NIL deals in play, is putting unnecessary pressure on kids. Instead of focusing on what’s best for their development, too many are chasing a dream that’s becoming harder to attain, and in some cases, harder to sustain.

Let’s get back to what matters—fundamentals, development, and finding the right fit. If you do that, the rest will take care of itself. Remember, the goal isn’t just to play D1 ball; it’s to build a successful basketball career, wherever that may be.