Prep School Basketball Recruiting: What Every Athlete and Family Needs to Know
The college basketball world has shifted. Division I staffs are now filling rosters with transfers before even looking at high school recruits. For families, this creates a real question: how do prep school and post-grad athletes still win in today’s recruiting environment?
We sat down with Shavar Bernier, Head Coach at Taft School, to break down the impact of the transfer portal and what high school and post-grad athletes must do to stay competitive. Shavar’s perspective is rooted in years of coaching and recruiting experience, and his honesty offers families and players a clear look at the challenges—and solutions—on the path to college basketball.
Head coach Shavar Bernier leads from the sideline, motivating the Taft basketball team during prep school competition.
The Transfer Portal Shift in College Basketball Recruiting
Cory: “If I’m a D1 assistant now, all I do is keep prep coaches like you on speed dial. You’re going to be straight with me if a player can succeed at my level. Why wouldn’t I recruit that guy instead of fighting through the transfer portal?”
Shavar: “We had a Division I coach call today who said, ‘We’re taking four transfers and we’re not recruiting high school kids.’ And again, that’s fine—it’s part of the game. But the high school kid needs to think about competing not just with other high school players, but with 21-year-old transfers.”
Why Prep School Athletes Still Win
The Taft School basketball team sits on the bench during a prep school matchup, waiting for their moment to step in.
Shavar: “They’re taking transfers because of their body and their preparedness for the game. So the question is—are you preparing? Do you have hours spent watching film? Do you get to practice 45 minutes early? That’s how you make up for the gap.”
Cory: “Exactly. Anything worthwhile isn’t easy. At prep school, kids see the grind up close. Some realize they don’t love it as much as they thought—and that’s okay. For others, the structure and competition prove they’re ready for the college level.”
Coach Shavar Bernier provides strategy and guidance to a Taft basketball player during prep school competition.
The Prep School Advantage: Film IQ and College-Ready Bodies
Shavar: “It’s really tough right now being a high school kid. But I’m not running from it. That’s the task at hand—you’ve got to roll with it. Build a college-ready body, spend the time on film, and learn habits early. That’s what gives prep athletes an edge against older transfers.”
Final Take: Prep Schools Still Create Opportunity
Taft School basketball player pushes the pace against Williston in a high-energy prep school matchup.
At PREP Athletics, I tell families the same thing Shavar shared here: while the transfer portal is real, prep schools prepare players in ways high schools often can’t—through film study, structured strength and conditioning, and daily habits that translate directly to college success.
If you’re looking into prep school, reach out to us at PREP Athletics. We’re here to help you explore your potential and make choices that align with your athletic and academic future. We’ve also got a long list of resources to get you started in the right direction, so check out our latest prep basketball updates on YouTube or our podcast to dive deeper.