The New Standard for College Guards in 2025
The modern Division I guard has more responsibility, more pressure, and fewer excuses than ever.
We sat down with Coach Kenya Jones of Brooks School, one of New England’s top prep coaches, to break down what actually separates D1 guards from everyone else.
If you’re a high school guard—or the parent of one—this is the blueprint you need to understand.
Congrats to coaches Kenya Jones and Keith Zalaski for leading their teams to the NEPSAC Class B Championship! The coaching quality in The Draft League is unmatched — best of luck tomorrow at 2:15 at Suffield! 🏆🔥
Elite Athleticism and Defending 94 Feet
Cory: What is the first thing you look at when evaluating a potential D1 guard?
Kenya: “Athleticism. If you can’t guard 94 feet, you’re already behind. At the Division I level, the guards are bigger, stronger, and way more explosive.”
Kenya: “You’ve got to be able to pick up full court and bother somebody. If you can’t do that, you won’t stay on the floor.”
Kenya: “Defense is where coaches decide if they can trust you.”
Handling Pressure and Controlling the Game
🏆 CHAMPIONS 🏆
A clutch three with 3.7 seconds left from tournament MVP Alex Wilkins lifts Brooks School to the NEPSAC Class B Title. A remarkable run from the sixth seed, avenging last year’s semifinal loss.
Cory: When you evaluate a guard’s handle, what are you looking for?
Kenya: “Ball pressure separates prospects. Everybody can dribble, but not everybody can handle the ball.”
Kenya: “If you can’t deal with traps, switches, and long athletes coming at you, you can’t run an offense.”
Kenya: “The guys who survive are the ones who can control tempo. They don’t get sped up.”
TO THE FINALS WE GO!
After trailing 30–10, Brooks School stormed back to win 79–77, earning a spot in the NEPSAC Class B Championship. Game tomorrow at 2:15pm at Suffield Academy — livestream details on the site.
Communication: The Non-Negotiable D1 Skill
Cory: You talk a lot about communication. Why is it such a deal-breaker?
Kenya: “A quiet guard cannot play Division I basketball. Period.”
Kenya: “You’ve got to be a vocal floor general—talk on defense, talk in transition, talk in huddles.”
Kenya: “The point guard’s job is to organize. If you don’t talk, nobody knows what’s happening.”
Respectable Shooting to Keep Defenses Honest
Congratulations to our Elite Division Champions — Beast Squad. A talented, disciplined group who earned every step of their run.
Cory: How much does shooting matter for the D1 guard today?
Kenya: “You don’t have to be a sniper—but you have to shoot it well enough that teams can’t go under ball screens.”
Kenya: “If the defense doesn’t respect your shot, the offense shrinks. Everything gets harder.”
Kenya: “A respectable clip changes the way the defense plays you. That alone gets you on the court.”
Leadership Is the Separator
Cory: What separates the guards who actually make it to the next level?
Kenya: “Leadership. Coaches need someone who can hold teammates accountable and not shy away from responsibility.”
Kenya: “At the D1 level, you’re expected to be the extension of the coaching staff.”
Kenya: “If you can defend, communicate, lead, and make shots—you’re giving yourself a real chance.”
Cory’s Takeaway — Toughness and Leadership Never Go Out of Style
Coach Jones lays it out plainly: being a Division I guard isn’t just about talent.
It’s about defending with pride, handling pressure, communicating loudly, and holding teammates accountable.
If your son or daughter wants to play college basketball, these standards can’t wait—they have to start now.
Reach out anytime if you want help finding the right prep school fit or building a recruiting plan that matches your athlete’s goals.
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.