Prep School Basketball Recruiting: What Every Athlete and Family Needs to Know
In today’s recruiting landscape, development and exposure aren’t just buzzwords — they’re necessities. At CATS Academy in Boston, Coach Cary Herer has built a program that guarantees both. If you’re a family serious about maximizing college basketball opportunities, you need to hear what he has to say.
We covered this exact topic in my recent interview with Coach Herer, who’s built CATS into a NEPSAC AA and NEBL powerhouse from the ground up. What stood out in our conversation was just how intentional and structured their development and exposure model is — and why it’s working for their players at every level.
Two Guarantees: Development and Exposure at CATS Academy
Cory: The big thing you mentioned when I visited there the first time and chatted with you is your development and how you put your development up against anybody else out there. Talk to me about that. Families ask me all the time, Cary, “What kind of development do we get at this school versus this school?” So now’s your chance to share how you develop your players.
Cary:
“We not only are in the gym, but we’re in the gym with training going on. It’s not just, ‘The gym is open at 6 a.m.’ — we have 6 a.m. workouts with a trainer. Classes. Afternoon workouts. Two-and-a-half-hour sessions. Weight room four days a week. After practice.”
“Those are all monitored with a trainer. We have three rotating trainers, and I’m one of them. Really working on individual skills. Now those sessions change based on the time of year. The afternoon becomes practice. But I’ll put up our development against anyone.”
Cary:
“We guarantee two things at CATS Academy. We guarantee development — you have no choice but to get better. And we guarantee exposure.”
Team photo of the CATS Academy basketball program, featuring players and coaching staff.
College Exposure: 75+ Coaches in the Gym Before the First Game
Cory: How do you guys get so many college coaches in the gym? Talk to me about open gyms and how that plays out for your players.
Cary:
“We had 75 colleges in the gym before our first practice. The minute the kids step on campus in September, we start open gyms. And we’ve become a destination for that. When a college coach comes to the Northeast, there’s a handful of schools they go to — and they’re coming to us.”
Cary:
“Every Power Five conference has had coaches come to our school. If you’re on the national or prep team, you’re getting seen. Every school that was in to see Jalen Harrell or Leo Curtis got to see every kid. Whether it was Alabama or a D3, they saw them all.”
Training Like a College Program: Real Reps, Real Competition
High-energy training session at CATS Academy, showcasing athleticism and team chemistry.
Cary:
“We don’t guarantee playing time. We don’t guarantee scholarships. And we don’t guarantee what team you’re on.”
“You’re going to come here and compete. You’re going to have to compete for your position. In real life, you compete for a job. In college, you compete to play. We’re preparing kids for that.”
Cary:
“We’ve got two high-level teams. You saw our second team play — it’s a super high level. Some guys start on the national team and play games on the prep team. We make sure they’re getting minutes. And we put our kids in their college position. A 6’5″ kid who’s playing center somewhere else — he’s going to be developed as a wing here.”
The academic campus of CATS Academy Boston, a NEPSAC AA boarding school located just outside the city.
Exposure Events and Showcase Scheduling
Cary:
“We’re in every showcase. And I tell the organizers: match us up with the best possible team. We want to play the best in the country. Our schedule is built around that.”
Cary:
“The NEBL has been incredible. It’s a one-stop shop for college coaches — four high-level games, great facility, streamed on Roku and Samsung TV. Almost 2 million hits. It’s not just about winning games — it’s about getting kids seen and placed.”
Conclusion: Where Development and Exposure Are Non-Negotiables
The CATS Academy home gym in Braintree, featuring a full-size court and top-tier athletic facilities.
At CATS Academy, there’s no guesswork — they’re giving players the structure, reps, and stage they need to succeed. If your goal is to truly get better and be seen, Coach Herer’s model is one to study.
Want to talk about whether this kind of program is right for your family? Reach out — I’m here to help you find the best prep fit for your 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.