Prep School Basketball Recruiting: The International Pathway Families Need To Understand
For international players, coming to the United States is often the clearest pathway to play college basketball. The blend of high level development, academic structure, and exposure simply does not exist in most club systems overseas. This reality is why programs like Hoosac and their International Sports Academy (ISA) model are gaining so much attention.
We touched on this topic in my conversation with Coach Nemanja “Nemo” Maric of Hoosac School, a former European pro who now develops players from nearly twenty countries under one roof. Nemo’s experience, background, and global perspective make him one of the best voices to explain why so many international athletes view US prep school as the bridge to NCAA basketball.
A Global Prep Model: How Hoosac and ISA Support International Athletes
A Worldwide Basketball Environment Under One Roof
Cory: Tell me about Hoosac and ISA. Break down how you explain the setup.
Nemo: “International Sports Academy or ISA is in partnership with Hoosac. It’s almost like a sports dormitory for Hoosac. We have about 40 international players that live in ISA and we take them to school and from school. They have a gym where they can practice and play all day long and get better.”
He continued:
“A lot of these kids come from different backgrounds, from European to South America to Asia. There’s almost 20 different nationalities under one roof. It’s really nice to see them bonding and speaking the most common language, which is basketball.”
This environment not only accelerates development but also prepares athletes socially and culturally for American college life.
Hoosac Basketball 🔴✝️🔴
International Sports Academy — @isa.hoosac
Why International Players Choose US Prep Schools Over European Clubs
The heart of this topic comes from Nemo’s clearest statement in the interview.
Cory: Why would international players choose the US college route instead of staying in the European club system?
Nemo: “I think 90 to 95 percent of them, the goal is to play college ball. College in the US is very beneficial because it allows you to do both… to get a diploma… a backup plan… something you can lean on as your life goes on, and you get to play basketball at a high level with really high level conditions.”
He highlighted how rare this combination is overseas:
“It’s a very unique setup where you play with guys your age. When you go to club ball, unless you’re Luka Doncic at 18, you can play top level EuroLeague, but most kids are in a pro team and they’re 10th, 11th, 12th on the bench. They need time to develop. In college, you get a chance after a year or two.”
In other words:
- European clubs prioritize winning, not development.
- College basketball prioritizes development, not bench-sitting.
- Prep school prepares players to contribute immediately in NCAA environments.
Prep School Advantages: Academics, Exposure, and Development
Coach Nemo Maric continues raising the bar — recognized with his EHCB certification alongside leaders in the coaching community.
The Academic Foundation that Sets Players Apart
Nemo emphasizes that international players don’t just come for basketball — they come for the structure.
“They go to Hoosac School where all the academics is there and all the prestige that Hoosac offers. It’s kind of a mix of both… best of both worlds.”
Families abroad often underestimate how strongly US college coaches value:
- Grades
- Transcripts
- Study habits
- Daily structure
Prep school gives international athletes the academic resume they need to be recruitable.
Boys Basketball 🏀🌟
Hoosac kicks off the season with energy, unity, and a team ready to make memories. Wishing all Hoosac teams a year of hard work, growth, and big moments. Go Hoosac!! 💜❤️
Daily Basketball Reps and Development Time
Nemo explains that ISA players have constant access to skill development.
“They have a gym where they can practice and play all day long between themselves and get better… and we even upgraded with a weightlifting area where they can do strength and conditioning.”
This matters because many European prospects are limited by:
- Club schedules
- Travel logistics
- Senior team priorities
- Limited gym time
US prep school removes those barriers.
Exposure to NCAA Coaches
Huge win against #1 St. Thomas More — 76–73.
FAMILY!!!!
Although this blog is focused on why players come to the US, exposure remains a huge part of the equation.
Nemo highlights how important it is for college coaches to see international athletes in person, not just on film:
“I think getting to see them play here helps their decision.”
When international athletes compete in NEPSAC or major prep circuits:
- Coaches understand their speed, physicality, and competitiveness
- They evaluate them against American players
- They get reliable reads on maturity and adaptability
That exposure rarely exists overseas.
What Makes ISA–Hoosac a Strong Fit for Foreign Recruits
A Unique Blend of European and American Basketball Education
Nemo’s background as a European pro shapes how he trains players:
“Europe has a specific way of playing… structure, teamwork, passing… understanding space and timing. In the States, players are really good one on one… they can create their own shot. What we try to do is incorporate both.”
International players often flourish because they receive:
- The tactical discipline of European basketball
- The individual skill emphasis of American training
- A style that coaches describe as “team smart” and “high IQ”
That combination helps them stand out in the US recruiting landscape.
Closing Thoughts: The International Blueprint for College Basketball Success
At PREP Athletics, we’re seeing more international athletes choose the US path than ever before — and Nemo’s experience at Hoosac demonstrates exactly why. Prep schools offer structured academics, daily basketball development, and real opportunity to earn meaningful roles at the college level. That’s something many players simply cannot get overseas.
If your family is exploring the international-to-NCAA pathway, I’d love to help you navigate it. Every player’s story is different, and finding the right fit matters.
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.