Prep School Basketball Recruiting: What Every Athlete and Family Needs to Know
There’s a difference between players who make it to college basketball—and those who stay, contribute, and lead. The gap usually isn’t talent. It’s maturity. Character. Mental toughness.
We dove deep into this topic in a recent interview with Coach Joe Scott, head coach at the Air Force Academy and former coach at Princeton, Georgia, and Denver. His perspective as a Division 1 coach—and a parent who sent his own son to prep school—delivers hard-earned wisdom that every family considering this path should hear.
The Real Value of Prep School: Maturity, Character, and Community
Cory:
Now, personally, you chose to send your son, Jack, to a prep school. What was that family conversation like?
Coach Scott:
“Well, I mean, again, I think our decision was based upon at the time we were living in Georgia. Didn’t know if that was the right… we have an older son who was going through that. After being there one year with the knowledge we had—he’s a basketball player—where’s the best place for him basketball-wise and academically? That’s really what it came down to for his development going into his sophomore year.”
Coach Scott:
“We know prep schools. We know academically where the places are that would be good for growth for him. That’s really what it’s about. Because ultimately, like we said, Cory, that’s what the history of a prep school is. It’s supposed to be a place for growth for that individual. Where’s the right place for me to grow academically, mature, and—if you’re a basketball player—what’s a good place where you can put those two things together?”
Air Force Head Coach Joe Scott emphasizes character, independence, and team-first values rooted in prep school development.
Character Is the X-Factor in Player Development
Coach Scott:
“Ultimately, in sports and in any good business venture, that character thing is the ability of the individual to know he’s part of something larger than himself. You know, to be… ‘No, I want to be part of something, and I gotta put my individual stuff into this team thing.’ I may have to sacrifice some things that I want for the better.”
Coach Scott:
“I actually believe today you run into situations where kids are devoid of that gene. You can’t produce something from nothing. So in recruiting, you do have to today really figure out a way to delve into that.”
Why Modern Players Struggle with Mental Toughness
Air Force coach Joe Scott leads a focused team huddle—teaching preparation, unity, and resilience on the court.
Coach Scott:
“Now today, I think it’s a complete reversal. You’ve got nothing but skillful guys, because all they do is have a trainer or whatever, and they work on their skills… but they don’t play. They don’t go play pickup. They don’t play one-on-one. They don’t play two-on-two. They don’t play other sports.”
Coach Scott:
“They don’t learn to have somewhere in there that competitive drive, which ultimately… and then the team aspect of being together—sometimes they’re lacking in that area.”
A prep school mindset in action—players build confidence, chemistry, and mental readiness in every moment.
Why Independence Accelerates Growth at Prep School
Coach Scott:
“Jack went for three years, not just one, to be in that community, to be around people of that quality—who care about you—and you’re on your own because he went away from home.”
Coach Scott:
“So when you put that in there—the maturity level of what you get when you put those three things together like community, academics, and basketball, quality of people—to see growth in three years, off the charts, when you’re on your own and having to figure things out on your own.”
Coach Scott:
“No better experience… Jack’s level of independence and maturity and decision-making as a graduate in high school was off the charts—because he had to do it. And it’s not easy to do when you’re 15 or 16 and you gotta go away on your own. But when you can do it, and you have those benefits, and you’re exposed to quality people… I’m proud of that.”
It’s Not Just About Basketball—It’s About Who You’re Becoming
Grit, spacing, and mental toughness on display—key skills nurtured in prep school programs.
Coach Scott:
“Everybody gets consumed with this basketball thing. And let me tell you—the best basketball players are the ones who grow in all areas of their life. You know, the best pros are the guys who… there’s more to them. They’re alert. They’re aware. They know there’s other things going on.”
Coach Scott:
“That’s going to make you grow in the way you need to grow. Don’t try to chase what somebody else is doing. Who cares? If you can approach it that way, then you’ll find the right prep school for you.”
Final Word: A Foundation That Lasts Beyond the Game
The Right Growth Environment Changes Everything
What I appreciated most about this conversation with Coach Scott is how clearly he sees beyond the box score. A prep school isn’t just a stepping stone to a better roster—it’s a launchpad for growth. If your child wants to play college basketball, yes, they’ll need skill. But what will really carry them through? Character. Maturity. Mental toughness.
That’s what the right prep school environment builds. If you’re trying to figure out what that right environment looks like for your family, let’s talk.
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.