Prep School Basketball Recruiting: The Real Impact of Reclassing

Most kids only get one shot at getting recruited — and that window closes fast. Reclassing or taking a post-grad year can be the difference between getting overlooked and getting offers.

We covered this in detail during my recent interview with Connor Merrill, Head Coach at Deerfield Academy, a top academic prep school competing in NEPSAC Class A. Connor’s been through the process as a player, post-grad, college coach, and now prep school coach — and he shares candid, experience-backed advice every family should hear before deciding whether to reclass or take a PG year.

Reclassing and Post-Grad Basketball: Firsthand Insight from a Coach Who Lived It

Cory: Talk to me about this question that a lot of younger families have: reclassing versus not. What are your thoughts on that? Let’s say a ninth or tenth grader is talking to you.

Connor: I’ve been in a unique opportunity where I did a post-grad year. So I can speak to both sides of it. I always tell families, my biggest regret about my post-grad year at Vermont Academy was that I only did one year. Again, I just had no idea what prep school was.

Connor: But knowing what I know now — and having seen the transformational growth I saw as a person, as a player, as a student — I absolutely would have pursued multiple years instead of just one, if I could have. So I firmly believe that the more time you can spend in this type of environment, the better.

Preseason energy and focus: Deerfield team gets locked in for the season ahead

When to Reclass: Timing Is Everything

Connor: At the same time, you got to go when you’re ready, and you don’t want to go too early. Deerfield is such a rigorous academic school. A lot is going to be asked of you on the court, in the classroom, in the community. You want to make sure you’re ready for that discomfort and for that growth.

How College Coaches Really See Reclassing

Connor: The other piece I speak to with families — having been a college coach for six years — we prioritized kids who had gone through some type of prep school experience, whether they reclassed early or did a post-grad year.

Connor: I remember taking one of my post-grads on a college visit last year and we were talking to the head coach there. He said, “It’s rare that we go after kids who haven’t reclassed at some point.” I just think that’s the reality of the situation in today’s day and age.

The Competitive Edge: Age, Experience, and Readiness

Layers step into their final season with pride and purpose.

Connor: If you can be a 19-year-old freshman in college — or sometimes even a 20-year-old freshman — versus an 18-year-old freshman, and you’ve already been on a boarding school campus where it’s much more like a college experience, and you’re playing with and against the level of competition that’s here, you’re only going to be that much more ready to go whenever you hit the ground running, wherever you land next.

Connor: My firm belief is that the more time a kid could spend on a prep school campus, it’s only going to serve him better in the long run.

Staying for a Post-Grad Year at the Same School?

Cory: If a player doesn’t reclass at Deerfield and they graduate and want to do a post-grad year, can they stay at Deerfield and do a post-grad year there or do they have to go to a different school?

Connor: They could. I’d say it’s very rare. I personally haven’t heard of any instances, at least not in my time or in the immediate future, since that’s happened.

Connor: For example, we just had a lacrosse kid graduate here last year. He came in as a new junior, but he didn’t repeat his junior year. I think he’s committed to go play lacrosse at Denver next year, but he had to be a class of 2025. Now he’s doing a post-grad year at Salisbury in Connecticut. So I would say it’s much more common for kids to leave here and go somewhere else.

The full Deerfield team suited up in front of the trophy display, capturing a proud moment of program history and togetherness.

Real Talk: 4-Year Plan vs. 5-Year Advantage

Cory: Let’s say I’m dealing with a 10th grader right now. They’re asking — do we reclass and do 10th, 11th, 12th, or just do 11th, 12th, and a post-grad?

Connor: So many kids are doing five years of high school anyway. If you have an opportunity to come to Deerfield as a repeat sophomore, why wouldn’t you take that instead of just coming right in?

Connor: It doesn’t matter where you come from — public school, junior boarding school, another prep — it’s going to be an adjustment. The level of rigor academically is going to increase. The level of competition on the basketball court is going to be different. And again, the more time you have to adjust to that, the better.

Final Thoughts: Is Reclassing Right for You?

The Deerfield squad walks off the court after a huge home win — smiles, energy, and momentum heading into the season stretch.

Connor: The fall open gym stuff is invaluable. It’s one of the premier selling points that all of us NEPSAC coaches make to families. But at the same time, you gotta get game minutes wherever you go.

Connor: You don’t want to just play in front of all these high-major coaches and then ride the pine once the season starts. You want to give yourself an opportunity to be on the floor as much as humanly possible. Like you said — it’s just about fit over levels.

Final Word from Cory: Don’t Chase Hype — Build a Strategy

There’s no perfect answer for every player. But if your goal is to play college basketball — and be ready for it — then reclassing or taking a post-grad year should be part of the conversation. Connor’s lived both sides of it, and his take is as real as it gets.

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.