Coach Jeremy Currier was named head coach of men’s basketball at Pfeiffer University on April 20, 2010, having spent the past two seasons as the program’s top assistant. Considered a highly successful and talented recruiter, Coach Currier was rated the sixth best Division II assistant coach for recruiting success in 2009 by College Bound Hoops. Along the way, his recruiting efforts have helped build a Falcons offense that has netted the two highest single season scoring averages in program history (98.9 and 103.1 ppg) including the all-time Conference Carolinas single game scoring record set against Barton College in February 2010. We recently caught up to him and had the opportunity to discuss why his recruiting efforts have been so successful:
1. What do you look for when evaluating potential recruits?
We really try to target guys that love the game, want to work at it, and have the capability to be coached and be a great teammate. All coaches are looking for “winners”- but we really try to evaluate if a kid makes winning plays on the basketball court and championship decisions off the court. We feel like if a kid loves the game and has a winning mentality, then we can get them better in their time at Pfeiffer.
2.How do you initially reach out to a recruit?
Generally, we start with the initial introduction phone call to their coach to get a character reference. We are not looking to get kids to Pfeiffer that we will have to worry about whether they are going to get into the gym, go to class, and act responsibly on campus. Because of this, we contact multiple people that know the recruit on personal basis. Once we have done our homework, we will call the recruit, and begin the process.
3. Discuss your 1st call strategy for a recruit:
We want our first call to be memorable. We are in a age where every kid is being recruited by a number of schools, so we try to make an impact on the recruit. Every recruit is different, and has different goals, so we try to connect with the recruit and figure out what is important to them athletically, academically, and socially.
4. How often do you communicate with your recruits?
Because of NCAA restrictions, we are only allowed to call a recruit once a week. It is critical that we make that phone call count!
5. How do you “close” a recruit when you want them to commit?
I think that every kid is different- and we really try to figure out the most effective means to ‘close’ them. Some kids need an ultimatum or deadline to decide. Other kids, you need to just go along for the ride, and be there when he is ready to make the decision. Understanding this is critical in getting the commitment- and making a mistake in the process can result in losing the recruit.
6. What tips would you give coaches just getting started with recruiting
I think it is awfully important to get out and do your own evaluations of kids, and see what you think. I see more and more coaches out there that are recruiting just off what the ‘experts’ say. We certainly value this information because many of the recruiting services out there are very thorough in the job that they do- but they are not in practice with your team everyday- you are. Coaches need to get out there and see a potential recruit play, and decide if they are someone that they would like to go to practice with everyday. I think that the best coaches and recruiters are the ones that are meticulous in their evaluations.
Read more: Tips from the Legends: Coach Jeremy Currier – Pfeiffer University Men’s Basketball
College Recruiting Blog - Athletic Scholarships Blog
NCSA
http://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2010/09/01/tips-from-the-legends-coach-jeremy-currier-–-pfeiffer-university-mens-basketball/#ixzz0zGPitrag
