ND WBB Recruitability ? - The Process Explained
by CharlesT (2020-02-24 23:08:58)
Edited on 2020-02-24 23:22:30
Post Reply Return to McGraw's Bench

We often question why there aren’t more Top Ranked prospects @ND. Numerous questions about MM’s ability to “close the deal” or is the staff doing enough? There hasn’t been much talk about the NB WBB recruiting process.
Like it or not a ND student athlete isn’t necessarily going to be comparable to a UConn, Louisville, South Carolina, Oregon or any other top WBB program recruit (with the exception of a Stanford, Duke or Ivy).
So what is the process that ND utilizes? Based on an N of 6 recruits/players/former players/players families - this is what was learned:
- ND historically doesn’t offer a scholarship until after completion of a potential recruit’s HS Junior season. (Sorry to say that the two 2021 players who’s families have said MM/ND offered might have misinterpreted “we are interested in having you play at ND” as an offer).
- The process that the above mentioned recruiting sample explained is that until ND WBB requests academic transcripts, SAT/ACT test scores (hence waiting until 2nd semester of JR yr), submits those documents to ND Admissions and gets confirmation that the potential student athlete will qualify to attend ND - No official offer will be made.
I’m sure those of us who have followed ND WBB will recognize the pattern and the above to be accurate.

Now if we accept this premise; then we should realize that just because you can play bb doesn’t mean you can qualify to attend ND. Hence we hear statements from MM about “mutual interest and fit”. We also cannot forget that South Bend isn’t the easiest place to get to so a recruit’s family would need to value a ND education/experience/etc...So maybe we can cut MM some slack and recognize ND WBB is getting their fair share of academically talented high ability bb players to attend. Oh and also remember that in spite of these difficult parameters MM is a hall of fame coach with two national titles!

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