The Offering: Why JUCO Basketball?
Going to a four-year college or university to play basketball after High School isn’t always an option for every student athlete. So, deciding to play at a JUCO or Junior College can work to a young person’s benefit when trying to to reach that next level. Whether it’s an opportunity to mature mentally, grow physically, or just work on your game; JUCO can give an athlete one and in some cases two years to develop in a number of different ways while working towards a college degree. It can also give a young athlete more time to actually get recruited and earn a scholarship on a higher basketball level. And, with today’s climate and the expansion of the transfer portal, coaches are looking for older, more mature and experienced players to help them out immediately.
***(The average age of the University of Pittsburgh’s 2022-2023 team that won 24 games last season was 22.8 years old. The average age of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder’s starting 5 last year was 22)
Coach Lockhart locking in with players of his JUCO squad. They have a competitive schedule and looking to make a splash in the league this year.
In many cases the time invested playing and learning the ins and outs of what college basketball is really about serves to be priceless. Junior College can teach what it takes to succeed at a four-year school, what coaches are looking for, the responsibilities that come along with possibly playing at a major University, and how to complete and be successful at a high level. In the right program, with the right coaches and support staff, a player can thrive and in turn elevate his or her game, while increasing their value as a potential recruit for that next level. The “JUCO Experience” can prepare a student-athlete to compete at four-year institutions at the NCAA Division 1, 2, 3 & NAIA levels. So many athletes use this as a stepping stone in their collegiate careers.
Junior College basketball has three different levels and schools are separated across the country into regions, usually based on location. At the end of the day, it’s a grind, but if you can sacrifice and stay focused on your goals, there can be some great opportunities for you down the road. Lots of times you’re not playing in the best gyms or riding to games in the most luxurious vehicles, or even having access to the nicest facilities…….but, these conditions create hunger, and if you are serious about your craft, it can lead to a sense of urgency that motivates and builds mental toughness on and off the court.
I think I’ve ultimately been where they want to go. Having played as well as coached on the NCAA Division 1 stage, I’m able to come from a place of real-experience and lead from an actual example.
-Head Coach Jarrett Lockhart
Only 7% of high school students a year end up participating in college sports, so even playingat a two-year school is a privilege.
First Year Head Coach at LaGuardia CC, Jarrett Lockhart has valuable experience as a player with The University of Pittsburgh as well as a number of coaching positions at the Division 1 level. He’s looking to create a winning atmosphere at LaGuardia CC.
JUCO basketball is rough, it’s competitive, it’s for the mentally-mature, and a situation that many people frown upon unless they can really understand what it’s all about. It’s where a kid grows into a young adult, and life-long relationships are built. You’re always going to have some great players and basketball minds in the Junior College
system. Hungry athletes looking to earn a name for themselves, obtain scholarships, and further their basketball careers. Student athletes learn the importance of academics, the purpose of discipline, and building relationships, as well as character development and learning about themselves on a deeper level initially at a smaller school.
Coach Lockhart giving out the game plan. He’s looking for players who want to lock in a create a winning culture at LaGuardia CC.