Concordia University Chicago Men's Basketball Head Coach, Randy Rogers, joins the Concordia athletic staff after beginning a coaching career in 1983. Rogers brings significant experience from coaching at the high school level for over 30 years.
At Concordia, Rogers has been rebuilding the Men's Basketball program and has brought in 15 new players last year alone, thus, focusing heavily on recruiting.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Work ethic and character. Will the individual be coachable and put in the time to improve?
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
The best way to get on our radar is to send a schedule of games and events, and campus visit is the ideal way to show interest.
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way?
During their junior season, after January, by email.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?
We treat the weight room individually, with our strength coach adapting workouts and expectations. In the classroom, the ideal candidate would have at least a 3.0 GPA, 22 ACT, and 1030 SAT. On the court, we expect him to outwork his opponent and to be coachable.
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
The do's in recruiting are to reply promptly, be truthful, and show an interest in our program. The don'ts are questionable social media posts, taking a long time to reply to an email, text, or phone call, and having poor character reviews from people with whom the recruit has worked with.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be persistent in your communication, but also respectful.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
The effort given and poise shown in game situations.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
The highlights should show your complete game: shooting, rebounding, passing, defense, hustle. Don't put questionable music on your highlight tape.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
It would be best to do a highlight tape after your junior year and primarily with your school team.
What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Be realistic with the estimation of your level of play. Get the opinions of people who have seen you in person and have coached at the various levels.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Social media reveals a lot about your values and work ethic. It plays a big part in recruiting.
* Originally published on November 27, 2017, by LRT Staff
