Top 13 Reasons to Play NCAA D3 Basketball

Do you have mixed feelings if you should play NCAA D3? If so, this article is for you. You will struggle to find anyone talking about the top reasons to Play NCAA D3 school but you might be surprised! Here we highlight the top 13 reasons you should play NCAA D3 basketball. After all, depending on your goals and priorities this might just be the best option for you. Let’s check them out …

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TOP 13 REASONS TO PLAY NCAA D3 BASKETBALL

1. HIGH LEVEL PLAYERS: Division 3 basketball teams all over the USA have rosters full of athletes who were among the best at their high school or even in their entire state.

2. BUILD YOUR BASKETBALL RESUME: Players choose to attend a Division 3 basketball program because it offers you the chance to play early and build your stats instead of walking on to a D1 team which would cost you a lot of money to pretty much sit on the bench and watch all the scholarship players start.

3. EXCELLENT FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES: NCAA D3 schools offer their student athletes plenty of financial aid options. Of course, this doesn’t included athletic scholarships, but while there are no scholarships for basketball specifically, D3 schools have plenty of money in reserve for academics, leadership, and many other various special needs scholarships which players can access.

NOTE: If you are a good athlete with good grades and above average SAT/ACT scores it is possible to earn nearly full tuition scholarships, while you play basketball at a NCAA Division 3 school.

4. MORE CHOICE: NCAA Division 3 is the NCAA’s largest division with over 450 member schools dotted all over the USA. Most Division 3 schools are liberal-arts schools which mean they offer programs that have an emphasis on the sciences and arts.

NOTE: The average enrollment at an NCAA Division 3 college is 2,750 students about three times bigger than your average American high school.

5. SYNERGISTIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: You will find at the majority of NCAA D3 schools, there is a huge emphasis on having a more collaborative classroom environment. D3 schools also have excellent student-to-staff ratios which allows you to really get the most out of your learning experiences. Having smaller class sizes will enable you to get better grades and get the most out of your chosen career path, so that you will be better equipped to enter the work force once your college studies are complete.

NOTE: The NCAA reported back in 2019 that student athletes at Division 3 colleges graduate at a higher rate than the rest of the school student body.

6. BIG FOLLOWING: Division 3 basketball programs have access into a network of hundreds of thousands of student athletes and alumni that watch and follow the basketball teams every game! This is a great aspect as you will always have a good turn out of fans who make an effort to come to the games and watch you play. The cities or towns that Division 3 schools are located, love their teams. They support their athletes through every season.

REMEMBER: Just because you play at a smaller school in a smaller community doesn’t mean you can’t make a name for yourself.

7. GREAT COMPETITION: NCAA D3 conferences are based on smaller regions. What does this mean for you as a player? Well, rivalries are a big deal! so you can expect some serious, highly competitive games. On top of this, Division 3 has some of the most exciting postseason tournaments and national championships out there. This means more excitement and more playing time for you.

8. VIRTUAL VISITS: NCAA D3 schools offer more Virtual Visits than other divisions. Also, players always have the option to move up to a D2 or D1 school after proving to be successful at the D3 level.

9. NCAA PERKS: The NCAA reimburses D3 schools for travel to national championship events and gives schools access to catastrophic health insurance. Because of this, it has more members and more money than the NAIA and some may view this as being more prestigious.

10. YOU GET MORE ON & OFF THE COURT: Attending a D3 school means that you get the full learning experience that will benefit you academically off the court and through your basketball training and playing experiences on the court. Basically, by playing D3 you can have the best of both worlds. You can play your sport and still be a college student with a life outside of basketball.

NOTE: Playing D3 allows its student athletes to play, learn and engage in other extra curricular activities such as: writing for the school newspaper, running for the student government or taking a double major.

11. LOWER STRESS: At the D3 level there is a lot less pressure on both the Coaching Staff and Players. You don’t have to travel as much which means you have more time for school work and other activities that you want or need to be involved in such as internships or other work experience commitments.

12. NO CLEARINGHOUSE: NCAA D3 does not require you to go through any clearinghouse like the NCAA D1 or D2 schools do. This makes the whole admissions process a much smoother and straight forward process. You don’t have to sign up and register for an account. You just go through the schools specifiic admissions process.

NOTE: Each D3 school has their own admissions process so make sure you ask the admissions office what they require from you as this may differ from school to school.

13. STILL GO PRO: A player who chooses to play D3 can still go on to play pro. There have been successful pro players who have risen high, and have had some fantastic professional basketball careers overseas.

CAN YOU MAKE IT TO THE NBA If You Play NCAA D3?

Yes you can. Deveon George comes to mind, right! I’m pretty sure most of you reading this know who he is, but for those who don’t know about his rise to the top from playing Division 3 let me fill you in …

Coming from a humble background, Devean Jamar George (born on August 29, 1977) a 6ft 8 young basketball player from Minneapolis, Minnesota started his basketball career playing for his local high school, Benilde-St. Margaret’s. All the way through his high school basketball career, George never got any interest from any Division 1 schools.

For his college education, George decided to attend NCAA D3 Augsburg College, where he had an outstanding college basketball career achieving the MIAC Most Valuable Player for two consecutive years (1997-98, 1998-99). He also set a few college records during his time playing in his senior season by scoring 770 points and averaging 27.5 points per game, leading Augsburg to a 24-4 record and making an appearance in the NCAA 3 tournament. George was a very versatile 6’8 player in college and proved to be a very good scorer but, it wasn’t until his senior year’s performance that he eventually caught the attention of NBA scouts.

In 1999, George overcame the odds and made history when he became the first NCAA Division 3 basketball player to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft (23rd overall pick). He was picked by the Los Angeles Lakers and within his first three seasons the team won the NBA Championship! Not to mention, George spent his first seven seasons at the Lakers with Shaq and Koby, being a part of one of the greatest teams of all time! The 2003-4 season was George’s best season in the league, playing in 82 games (starting in 48) and averaging 7.4 points and 4 rebounds which was his career high.

After his time with the LA Lakers, George signed with the Dallas Mavericks and played with them for three seasons. George was known for his defensive abilities and 3 point shooting ability coming off the bench. Towards the end of his career, George spent his last NBA season playing for the Golden State Warriors. Over the course of his 11 year NBA career he averaged 5.6 points and 3.1 assists.

What to take from this is, despite coming from a Division 3 school, and not being a big named recruit coming out of college, Deveon George was still able to create a very successful career in the NBA for himself. Don’t let any tell you it is not possible because as Deveon George has shown us all, it certainly is.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION

The Historical Impact of Division III Players and Coaches in the NBA

Division III players and coaches have played a pivotal role in shaping the NBA’s narrative, illustrating that excellence isn’t confined to major colleges. This involvement extends beyond sideline leadership to steering entire organizational strategies from the front office.

Front Office Trailblazers

Over the years, several Division III alumni, such as esteemed figures like Sam Presti and Koby Altman, have ascended to significant roles, making crucial decisions for team rosters and strategy. They bear the responsibility for player draft selections, trade negotiations, and the formulation of basketball strategies, demonstrating remarkable acumen that complements their playing experiences.

Rise to Prominence

The influence of Division III talent reached a notable peak during the 2020–21 NBA season, when nearly half of the league’s teams were managed by individuals with small-college playing backgrounds. This surge can be attributed to a combination of league dynamics and the nurturing environment of small colleges, which often foster strong leadership and resilience.

Legacy and Evolution

The impact of Division III alumni on the NBA extends back across the league’s 75-plus-year history. These individuals have been instrumental in orchestrating major trades, drafting players who went on to win MVP titles, and guiding teams to championship victories. Their contributions underscore a legacy of innovation, having been part of efforts that launched new franchises and transformed basketball management and gameplay strategies.

Enduring Impact

The trends set by these former small-college players underscore their significance in NBA history. They’ve shown that with determination, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Division III representatives can make indelible impacts that resonate through the annals of professional basketball.

How Did Division III Players Rise to Prominence in NBA Management and Coaching?

Over the years, the influence of small-college players, particularly those from Division III, has steadily grown within the NBA’s management and coaching ranks. This trend became particularly evident in the 2020–21 season, when a remarkable number of NBA teams were led by individuals who once played at the D3 level, either as head coaches or as leaders of basketball operations.

Unwavering Passion and Dedication

Many of these former Division III players possess an undeniable love for the game and a relentless drive that pushed them beyond their playing days. Despite their athletic careers not taking them to professional leagues, their understanding of basketball, fueled by passion and perhaps a bit of stubbornness, played a crucial role in their rise to influential positions. This profound connection to the sport motivated them to pursue roles that allowed them to shape the game from the sidelines and beyond.

Strategic Acumen and Leadership

The shift in NBA leadership dynamics can be attributed to these individuals’ prowess in strategic thinking and leadership. Those from smaller colleges often developed unique perspectives, essential for drafting talents, negotiating high-stakes trades, and spearheading team strategies. Their experiences in smaller programs honed their resourcefulness and strategic acumen, skills that are invaluable in the fast-paced NBA environment.

Historical Contributions and Evolutionary Impact

The impact of Division III alumni is not a sudden occurrence but rather a continuation of a longstanding tradition. Throughout the NBA’s history, former small-college players have left their mark by pulling off major trades, selecting future MVPs, and leading teams to victory. They have also played pivotal roles in the creation of new franchises and have significantly influenced how the game is played and managed today.

Confluence of Factors

The emergence of these leaders results from a confluence of factors, both within the dynamic landscape of professional basketball and the rich, nurturing environments of small college campuses. This ecosystem has cultivated leaders who, though their on-court exploits might not have turned heads, have undeniably altered the course of basketball management.

In conclusion, the rise of Division III players to vital roles in the NBA underscores the league’s recognition of diverse talents and unconventional pathways in shaping the future of basketball.

Frank Vogel’s Path to NBA Glory

Frank Vogel’s ascent from a Division III player to an NBA championship-winning coach is a tale of perseverance and passion. His journey began at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he was a pre-med student. During his time as a point guard in Division III, Vogel grew frustrated with the lack of commitment he observed in his team.

Instead of simply voicing his dissatisfaction, Vogel drew inspiration from watching Division I basketball. One particular moment stood out to him: seeing Kentucky’s coach, Rick Pitino, conduct double practice sessions on Christmas Day. This level of dedication ignited a fire in Vogel. He realized his ambition wasn’t just to play but to embody that commitment to basketball.

Driven by this newfound clarity, Vogel embarked on a coaching career, learning and growing through various roles. His journey was marked by dedication and relentless learning, as he took lessons from each experience to refine his craft.

Ultimately, in 2020, Vogel achieved a historic milestone. He became the first former Division III player to capture an NBA championship as a head coach, a testament to his journey from a college player overwhelmed by Division I commitment to a leader at basketball’s highest level. Through grit and relentless devotion, Vogel’s career stands as an inspiring example of how perseverance can transform aspiration into achievement.