Top 13 Reasons to Play NCAA Division 2 Basketball

There are several reasons to Play NCAA D2 Basketball. As we have covered in previous articles, you should always make sure you have an open mind when deciding which school to play for. Yes, it is great that you have the fiery ambition to play NCAA D1 basketball but lets not forget that there are other levels such as NCAA D2 which can often be a better choice for you. Playing basketball in college is not an easy feat at any of the three levels. It demands you to have high-level skills & athleticism, have a basketball IQ, and the grit and grind of dedication to the hard work that you are going to have to put in on a daily basis. Let go over the reasons to play NCAA D2.

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Let’s take a look at the top 13 reasons to Play NCAA D2 basketball and how much they really do have to offer.

Do your research on every school thoroughly. These are big life decisions. A D2 school might just offer you the perfect package to meet all your basketball, academic, and future goals. Remember, only a small percentage of high school athletes end up playing at the D1 and D2 level. Even fewer receive some type of athletic scholarship. To be made an offer from a D2 school is an honor and a privilege.

Before making any judgments, high school players and their parents should explore all options, including attending Division 2 games and programs. This firsthand experience can provide valuable insights into the level of play and the environment.

Consider All Levels
Division 3 is also worth exploring. It can be an excellent fit for certain players, offering a balance between athletics and academics. Each division has its unique advantages, and what works for one player might not be ideal for another.

Understand the Commitment
College basketball demands high-level skills, athleticism, and a strong basketball IQ. Most importantly, it requires dedication and hard work. This is true across all divisions, and recognizing this can help set realistic expectations.

Appreciate Opportunities
If you have the chance to play at the college level, consider it a significant achievement. Dismissing Division 2 as “not good enough” often stems from misconceptions. Many players later realize the value and competitiveness of a D2 experience.

Ultimately, the right choice should align with your personal, academic, and athletic goals. Take your time, weigh all options, and make an informed decision that best suits your future aspirations.

TOP 13 REASONS TO PLAY NCAA D2 BASKETBALL

1. HIGH LEVEL BASKETBALL: It is well known that some NCAA D2 schools have very high quality basketball programs. These basketball programs beat D1 basketball teams in pre-season games. NCAA D2 schools are selective with the players they recruit and accept. They are just as professional and high level as some of the bigger D1 basketball programs (just on a smaller scale). This is most player top reason to play NCAA d2,

NOTE: Players, don’t just presume that if you don’t get picked up at a D1 program you automatically will get picked up at a D2 school because this might not be the case. Be knowledgeable, plan and prepare.

NOTE: Players, don’t just presume that if you don’t get picked up at a D1 program you automatically will get picked up at a D2 school because this might not be the case. Be knowledgeable, plan and prepare.

It’s crucial to understand that Division 2 basketball is not a fallback option for those who miss out on Division 1. The competition remains fierce, and players must demonstrate exceptional skills to secure a spot. Just because you weren’t recruited by a Division 1 school doesn’t guarantee an easy path to a Division 2 team. The notion that you can simply “go D2” is a misconception.

Consider this: There are over 1 million high school boys and girls playing basketball. Of these, only about 1% progress to Division 1. This leaves a significant number of talented players competing for spots in Division 2 and 3 teams. The level of play is high, and the competition is intense.

To truly gauge where you stand, watch a high-level Division 2 game. Examine the skills, speed, and teamwork required. Ask yourself honestly: Could I compete here? Where would I fit on this court? Remember, preparation and a realistic assessment of your abilities are key. Plan your basketball journey with a clear understanding of what each level demands.

2. GREAT SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: NCAA D2 can offer its recruits a full ride or partial athletic scholarship. Additionally, players can also get access to academic scholarships too. This is great for players who need that extra funding. What this means is, if you don’t get a full athletic scholarship but you’re a very good student and have the right grades/gpa, you can make up the difference with an academic scholarship allowing you to get the cost of your education taken care of in full!

3. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPETE: NCAA D2 presents excellent opportunities to compete at world-class colleges who have some of the best facilities you can imagine. Playing D2 is also a great fit for those who may prefer to be at a smaller campus that can offer you the opportunity to get playing time for all four years of your college experience.

4. LESS DEMANDING THAN D1: Of course D2 basketball is still demanding but, in comparison to the demands put on you at a D1 program, they are not as intense and rigorous (playing D1 is a all year-round total commitment). D2 is still a high level of competition that demands high level commitment from you in the weight-room and on the court, it just has a more balanced approach to basketball and your academics

5. A BALANCED COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: You get the best of both worlds. You can still be a high level college student athlete who competes in high level basketball competition and, at the same time still have enough time to get all your academic work taken care of as well as have a more interactive social life on and off campus. This will give you that more comprehensive and enriched environment for you to grow and develop as a person, as you continue to grow and develop as a student athlete too.

6. PLAYING TIME: Choosing to go with an offer from a D2 coach who really wants you to be a part of the team means you will get the playing time you want. Obviously you still have to show ongoing dedication to your training and do what the coach brought you in to do to keep that playing time going!

NOTE: Make sure you have your priorities in order. Ask yourself, what academic program do you really want to do? which basketball program will allow you to compete and not just be on the roster? … NCAA D2 is a good option for this.

7. MORE ATTENTIVE TEACHER/COACH RELATIONSHIP: Because most D2 schools are much smaller than the D1 schools this allows the professors and coaches to really get to know their student athletes. This fosters an environment where if you are experiencing an academic or basketball issue you have the ability to approach the professor or coach for help and assistance. This is something you might not get at a bigger D1 university. The majority of NCAA D2 schools offer low student-professor ratios and have supportive coaches.

8. LESS STRESS: The travel and time commitment can vary for D2 basketball programs depending on the conference they play in. However, you can pretty much bank on the fact that the travel time and commitment is going to be significantly less than a D1 program. In most cases, everything is a little less involved which means as a student athlete playing for a D2 basketball program you don’t need to travel as far, the will receive more breaks and, having to be on campus to train all the time is usually not necessary. The off-season does still require you to engage in a number of commitments but, these commitments are going to be slightly less demanding than D1.

NOTE: Division 2 basketball program requires its student athletes to take a day off per week from athletics activities during the competitive season.

9. OPPORTUNITY FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION: A strong characteristic of a D2 basketball program is its unmatched opportunity for players to advance to national championship competition. This is a result of the division’s championship access ratio which is the best among the three NCAA divisions. D2 basketball programs offer a one championship opportunity for every 8.5 student athletes. Division 2 is the only NCAA division that hosts National Championships Festivals. These National Championship Festivals are “Olympic-style” events where a number of national championships are held at a single site over several days. At these championship events, all Division 2 athletes are celebrated on digital networks online and on T.V. Nearly all Division 2 championship finals are broadcast nationally or streamed live on ncaa.com.

10. COMPREHENSIVE PERSONAL PROGRAMS FOR LEARNING: Division 2’s academic philosophy is focused on bringing comprehensive programs of learning and development which are all conducted in a personal setting. This is why you will find the size of many Division 2 campuses are much smaller than the D1 schools because they really want to emphasize that personal setting for its students to foster personal, academic and athletic development and achievement. 89% of D2 schools have enrollments of 7,500 or less students!

11. HIGHER GRADUATION RATES: Division 2 student athletes consistently graduate at rates several percentage points higher than their student body counterparts. NCAA D2 students have an excellent opportunity to be highly skilled and decorated athletes by attending one of their programs. The balanced approach will allow you to become more marketable in your career of choice because you will have the time to focus on your academic pursuits. This can include internships or whatever other endeavor it may take for you to prepare yourself for life after college.

12. REGIONAL COMPETITION: NCAA D2 has eight competitive regions which serve to build healthy rivalries and reduce time away from campus. This enables families and friends to follow you as you play and progress through your college basketball career. It also helps its players keep the mental perspective that yes, you are here to play college basketball but you also have an academic pursuit to achieve. This type of regional model also presents teams with access to championship finals and, a fair and impartial pathway to the championship.

13. HIGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Division 2 basketball programs actively engage with their communities. What this does is it helps to drive big home crowds to all of your games and events. This positive engagement with the basketball team and the community allows a connection to be established and a shared positive experience is created. This type of community engagement also strengthens the bond between you and your teammates which encourages individual, personal growth. You will find that all Division 2 basketball programs are committed to establishing an inclusive culture where people of all backgrounds are shown respect and given the opportunity to provide input and participate fully in the program and the school.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION

Understanding Division 2 Basketball: Debunking Myths

When it comes to college basketball, misconceptions about Division 2 (D2) programs can cloud the decision-making process for athletes and their families. Let’s clear up some common myths.

Myth 1: Lack of Scholarships

A prevalent misunderstanding is that D2 schools don’t offer scholarships. In reality, athletic scholarships are available, though they might be different in structure compared to Division 1 (D1) programs. It’s essential to research each school’s scholarship offerings because many D2 schools can provide generous financial packages.

Myth 2: Easy Transition from D1 to D2

There’s a belief that if a player isn’t picked up by a D1 team, they can easily join a D2 team. However, D2 is competitive and has its own set of recruitment standards. Athletes need to meet the skill level and needs of the team, similar to any other athletic program. Many players operate under the assumption that if they don’t make it to Division 1, Division 2 is the next obvious step. This isn’t necessarily the case. D2 teams are looking for top-tier talent, and just like D1, they have stringent requirements.

Consider this: there are over a million high school basketball players, but only a small fraction advance to play at the collegiate level. While 1% make it to D1, the remaining talented players vie for spots in D2 and D3. This means the competition remains fierce.

To truly gauge where you stand, it’s beneficial to watch a high-level D2 game. Observe the intensity, the skill level, and the strategy involved. Ask yourself honestly if you could compete at that level. This self-assessment is crucial in understanding the demands and expectations of D2 basketball.

Remember, whether aiming for D1 or D2, the commitment to improve and meet rigorous standards is fundamental.

Myth 3: D2 is a Backup Plan

Some players assume that D2 is just a fallback if D1 doesn’t happen. The truth is, D2 programs attract talented players, including many who transfer from D1 schools. This occurs because some athletes seek more playing time or a different college environment, given that D1 teams often have more scholarship players than they use regularly.

Myth 4: Minimal Transfer Activity

There’s an assumption that transfers are rare in D2 basketball. On the contrary, there’s significant movement between divisions. Almost 25% of D1 transfers move to D2 schools, seeking better opportunities and more playing time.

Conclusion

Division 2 basketball offers a competitive environment with rewarding opportunities for athletes. By understanding these myths, players can make informed decisions and take full advantage of the options available to them. Evaluating schools based on their programs, coaching, and opportunities for growth should be a priority over divisional status alone.

Why Do Division 1 Players Transfer to Division 2 Schools?

Every year, a significant number of Division 1 (D1) basketball players make the move to Division 2 (D2) programs. This decision is influenced by several key factors that highlight the ongoing dynamics within college athletics.

Overcrowded Rosters
D1 teams typically carry around 13 scholarship players. However, in reality, only 7-9 of these athletes see regular playing time, leaving many players sidelined. This competition for limited court exposure is a primary reason for transferring, as players seek opportunities to shine on teams that can offer more playtime.

Expectation vs. Reality
Many athletes enter D1 with high expectations, often believing they are better suited for the competition level than they actually are. As the season progresses, the disparity between expectation and reality becomes evident, prompting players to reconsider their options for maximizing their potential.

Strategic Career Moves
Transferring to a D2 school can be a strategic move for players looking to enhance their visibility and development. With fewer players competing for prime time, transfers can use this opportunity to showcase their talents more effectively, potentially catching the eyes of professional scouts or boosting their career prospects.

Increasing Transfer Numbers
Recently, the trend of transferring has seen a marked increase, with roughly 700-800 D1 athletes making the switch each year. This phenomenon is largely driven by the aforementioned factors, and nearly a quarter of these transfers choose D2 programs as their new home.

Opting for a D2 school allows players to find a team environment where they can truly flourish, both in love for the game and in career progression.

How Division 2 Basketball Stacks Up Against Division 1

When evaluating the quality of basketball in Division 2 (D2) versus Division 1 (D1), it’s important to note that top-tier D2 teams often hold their own against D1 competitors. Some D2 programs even rival or surpass their D1 counterparts in certain aspects, making for an intriguing comparison.

Competitive Edge

Many D2 players either aspire to enter the D1 scene or have transitioned from D1, bringing with them a high level of skill and experience. This creates a competitive environment where D2 teams frequently win against D1 teams in pre-season matchups. The competition is fierce, and the talent is evident in these thrilling encounters.

Scoring and Performance

Interestingly, D2 basketball games sometimes feature higher scoring compared to D1. For example, Gonzaga, a leading D1 team, averaged 87.4 points per game last season. Impressively, twelve D2 teams managed to surpass this average, highlighting the offensive prowess within the division.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Contrary to common stereotypes, Division 2 schools often boast state-of-the-art facilities. Many have modern gyms and comprehensive weight-room amenities that rival those found at D1 universities. This focus on infrastructure supports athlete development, ensuring that D2 programs remain competitive and attractive to high-caliber players.

In summary, Division 2 basketball exemplifies a high standard of play, proving that the gap between D2 and D1 may not be as wide as commonly perceived. With talented rosters, impressive scoring statistics, and top-notch facilities, D2 programs continue to defy expectations and challenge the status quo.

CAN YOU MAKE IT TO THE NBA AFTER PLAYING NCAA DIVISION 2?

Yes you can. A famous player who goes by the name of Ben Wallace did just that. Ben Camey Wallace (who was born on September 10, 1974) is regarded by many to be the greatest undrafted player in NBA history, this is how his story began.

Wallace was born in White Hall, Alabama and later attended Central High School in Hayneville where he received all-state honors in basketball (as well as in football and baseball too – he was such an all round athlete). From high school, Wallace first played JUCO for 2 years at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. Here, Wallace showed off his defensive prowess as he went onto average 17.0 rebounds and 6.9 blocks per game.

After spending two years at Cuyahoga C.C. Wallace transferred after being offered a scholarship from coach Dave Robbins to play for Virginia Union University (VUU) where he studied criminal justice. Here, Wallace made an immediate impact at Virginia Union where he averaged 13.4 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game for the Panthers. He went on to lead the Panthers to the Division 2 Final Four and achieved a 28–3 record. As a senior, Wallace was named to the First-Team All CIAA and was selected as a First Team All-American (D2) by the NABC. To this day, Ben Wallace still holds the school record with 114 blocks in a single season!

Ben Wallace was viewed as a wing player by many NBA scouts but his talent was in defense, not the flashy scoring. His personality was reserved, and his behavior on the court was exemplary. At 6ft 9 he was considered short for an NBA center. But that did not matter, as Wallace attracted a large fan base because of his distinctive style of play.

Shockingly, Wallace was not selected in the 1996 NBA Draft, but he did eventually find his way onto the roster of the Washington Wizards as a rookie. He then signed with the Orlando Magic, where he became a starter. But, it was in Detroit where Wallace would earn his spot in the hall of fame.

Ben Wallace went from being an undrafted, under-sized center to an All-Star and NBA Champion. He led the NBA in rebounding in 2002 and 2003, and was named NBA Defensive Player of The Year in both seasons. He helped the Pistons defeat the favored LA Lakers for the NBA Title in 2004 and went on to win the NBA Defensive Player of The Year Awards back-to-back in 2005 and 2006.

Now the former Virginia Union star has been selected to enter the Basketball Hall of Fame, basketball’s highest honor. He is the first undrafted player ever to be selected to the Hall of Fame and is now a part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021.

What this goes to show is that there are many paths to the NBA. Attending a NCAA D2 can be one of them. Ben’s story also highlights that just because coaches or scout may have a certain opinion about what position you are or, what type of player they think you are; if you do your “thing” you can exceed those boundaries and break through by showing everyone your specific skills and talents that individually make you great. This is just one more reasons to play NCAA D2, you can still achieve all your goals.