Episode #159: John Baines on Recruiting

🏀 Competitiveness, Fit, and the Truth About Recruiting | John Baines | Part II In Part II of Episode 159 of the Significant Recruiting Podcast, Matt Rogers continues his conversation with John Baines, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Elmhurst University, diving deep into the realities of the college basketball recruiting process. Coach Baines shares what he truly looks for in recruits after decades in the profession — and it’s not just talent. He explains why competitiveness, resilience, communication, and culture fit often matter more than stats or highlight reels. In this episode, Coach Baines discusses: What competitiveness really looks like when watching recruits in the gym Why body language and resilience are critical evaluation tools How parents and coaches often see recruiting from very different perspectives Why recruits must understand their “why” when reaching out to a college program The importance of relationships and campus visits in making the right decision Why the best recruiting decisions are about fit, not just opportunity Coach Baines also shares advice for parents navigating the recruiting process and explains how he evaluates whether a player is truly the right fit for the culture he has built at Elmhurst. If you’re a recruit, parent, or coach trying to understand how college recruiting really works, this episode offers a candid and insightful look from one of Division III basketball’s most respected coaches. Learn more about John Baines, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Elmhurst University: https://elmhurstbluejays.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-baines/1092 Subscribe to the This Week in Significant Coaching Newsletter at: https://coachmattrogers.com Subscribers receive free access to every podcast episode, the weekly recruiting blog, the Recruit, Coach and Parent Tips of the Week, and the Significant Question of the Week. Send us Fan Mail Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes Don't rely on mere chance. Be significant with your future. The easy 12-step book to owning your college recruitment. Get your copy here at Amazon.com Support the show 📰 Join my Recruiting and Coaching Community and get my FREE Weekly Newsletter at coachmattrogers.com 📆 Need help with your children's college recruiting needs? Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss working together: Schedule FREE Recruiting Session 🎤 Does your school or organization need help with Recruiting Realities and College Athletics Education? Schedule your FREE Discovery Call to discuss bringing Coach Matt to speak: Schedule FREE Speaker Discovery Call 📚 Do you want to handle your college recruiting on your own but would like a plan to follow? Click HERE to get your copy of the Significant Recruiting Playbook and your Sport Specific Recruit's Journal for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball. 📺 Do you wish their was an inexpensive, simple step-by-step recruiting class series you could follow? Click HERE to get full access to the Significant Recruiting Launchpad.