Recruiting Insights W/ODU College Coach Jones: Finding Talent and Culture Fit in Basketball Ep. 57

About the Guest(s): Roland Jones is a respected recruiting coordinator and coach at Old Dominion University (ODU). With a rich background in basketball, both as a player and a coach, Roland specializes in talent identification and team development. He is known for his keen eye for recruiting basketball talent, especially from Texas, and has a soft spot for underdogs that have historically been overlooked. Roland's expertise in building competitive teams makes him an invaluable asset to ODU. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of It's Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts hosts Roland Jones, a seasoned recruiting coordinator from Old Dominion University. They delve into the nuances of recruiting for women's basketball and the significant shifts in the landscape due to developments like social media, NIL deals, and skill development. Roland shares his insights on identifying and fostering talent with a particular focus on players from Texas, making this episode a must-listen for aspirants looking to make their mark in collegiate basketball. Throughout the conversation, Jones discusses the importance of recruiting good players who are not only talented but also coachable and culturally fit for the team. He emphasizes the evolving nature of women's basketball, highlighting how platforms and exposure levels have grown through the success of teams like LSU and individuals like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. His insights into the recruiting dynamics at the mid-major level, the value of JUCO players, and the challenges facing high school athletes provide a comprehensive overview of the college basketball recruiting ecosystem today. Key Takeaways: Recruiting Strategy: Talent alone is not enough; finding players who are coachable and fit into the team culture is crucial. Platform Growth: Women's basketball has significantly grown in exposure and opportunities, especially influenced by social media and successful leagues like the WNBA. Importance of JUCO: Junior college players play a vital role in building competitive teams, especially in the mid-major conferences. Role of Parents: A player's own initiative and engagement during recruitment are important, as overactive parents can sometimes hinder the process. Basketball Circuits and Showcases: The abundance of leagues and tournaments can lead to talented players being overlooked, emphasizing the need for strategic exposure at events. Looking to join a community of like minded parents? Join the Different Community below! https://www.skool.com/itsjustdifferent/about Get your Different Merch! Use code "Podcast" to get 15% off! Link below! www.itsjustdifferentapparel.com Follow Ashley On IG: @thisisashleyr Follow Its Just Different Pod on IG: @itsjustdifferentpod Follow Coach Roland: @roland_jr1