Travel Team vs. High School Team: Which Will Help You Get Noticed More?
For young basketball players with dreams of playing at the next level—whether in college or professionally—the question often arises: Should I focus on my high school team or join a travel/AAU team? Both options offer valuable experiences, but when it comes to exposure and recruitment, travel teams have become the premier choice for athletes looking to get noticed. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between travel teams and high school teams, focusing on how travel teams provide greater opportunities for visibility and recruitment.
1. Why Travel Teams Offer Superior Exposure
While high school basketball remains a critical component of player development, travel teams—particularly in the AAU circuit—offer a different level of exposure that is hard to match. Here’s why:
More Games and Tournaments: Travel teams typically participate in more games and tournaments throughout the year compared to high school teams. These tournaments are often held on weekends, attracting scouts and recruiters from colleges across the country. The more games you play, the more opportunities you have to showcase your skills.
National and Regional Exposure: Travel teams play in prestigious tournaments that bring together top talent from across the country. These events—like the Nike EYBL, Under Armour Association, and Adidas Gauntlet—are heavily scouted by college coaches and recruiting services. High school teams are generally limited to their state or region, which means fewer chances to catch the eye of out-of-state scouts.
Higher Level of Competition: On a travel team, players face off against some of the best athletes in the country, which can significantly raise their level of play. Competing against elite talent helps players develop faster and show college coaches that they can perform at a high level against top-tier competition.
Tip for Players: If getting noticed by college coaches is your top priority, joining a competitive travel team can provide unmatched exposure to the right people, at the right time.
2. Access to College Coaches and Scouts
One of the biggest advantages of playing on a travel team is direct access to college coaches and scouts. Many travel team tournaments are designed specifically to give players the opportunity to be seen by recruiters. These events are often scheduled during NCAA live periods, which means coaches are allowed to attend and evaluate players in person.
Live Period Tournaments: During designated recruiting periods, NCAA coaches are permitted to scout talent at travel team events. These live period tournaments are magnets for scouts, who are looking for athletes that can make an impact at the collegiate level. High school games, on the other hand, may not have the same level of recruiter presence.
Direct Interaction: Travel team coaches often have connections with college recruiters, which can lead to direct introductions and even recommendations. High school coaches may not have the same extensive network of college contacts, especially if they’re not part of a powerhouse basketball program.
Tip for Parents: Ensure that the travel team your child joins participates in key recruiting events. Look for programs that have a track record of helping players earn college scholarships.
3. Skill Development and Specialized Training
While both high school and travel teams focus on skill development, travel teams often provide access to more specialized training. The competition level is higher, and the coaching staff is typically more attuned to what college coaches are looking for in potential recruits.
Position-Specific Training: On a travel team, players often receive more focused training for their specific position. Whether you're a point guard working on court vision and ball-handling or a center refining post moves, the instruction is tailored to help you excel in your role.
Increased Exposure to Different Play Styles: Travel teams play against a wide variety of opponents, each with different play styles. This helps players develop situational awareness, adaptability, and basketball IQ—qualities that college coaches prioritize when evaluating talent.
Tip for Players: Use your time on a travel team to focus on mastering specific skills that can set you apart, such as shooting, defense, or basketball IQ. These areas of improvement can help you stand out at showcases and tournaments.
4. The High School Team Still Matters—But Travel Teams Lead the Way
High school basketball still plays an important role in a player’s journey to a certain extent. High school teams also provide a chance to play for local pride and represent your school in front of your community. Social reasons ranked a lot higher on the totem pole than for developmental or exposure reasons. Many top players have entered the trend of skipping playing for their high school and instead, focusing on training and exposure through traveling.
However, when it comes to getting recruited, travel teams dominate the landscape. The exposure, competition, and access to scouts and coaches make travel teams the best option for athletes who want to play at the college level. That said, maintaining a balance between the two can be beneficial. High school teams offer the chance to be a leader on the court, build camaraderie with teammates, and create a well-rounded basketball experience. But if your ultimate goal is college recruitment, travel basketball is where you’ll get noticed the most.
5. The Travel Team Advantage
While both high school and travel teams have their merits, travel teams offer a clear advantage in terms of exposure, competition, and recruitment opportunities. If getting noticed by college coaches and scouts is your top priority, playing on a travel team is the best way to maximize your chances. With the right combination of hard work, dedication, and exposure, travel basketball can open doors to the next level of your athletic career.
At Invictus Basketball Club Utah, we understand the importance of giving young athletes the best possible platform to showcase their talents. That’s why we emphasize participation in club teams, preparing players for competitive tournaments and providing them with the exposure they need to get recruited.