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Division III basketball (Posting Up) => Men's Basketball => Multi-Regional Topics => Topic started by: JJKCHS23 on January 20, 2008, 04:15:10 PM

Title: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on January 20, 2008, 04:15:10 PM
I'm only about 5'6 and 120 pounds.Very good speed and dribbling skills.Decent Jump shot and a great passer.
I'm Known for my passing ability and not for my shooting or scoring.I start on my high school team that is pretty good. I'm a hard worker also. I want to find a school that needs a pass first point guard but i really can't find any....Any Suggestions?  Am i good enough?
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ralph Turner on January 20, 2008, 04:20:09 PM
Quote from: JJKCHS23 on January 20, 2008, 04:15:10 PM
I'm only about 5'6 and 120 pounds.Very good speed and dribbling skills.Decent Jump shot and a great passer.
I'm Known for my passing ability and not for my shooting or scoring.I start on my high school team that is pretty good. I'm a hard worker also. I want to find a school that needs a pass first point guard but i really can't find any....Any Suggestions?  Am i good enough?
Okay, let's start with some more information...

1) GPA
2) SAT/ACT scores
3) Course of study you wish to pursue
4) Geographic preference for the location of the school
5) How much economic aid do you need?  How much academic aid/scholarships can you merit as a student-athlete?

:)

Here (http://athletics.mcm.edu/roster.asp?playerid=33&sport=3) and here (http://www.reporternews.com/news/2007/dec/24/practice-makes-perfect/) is a good 5'6" 165lb point guard at McMurry.  He is a great floor leader who is coming back from injuries this season.

Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on January 20, 2008, 04:22:16 PM
1)3.0 All Togethor and 3.4 so far this year
2)1190 all togethor on the Sat's
3)Sports Management or Business Administration
4)Mid-Atlantic-East Coast
5)There's no set preference on how much i need
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 20, 2008, 04:29:13 PM
Seems like you're in good shape to qualify academically at a range of institutions, anyway.

You may have a hard time getting recruited but there are certainly programs that would give you a chance. I can't recommend any specific programs and still remain neutral.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Cards7580 on January 20, 2008, 04:56:37 PM
NCAA Minimums.

GPA 3.0
SAT  1000  on the Math and Reading parts combined.
PPG:  9.0+    Assist Per Game:  4-5

Can you defend quick guards who are 6' 1" with inside post up skills?
Have you been a 4 year starter in High School and/or prep school?
The level of competition you played against is also a big factor in
getting a chance.  If you are 5'6" and 120 pounds and averaging 9 points
and 5 assists against large city schools in Rochester, Syracuse, NYC, Buffalo
you will have a better chance than a similar player playing against class "d"
schools in New York state who play with a 6' 1" center.

5'6" is a little small for most REALLY good Division III teams

What grade are you?  Senior ? 
You will need a video of your skills.
You should get at least three letters of recommendation from coaches. teachers and other
adults who  are familiar with your leadership, athletic and/or academic realities.

Try a scouting service which can help you promote yourself to coaches in those area's or
send out letters to those teams that look like they need a point guard.

Send me your contact information and high school and I may be able to give you a few
places to contact.

Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on January 20, 2008, 05:13:09 PM
I can guard guards in the post that are 6'1.I have to deal with that alot in high school. I am a two year starter at my high school.We play in the bayside conference in maryland. We are a small school with about 800 kids but We play Bigger high schools.We play against some real good competition and a lot of college talent. I am a senior.My coach,Pat McClary,Who has a lot of experience with coaching and his son is a head coach at Mary mount university in Virginia.He has told me i could help a d3 team out.A scouting service to me isnt worth it if i know im going division 3 because division 3 schools really can't give out scholarships(and they cost alot of money).
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: smedindy on January 20, 2008, 05:32:43 PM
You may find a better deal at a D3 school than a partial NAIA scholarship.

It never hurts to try. There are plenty of East Coast D-3 schools.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on January 20, 2008, 05:48:53 PM
If I were a college coach, I wouldn't be overly concerned about the 5'6" - Earl Boykins dominated the d1 MAC at 5'5" (though he was listed at 5'8" as a freshman - his coach later joked "you think I'm gonna risk my job recruiting a 'midget' before he proved himself").  It's the 120 lbs. I'd be concerned with - find the weight room, quick! :)

More seriously, at your size it is extremely unlikely you have a career in bball (neither do the vast majority of d3 guards 8 inches taller than you!), so pick a college for the college - the bball (whether varsity, jv, or intramurals) will take care of itself.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ralph Turner on January 20, 2008, 06:03:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on January 20, 2008, 05:48:53 PM
If I were a college coach, I wouldn't be overly concerned about the 5'6" - Earl Boykins dominated the d1 MAC at 5'5" (though he was listed at 5'8" as a freshman - his coach later joked "you think I'm gonna risk my job recruiting a 'midget' before he proved himself").  It's the 120 lbs. I'd be concerned with - find the weight room, quick! :)

More seriously, at your size it is extremely unlikely you have a career in bball (neither do the vast majority of d3 guards 8 inches taller than you!), so pick a college for the college - the bball (whether varsity, jv, or intramurals) will take care of itself.
Mr Ypsi is right.  The quality of talent across D3 is good, but so homogenous.  Most players getting playing time at one school will get playing time at 90% of the D3 teams.  Marymount is a great place to consider.

Go to a school that you like.  The hoops will take care of itself.   :)
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on January 20, 2008, 06:21:44 PM
Thanks to everyone and there comments.....

P.S. if you know any d3 teams that are looking for a Point guard.....tell me lol or email me at

JJKCHS23@yahoo.com
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: LogShow on January 20, 2008, 07:19:34 PM
Coaches in D3 are always looking for guys that can play.  I would start by calling the college coaches and trying to set up a meeting with them.  Also game films could be helpful, I might avoid highlight tapes for obvious reasons.  If you want to play, there is a place out there for you.  I think most coaches will atleast let you tryout.  It won't be easy and you will have to earn your way but there are lots of possibilities out there.

GOOD LUCK!
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on January 20, 2008, 10:16:49 PM

Pick a school you like.  D3 has a variety of talent levels; you could probably catch on somewhere, but it's no use going to a school for basketball.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 20, 2008, 11:01:35 PM
Being you are in Maryland... you have a LOT of options within three or four hours of where you are. LOTS of teams in that area also need point guards (Goucher comes to mind, but I am bias).

But more importantly, look for schools that actually fit into what you want in life, academics, career, etc. That is what makes D3 special, you can play where you fit in best.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on January 21, 2008, 12:02:11 AM
Goucher is really hard to get into though.I applied to albright,washington college,delaware valley,and D youville....Are any of them schools real hard to get onto?
Title: Albright College,Delaware Valley,Washington College,D Youville,Salisbury
Post by: JJKCHS23 on January 21, 2008, 12:22:11 AM
Wher do you think i have a better chance of playing at?...Im a 5'6 Point guard with great court vision,A decent jumpshot and a hardworker.I also have good dribbling skills.
Title: Re: Albright College,Delaware Valley,Washington College,D Youville,Salisbury
Post by: sludge on February 01, 2008, 09:24:31 PM
Quote from: JJKCHS23 on January 21, 2008, 12:22:11 AM
Wher do you think i have a better chance of playing at?...Im a 5'6 Point guard with great court vision,A decent jumpshot and a hardworker.I also have good dribbling skills.

Do you enjoy lifting weights?  Can you drive the lane?  Are you good shooting free throws?

Lynchburg College has interesting academic scholarship opportunities and might be looking.  Guilford is graduating a point guard this year.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on February 02, 2008, 04:19:35 PM
Yes i really enjoy lifting weights actually...I shoot about 80 percent from the line and im good at driving to the basketball...and dishing it out especially...do u have connections at lynchburg?
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: broke_ya_ankles on February 02, 2008, 08:19:51 PM
you're getting some great advice here, i highly encourage you to really pick a school where you will feel comfortable, not playing college basketball isnt the end of the world and its a lot of hard work, 6am captains practices before the season begins, 8am classes, trying to manage a social life, its really overwhelming for a lot of freshmen and often times putting in the time for bball isnt as rewarding for people who were their high schools star and then come to college and ride the pine. 

but if basketball really is your #1 priority than I recommend you do this if you arent being recruited the way you would like:
1) make a highlight/video tape
2) do your own research for schools within the areas you're interested in, find out who might have an opening for a 3rd string point guard- avoid the top 25 schools as most of them likely recruit for all 15 roster spots meaning you'd have a tough task ahead of you as others already have a leg up
3) once you find schools you are interested in, visit, and while you're there set up a time to meet with the coach, find out more about the program, playing style, and what kind of opportunity you might have in terms of making the team since you werent recruited. 
4) dont get discouraged, college basketball and high school basketball are two completely different games, if you are able to find a school that works for you and you choose to go there and for whatever reason and don't make the team, dont give up, keep working, become a gym rat, be seen at every pick up game, coaches notice these things more than you might think, coaches are always looking for practice players are willing to treat every practice like a game and push the starters when theyre slacking.

being 5'6 you have a lot stacked against you already, but the 120 lbs thing is really an issue, you need to get on a hardcore weight lifting routine and adjust your diet properly to allow yourself to gain needed weight, do it the healthy way though.  and as a player you know what your strengths and weaknesses are, you know you cant improve your physical disadvantage so to make up for it enhance your strengths even more, become even faster, a better dribbler, better passer, those sort of things.

best of luck to you and just remember you go to college for an education, athletics is just a perk
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: JJKCHS23 on February 02, 2008, 10:40:53 PM
thanks for the much needed advice....to every1
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: with age comes? on February 28, 2008, 04:30:48 AM
This post may be too late to offer any useful advice, but I can say DO NOT BE afraid to contact any d-3 school you are interested in at least by e-mail or questionaire.  Most coaches like a full game tape rather than a highlight film. Many coaches have recruiting goals and may help you get in even if you don't make the team so don't hesitate.  On a personal note I have the highest repsect for Brian Miller, Head Coach at D'Youngville in Buffalo.  He is a honest man who will rebuild a struggling program in the years to come.  (he left to be a d-1 asst for a couple of years and has sinced returned).  He has always had a Maryland area connection.  He has 2 guys on his roster from Warrenton Va and a third from DC.  They also have a sports & fitness program that might fit you academic needs. One guy on his roster is listed at 5'8" 165 lbs but i don't believe that is exact so I think he would give you a fair shot. Best of luck in your search.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: pabegg on February 28, 2008, 08:55:50 AM
OK, the mention of short, slight point guards reminds me of one of my favorite basketball stories, about how sometimes heart is the most important part of a basketball player.

There was a kid two years behind me in high school who fit the description above completely. To add to his lack of size, he had no outstanding talent on the court. He just loved the game, worked very hard, and was a smart basketball player. He was a mixed blessing for the coaches, as they knew he knew what to do on the court, there was just no guarantee that he could do it.

If I recall, he didn't make varsity his junior year (after I graduated) and so played only one year of varsity ball. Fortunately, he was smart enough to realize that his basketball career wasn't going anywhere, and he used his grades and intelligence to get into Georgetown. In the fall of 1984.

Now that was Patrick Ewing's senior year, and that was a monster team that went 35-3 and lost to Villanova in the NCAA final. But they had one problem. Thompson had always relied on JUCO transfers to fill out his roster along with the big recruits. Something went wrong that year, probably on the eligibility front, and Thompson started practice in the fall with only 8 players. Now you can play D1 games with only 8 players, but you can't practice with that, especially some of the high-pressure defenses that Thompson ran.

So what did Thompson do? Open tryouts, of course. You see where this is going. After running the potential practice players through all the drills he could find, the skinny, short point guard was still there. So he made the team. He spent the whole year on the bench, although I think Thompson may have given his practice players some actual game time (at 35-3, Georgetown had a lot of garbage time). And he went to the Final Four.

In the off-season, Thompson brought his roster up to normal, and that was it for the bench warmers of 1985. But what a story.


Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: TigerOldSchool on March 03, 2008, 10:41:19 PM
The 120 might be an issue...  I played D3 over 20 years ago and I came in at 5'10/140 shooting guard.  At 140, I was skiiiiiny and since there was no 3-pt line then, it was tough to battle even the upperclassmen  point guards.  I played JV my freshman year and in my soph year I got into 4 games (and two were against a 0 win team) and was at about 150lbs.  Some of the guards on my team wente 6'2 and 210, so you get the idea.  Try to gain some weight, get on a JV team your first year then show the coaches what you can do to move up in your soph. 
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: wizbegs1304 on March 03, 2008, 11:17:15 PM
I would say as long as you have some talent, played a good four years in high school, have potential and heart, you got a spot
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Knightstalker on March 03, 2008, 11:59:36 PM
A few years ago Ramapo had a point guard named Tennyson Whitted who was about your size.  He is one of the best true point guards I have seen in the NJAC at any time.  He could break ankles and was a great defender and passer.  He was wiry, quick and tough and nobody ever really got a chance to put their bodies on him.  One year in the NCAA tournament he entered with a bad ankle and that is the only time I remember teams really being able to get to him.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 04, 2008, 12:56:44 AM
Quote from: Knightstalker on March 03, 2008, 11:59:36 PM
A few years ago Ramapo had a point guard named Tennyson Whitted who was about your size.  He is one of the best true point guards I have seen in the NJAC at any time.  He could break ankles and was a great defender and passer.  He was wiry, quick and tough and nobody ever really got a chance to put their bodies on him.  One year in the NCAA tournament he entered with a bad ankle and that is the only time I remember teams really being able to get to him.
Tennyson Whitted is the D3 all-time career leader in steals.

(Former McMurry player Daniel Martinez (1996-2000) is third on the all-time list with 380, because his 93 steals in 22 games in his freshman year, while McMurry was still in provisional status, do not count towards the NCAA.  >:( )
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: with age comes? on March 04, 2008, 01:05:34 AM
I love it when Knightstalker posts, his comments are always dead spot on and I LOVE  seeing Phoebe!!
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Knightstalker on March 04, 2008, 10:27:14 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on March 04, 2008, 12:56:44 AM
Quote from: Knightstalker on March 03, 2008, 11:59:36 PM
A few years ago Ramapo had a point guard named Tennyson Whitted who was about your size.  He is one of the best true point guards I have seen in the NJAC at any time.  He could break ankles and was a great defender and passer.  He was wiry, quick and tough and nobody ever really got a chance to put their bodies on him.  One year in the NCAA tournament he entered with a bad ankle and that is the only time I remember teams really being able to get to him.
Tennyson Whitted is the D3 all-time career leader in steals.

(Former McMurry player Daniel Martinez (1996-2000) is third on the all-time list with 380, because his 93 steals in 22 games in his freshman year, while McMurry was still in provisional status, do not count towards the NCAA.  >:( )

Whitted came into the NJAC playing great defense.  I have yet to see a player that was coached in HS by Bobby Hurley that could not play good D.  At St. Anthony's if you can't play D you don't play much.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: ILive4This on March 04, 2008, 11:12:52 AM
I mean you are talking about the number 2 high school bball team in the country, and well perhaps the greatest high school coach ever.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: YeAhItSmE303 on March 12, 2008, 11:05:57 PM
Really just go for it, if you love the game, playing time wont be a huge factor, and i dont see you getting a lot of that at 5'6 120. I love that u have a passion for the game and do want you to make it and hopefully get some playing time. I'm hopeful the guys on the team will be your kind of people and the worse case scenario is you make some friend's, have fun and play a little basketball(im sure you'll make a team). Best of luck.

Go LU-Heck Of a season
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: luke12 on December 03, 2008, 03:55:01 AM
Hi Guys,
Im a 6 ft 7 forward from new zealand. Was wondering if there are any ways to be noticed/scouted/recruited all the way out here?
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 03, 2008, 10:01:38 PM
Quote from: luke12 on December 03, 2008, 03:55:01 AM
Hi Guys,
Im a 6 ft 7 forward from new zealand. Was wondering if there are any ways to be noticed/scouted/recruited all the way out here?

Put a DVD together of some of your play, send it to schools you might like to attend.  There's no scholarships in d3, so you need to pick the school because it's a good school.  Coaches will look at it.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Hugenerd on December 03, 2008, 10:37:00 PM
Quote from: luke12 on December 03, 2008, 03:55:01 AM
Hi Guys,
Im a 6 ft 7 forward from new zealand. Was wondering if there are any ways to be noticed/scouted/recruited all the way out here?

Also, most division 3 basketball teams have recruitment forms on their websites.  You just fill in your information and it gets emailed to the coach. This may be a good method of first contact before sending out DVDs to every team you may be interested in.

Hoops Fan makes a good point about scholarships, d3 gives no athletics scholarships but they do award academic and need based financial aid (I dont know about eligibility for international students).
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: luke12 on December 03, 2008, 10:39:39 PM
Ok thanks ill work on it. Was also wondering what the level of play is like in div3 basketball compared to the likes of NCAA div I or the Australian National Basketball League. Is the standard high or what?
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ralph Turner on December 04, 2008, 09:12:40 AM
Quote from: luke12 on December 03, 2008, 10:39:39 PM
Ok thanks ill work on it. Was also wondering what the level of play is like in div3 basketball compared to the likes of NCAA div I or the Australian National Basketball League. Is the standard high or what?
Good morning, Luke12!

Former McMurry University (Abilene, TX) Center Brian Tudman (http://www.goldencity.com.au/giants/team/tudmanb.php) played four years with the Giants.

McMurry's first  D3hoops.com Team of the Week recipient (http://www.d3hoops.com/tow/98/tow22498.htm), Brian Tudman was an All-American Southwest Conference (ASC) Center for McMurry Coach Ron Holmes (http://athletics.mcm.edu/bio.asp?staffid=14), and demonstrated a calibre of play that earned national attention.  That calibre of play is such that about 20-30 D3 players are playing pro basketball somewhere in the world every season.  (I have found no official tally, however.)

Coach Holmes does recruit internationally, and he takes American teams to Europe each summer.   He would appreciate a DVD.   :)
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: sludge on December 04, 2008, 09:30:55 PM
Coaches want to see a game DVD or tape; they are not so much interested in a highlight DVD or tape.   This makes great sense.  The coach wants to see offense and defense, the fresh player and the not-so-fresh  player.

Good luck, and you might want to consider Guilford College in Greensboro, NC.  Good school and team.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: with age came? on December 06, 2008, 02:18:50 AM
Luke12- Choose a school that has a course offerings in fields that interest you. If you are interested in playing bball at the d-3 level you will almost never "make basketball your career".  That being said it is truly a rewarding and enriching experience to play for the love of the game like d-3 hoopers do.  The e-mails & complete game videos are a must.  Rest assured that you do have 1 important thing going for you - 6'7" (you can't teach height).  I would suggest you post your academic interests also. ie: Engineering, Liberal Arts, Physical Education etc. then people might match schools to your interests. Good luck!
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 06, 2008, 09:13:19 PM

I don't have a lot of familiarity with Australian basketball, however a retired Athletic Director I know does.  He's told me that the best D-3 and NAIA schools in the US are on a level with the top tier club teams in Australia (only the very best players could ever expect to make a living wage playing basketball).
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: luke12 on December 06, 2008, 11:46:20 PM
Thanks guys, am in the process of trying to find some footage.
Another quick question...How does the standard of play in D3 basketball compare to that of Div2 and Div1? Is there also a big division between the best and worst teams in the divisions? (UNC trounced UNC-asheville 116-48 indicates there is).
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Hugenerd on December 07, 2008, 12:03:55 AM
There is always going to be a big difference between the best and worst teams in a division.  Comparing a UNC blowout versus anyone doesnt say too much because UNC is the unanimous #1 in D1. 

With that said (you can look at the D3 vs. D1/D2/etc. board for more info), but the top D3 teams can usually compete with middle-of-the-pack D1 and D2 teams, although it is not too common that D3 teams beat D1 teams (this usually only happens a few times a year).  Even when D3 teams beat D1 teams, it usually isnt against well known schools.  There are a few exceptions, for example Carnegie Mellon beat Princeton a couple of years ago, I am sure some other posters can give you other examples as well.

With hundreds of teams in the D3, there are clearly going to be some teams that are much worse than others (just like in any division), but by doing a little bit of research you can definitely find what schools are right for you, and play competitive basketball schedules as well.

If you want to go to a top tier university and travel to large cities all over the US, a UAA team might be good for you, which includes current #1 ranked WashU, #19 Carnegie Mellon, Chicago, NYU, Brandeis, Emory, Rochester, and Case Western.  If you want to be in the Northeast, there are a bunch of good schools in the NESCAC (Amherst, Williams, Tufts, etc.) and NEWMAC (MIT, WPI, etc.).  There is always a very high level of play in the CCIW (Illinois and Wisconsin) and WIAC (Wisconsin) and there are many other conferences across the country that have several very competitive programs (I have just listed some school and conferences that I am more familiar with and came to mind while writing this post).

Good luck researching and finding a good fit for yourself. 
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on December 08, 2008, 06:54:22 PM

You may also want to check out the Massey ratings (once there is enough data to get them going).  Massey has a page where all teams across divisions are ranked against each other (some 1200 schools).  While not perfect, it does give a moderately accurate picture of how the divisions compare to one another.

The top DIII and DII teams are usually in the right place, even if the top team isn't the one we all think it should be.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: luke12 on March 20, 2009, 12:57:34 AM
how good is division 3? better than the new zealand breakers? the 0800 EASY LPG hawks?
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 20, 2009, 07:37:13 AM
Good morning, Luke.

We had a McMurry University grad from 1999 named Brian Tudman (6'8" 204cm F/C)  who was a Josten's Finalist...

http://odac.bridgewater.edu/jostens/99final.htm

and then played for the Goldfields Giants in Australia,

http://www.goldencity.com.au/giants/team/tudmanb.php

Tudman's 1998-99 McMurry team went 22-3, beat Division I Texas-Arlington, but lost on a 45-foot buzzer beater in the American Southwest Conference semi-finals and did not get selected as a Pool B bid to the NCAA tournament.

Extrapolating that quality of play, the best American players on the best D-III teams can go on to play professional ball in Australia.  How does that compare with NZ ball?
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: David Collinge on March 20, 2009, 10:47:57 AM
Quote from: luke12 on March 20, 2009, 12:57:34 AM
how good is division 3? better than the new zealand breakers? the 0800 EASY LPG hawks?
Why not tune into the video webcasts of the semifinals and finals and see for yourself?  The first semifinal begins in a little more than six hours, which I believe is noon Saturday your time.  You can access the telecasts from the front page of D3Hoops.com (http://www.d3hoops.com/);  over on the right side of the page, look for "today's games" and click on the little 'V' next to the current game.
Title: Re: How good do you have to be to play d3 Basketball?
Post by: luke12 on March 21, 2009, 06:45:12 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on March 20, 2009, 07:37:13 AM
Good morning, Luke.

We had a McMurry University grad from 1999 named Brian Tudman (6'8" 204cm F/C)  who was a Josten's Finalist...

http://odac.bridgewater.edu/jostens/99final.htm

and then played for the Goldfields Giants in Australia,

http://www.goldencity.com.au/giants/team/tudmanb.php

Tudman's 1998-99 McMurry team went 22-3, beat Division I Texas-Arlington, but lost on a 45-foot buzzer beater in the American Southwest Conference semi-finals and did not get selected as a Pool B bid to the NCAA tournament.

Extrapolating that quality of play, the best American players on the best D-III teams can go on to play professional ball in Australia.  How does that compare with NZ ball?

The goldfield giants do not play in the top tier of the australian basketball competition.

this is the top level. www.nbl.com.au

The new zealand national basketball league features several american college players, including:

charles "chuck" bailey, who plays for the 0800 EASY LPG hawks.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=5063

and antoine tisby, who plays for the otago nuggets.
gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/tisby_antoine00.html

both these players seem to be above the div3 level of competition?