OT: What exactly are Prep Schools and their purpose, in regards to athletes?

[Buzzooka Joe]

I don’t think I’ve ever really understood what Prep Schools are.. what exactly are they for, in regards to future NCAA athletes.. why should some players go to Prep School but not others?

 

[Mac9192]

It gives the kid a chance to live kind of like they will at college. Hopefully learning how to be independent as well.
They get more exposure as well.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

Prep schools are growing rapidly. Mostly all of the 5 star kids these days aren't playing for their hometown school, they are all playing Prep (not Zion though....hence why he was always dunking on short white kids.)

The biggest thing prep schools offer is exposure. IMG for example, plays a National schedule, they travel all around the country and some of their games are on ESPN.
They also offer more of a focus on your specific sport. Less study time and more basketball time. The schools aren't gonna say that's how it is.....but that's how it is.
And they also get kids used to the college lifestyle: dorms, roommates, study halls, travelling etc.

A 5 star kid is gonna get noticed no matter where he plays. I think the biggest prep school benefit is if you are a 3 star kid not ranked in the top 150. Play for your local HS, and you won't be seen nearly as much as if you play for a Prep School. It could be the difference between getting a Power Conference offer or only getting looks from small schools.

 

[Buzzooka Joe]

Prep schools are growing rapidly. Mostly all of the 5 star kids these days aren't playing for their hometown school, they are all playing Prep (not Zion though....hence why he was always dunking on short white kids.)

The biggest thing prep schools offer is exposure. IMG for example, plays a National schedule, they travel all around the country and some of their games are on ESPN.
They also offer more of a focus on your specific sport. Less study time and more basketball time. The schools aren't gonna say that's how it is.....but that's how it is.
And they also get kids used to the college lifestyle: dorms, roommates, study halls, travelling etc.

A 5 star kid is gonna get noticed no matter where he plays. I think the biggest prep school benefit is if you are a 3 star kid not ranked in the top 150. Play for your local HS, and you won't be seen nearly as much as if you play for a Prep School. It could be the difference between getting a Power Conference offer or only getting looks from small schools.

Do some students use it as a 5th year of high school? Maybe to bring grades up or something?

 

[nets on nets on nets]

Do some students use it as a 5th year of high school? Maybe to bring grades up or something?

Yes. Seems to also be used to avoid an academic eligibility issue.
What is also very common is to use Prep School if you try to transfer High Schools and the High School Athletic Association doesn't accept the waiver and you have to sit out a year. Rather than sitting out, you go to Prep School and don't skip a beat.

 

[christophero]

I remember Rod Strickland going to Oak Hill. He was from the Bronx, had a great junior year, and they wanted to keep him out of trouble.