Well, the answer is probably somewhat different with each team but here's Merritt Coach Keenan McMiller describing a typical visit exploring the viability of becoming a Thunderbird.
It's all classes and grades.
"We first talk about academics," McMiller explained, "breaking down the requirements to graduate from here and actually writing them down."
Continuing on, he said, "We usually look at six semesters of time, counting two summer sessions as semesters. It's four to five academic classes per the fall and spring semesters, plus two elective courses. In summer, it's one academic course and one basketball course. We make it a plan they can see and stress doing well so as not to fall behind.
The scenario turns out to be more units than are actually needed but McMiller calls it an backup or emergency plan in case every course doesn't turn out as expected or wished.
There are two ways to go the D-I route: either by finishing state academic requirements or earning an A.A.
But if a student-athlete in unable to complete all the state requirements, he has to go D-I out of state, but must-haves are an A.A. and a declared major.
A total of 48 academic transfer units are required to travel the D-II or D-III routes.
At Merritt, McMiller offered, "we have study hall three times a week for two hours plus our learning lab is near the gym. A day usually consists of workouts, classes, study hall and then practice." Other community college may do it differently depending on a multitude of factors including gym availability.
On the court, he also stressed that a prospective student-athlete look at the various systems a coach employs to determine if the style of play is transferable to the next level.
What's fascinating in all this is hitting the books is job one because there will be no move up without the necessary grades and credits.
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