It certainly is a different world that we live in today compared to years ago when it comes to getting information about players and their games. Social media has undoubtedly changed the landscape and provided a platform for players to earn more eyes their way. Whether it is on social media platforms, highlights tapes, or livestreams, the opportunity to find new talent for college programs around the world is much easier.
Social media platforms can be a benefit for players in a variety of ways. It can help players earn more recognition, it can help prospects showcase their talents in a much easier fashion to coaches, and it can provide opportunities for players to earn money through NIL as well as even network… but it is also a tool that should be understood and taken seriously as well.
Social media is a huge part of the Phenom Hoops platform, as it allows us to provide more information on teams and players, highlighting them in a bigger spotlight, and sharing more information for college programs and others to learn about the talent around the region. Using this platform though and seeing a lot over the years, we want to offer one tip to young players around the world of basketball.
Social Platforms Can Bring Opportunities, Treat it as That
I always tell players “Treat your Platforms like a Business.” Your social media platforms as a prospect are a tremendous opportunity for you to showcase your talents, and all you need is one opportunity and one set of eyes that could change your future. So many players I see are asking for that one chance and though college coaches don’t offer based on social media videos or graphics, it can certainly spark interest. Posting true game film or highlights that showcase your game can create more buzz around you, posting game stats can grab more attention, and treating your platform more as a business opportunity to showcase your talent can be incredibly beneficial.
There is no way around it; there are posts or shares that can deter programs. Also, one doesn’t need to tag the school’s main accounts as they will most likely not see them. But using your platform as a business opportunity, posting beneficial content that others can share and showcase your game, and posting what you would want college coaches to see… can all be a helpful resource. Again, you never know who is watching or looking, you never know what a college coach from a program may come across, and you never know what platform could share your content such as Phenom Hoops sharing your highlight film.
Social media is an opportunity, but it shouldn’t be about getting the most likes, it should be more about showing off your true talent. But players should be more focused on getting better, enjoying the experience of the game and team, and simply playing the game one loves; everything else may follow. So, as I said before, use your social media platforms to your advantage; don’t hurt yourself but help yourself and treat it like your very own business.