8 Simple Rules to Impress during the Live Period

Over the years, I have had the unique experience of watching the recruitment process from a pair of lenses: the first as a writer and scout who has watched different iterations of the same story play out for nearly 15 years, and the second as a parent who went through the process with a child who would go on to earn a Division 1 scholarship.

Because of this, parents and players alike will often ask me what it takes to get the attention of colleges during the NCAA Evaluation Period.

I don't pretend to have a secret formula, but I do offer some best practices that, while it won't guarantee that your player will get recruited, will go a long way to setting themselves up for success during the live period.

Here they are!

No. 1 - Go With the Flow

No, this doesn't mean that little Johnny should hoist up 30 footers like Steph Curry because he "is feeling it." In fact, this is quite the opposite. This means to do things within the flow of your team's offensive and defensive structure. Cut hard without the ball, set screens, don't over dribble, don't break off plays because you feel like it's your turn to shoot, don't overplay passing lanes because you're trying to get a run-out dunk, keep blocked shots in play so that your teams can convert them into live-ball offensive opportunities. The list goes on. Playing within the team construct allows coaches to see how you will assimilate into their systems. Going against the grain can make you stand out -- in the worst way.

No. 2 - Give a Damn about Defense

This one should be self explanatory, but it is still worth reiterating: the hardest part of a high school player's transition to the collegiate level -- regardless of level -- is defense. I watched this firsthand with my own son, who I believed was a pretty high-level defender in high school. Being a sound on-ball and off-ball defender will earn you the trust of your future coaching staff, so remember that this is an audition. They want to see if you have the tools and the IQ to play collegiate level defense. This includes strong closeouts, proper defensive angles, not getting beat off the dribble repeatedly and fighting to regain the defensive advantage when you do, and defending without fouling.

No. 3 - Be Thyself

Players often feel the pressure to be someone they aren't. Undersized centers often feel they have to "prove" they can play on the perimeter in order to get recruited. Shooting guards feel the pressure to be point guards, and the list goes on. You give yourself the best chance of getting recruited by playing to your strengths. If you're an undersized five, be an undersized five and dominate in your role. If you're a shooter, hit shots and move purposefully without the ball to put yourself in positions to showcase your shooting. If you're not a point guard, don't try to play the most complex position in the sport on the fly. Ultimately, if you're good enough and productive enough in your role, a coach will figure out how to make it work at the next level.

No. 4 - Be a Cheerleader

No, you don't need pom poms or cheers. But your body language is arguably one of the first things coaches will see when they evaluate you -- and this includes on the bench. When you're subbed out, sprint - don't sulk - off the floor, When you're on the bench, be vocal and supportive of your teammates who are on the floor. And when you're on the floor, control your body language. Don't pout when you miss or if a teammate doesn't see you're open. Those traits matter on a college basketball team, because all it takes is for one toxic player to drag down an entire roster. Don't be that guy.

No. 5 -Play on Fire, but Don't Play With Fire

Playing hard. Having a motor. Being an "energy guy." Not long ago, these things weren't considered skills, they were prerequisites for playing. But today, playing hard is definitely a skill that can get you minutes on a college roster. Every minute on the floor, you should be giving your maximum effort. When you're tired, asked to be subbed. But there should be no excuse for not giving it your all when a scholarship is on the line.

At the same time, however, controlling your emotions is also paramount. I've seen a lot of players blow scholarship opportunities by getting in verbal altercations with referees, cheap shotting opponents and getting into fights and brawls. Once you gain that reputation, it's hard to shake it.

Man, I could've used No. 6 repeated to me! My son and I

No. 6 - Tell Mom and Dad to Chill

Seriously. I learned this both as a parent and an observer. Their behavior can have a material impact on your recruitment, because no coach wants to add problematic parents to the laundry list of obstacles they face in their position as it stands. And yes, I have witnessed firsthand athletes losing opportunities based on the behavior of their parents. So, it might be a conversation you have on the ride to the gym -- or on the ride home.

No. 7 - Control What You Can Control

A lot of players - especially rising seniors - put an inordinate amount of pressure on themselves to try to earn a scholarship on every play. Granted, it's understandable - high school prospects are living in the toughest era to earn a Division 1 or D2 scholarship right out of high school. You can't worry about that. Dwelling on it only increases the pressure, which will inevitably diminish your play. The only thing you can do is control your effort and your execution and leave all other variables to the basketball gods. If you turn the ball over and miss a shot, it's not the end of the world or your recruitment. Just continue to play. Putting less pressure on yourself makes it much easier to perform at an optimal level.

No. 8 - Finally, Just Have Fun

It's such a simple rule, but it is one that will make the journey so much more enjoyable. It's something I still preach to my own child: this is, after all, a children's game. Your joy for the game will make all of the other tips come that much easier, and in turn, will make you a better teammate and player. Is this weekend a business trip? Sure. But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the ride.

I wish all of the basketball players heading into the live period the best of fortune. Play hard and have fun!