D2 v Juco

One thing that would be on my mind is how does the D2 fill its starting roster. Does the school get a lot of transfers from D1 and JUCOs? Many competitive D2s get a significant number of their players in this manner.

My son played two years JUCO then transferred to a top D2 (currently ranked #1 preseason). He played over recruits that had already been in the D2 program for 2 or 3 years.

Go where you know you will start if academics are not your primary concern.

floridafan, I know the D2 option worked out well for your son and perhaps would have worked out for Bum, Jr. as well who instead went D1.  It's a personal choice and each has its own risk.  My only point is that Bum, Jr. had some tremendous opportunities to develop in the summer (despite his lack of starts at his D1 the first two years) because a lot of the top summer leagues take only D1 guys.  I believe he learned more in the summer than at college because in the summer he threw a ton of innings against wood which translates well to pros for a pitcher.  Something to think about for pitcher-only types.

Good point, Top D1's do have the fast track! I had to really scramble to get my guy a Summer Ball spot, but did manage to get him placed in the CPL, even though he was a Freshman JUCO player. So it can be done.

I understand your point however.

In the Northwoods League when Bum, Jr. was playing, most of the Juco, D2 and D3 players were offered 10 day contracts only.  I've heard there have been rule changes to disallow or limit Juco players altogether due to the NCAA rule changes.  Just something to think about because there were tons of pro scouts around the Northwoods so just wondering if it limits the exposure Juco players used to get.

There is absolutely no doubt that being a D2 or JUCO player will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to the Collegiate Summer Leagues. My son was lucky that he got a spot, and ended up playing for the same team 3 years as a starter.

The Swampdogs in the CPL had a Shortstop get injured and did not recover in time for the season to begin. I had reached out to every team on the east coast myself and they were the only team that offered, and they only did because they were in a bind. So you are absolutely correct about Collegiate Summer Ball, and what an important time it can be for a player.

Hokieone should have more information, but yes you are right, if a team has a coach or assistant coach from an NCAA team that team is not allowed to have JUCO players. I believe the NCAA believes it gives that school an advantage for recruiting players. DUMB, DUMB rule. 

zinger, floridafan and Bum make great points.  My child plays at a good D-II and, to be honest, they have a zillion players on the roster.  You have to do your homework on the history of the program, recruits, etc. and then get a good read personally on what you think their true evaluation of your son is.  Remember, recruiting and reality are often two different things.  I've coached a lot of kids that have gone pro.  To be honest, they have done so at all of these levels.  The trick really is, what is available for the summer. 

When 2013 and 2014 were being recruited by D2 schools we felt the rosters were way inflated, a few schools had 53-54 players.  Now a few of these schools were very good teams, highly respected.   The tuition was usually very high, but one in particular offered a lot of aid do to grades which really made it affordable. 

After 2013 is finished with JUCO , D2 might be an option again. 

I have good story about the coaching rule:

Junior was at D2 in New York freshman year, got to pitch in the NECBL that summer.  Pitching coach of summer team was a JUCO D1 coach,  recruited son for his school, Junior left for mid west end of summer.  played second NECBL same team, same coaches, the head coach is coach at D1 NAIA school, recruited son,  an announced before christmas break Junior will be openning day starter Oklahoma.