What is the difference between the JUCO's? Is one better than another? Is the baseball the same? I'm very curious as son has had an offer at a JUCO Div. III. He liked the campus and the coaches, so he feels very encouraged. I'd like him to try out for a few other Div. I JUCO's before he makes his decision, but like a friend said, "There's a lot of pretty girls at the dance, but this girl wants you."
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What was the offer? Like the NCAA DIII, I don't think a JUCO DIII can offer "athletic" scholarships, but they may have financial aid available. My son just finished his first year at a DII JUCO. The quality of play is not much different among JUCO's. He saw good pitching no matter the level - I think they played a few D1's. His team finished the season in 4th place and was the 5th seed for the tournament - unfortunately after they won in the 1st round, they dropped the next two and were heading home.
One difference at the JUCO level is the number of games is significantly more than the big NCAA schools. Last year my son's JUCO team played 17 games in the fall - one against a D1 4 yr school and the spring schedule was 56 games not including the regional tournament.
D1 Juco-Can have 24 full scholarships (Tutition/Books/Room/Board) though many schools aren't fully funded.
D2 Juco-Can have 24 scholarships limited to Tuition/Books. Again many schools aren't at the 24 number.
D3-No athletic aid.
I do know of some conferences that have rules limiting the schoalrships to Tuition/Books (Jayhawk Juco Confewrence comes to mind.).
The level of play varies. There are many D2s that can hang with the D1s day in day out. I think alot of the D1 guys are NCAA D1 talent that may be looking to get drafted.
Locally there are4 Juco's in our metroplex Div 2 & 3. 60% of the div 3 kids tend to be more local as they do not offer housing, Div 2 program want there kids to be in apartment complex regardless of where they live locally. There roster tends to be half/half with locals and out of towners. A lot would depend on funding and no situation is the same. Local boy just got back from Iowa Western where he was told he was being cut. Div 1 program, books/tuition and he paid for his housing.
My son just finished at a JUCO D1, I found the level of play to be very good. Better than D2 or D3 in JUCO or NCAA. Freshman year he was at a D2 NCAA school. Much better baseball this season and alot more games. I found that most players could play at D1 NCAA schools but lack grades, As far as the funding was concerned if they really wanted a player they found a way.
Most of the second year guys improved theirs and got to were they wanted, and are going to be plugged right in next year. Which could lead to another topic. Recruited freshman at NCAA schools aren't told about recruited JUCO guys who are coming in with two years college experience and are older, bigger, and stronger.
