Junior College help needed

FindAWay.... welcome to HSBBW!

There are so many JUCOs that do a good job, I'm sure you'll receive lots of suggestions. You are on the right path though with your questions.

Tennessee has I believe 11 JUCOs with most of them fitting the description you've given. We have lots of TN posters and some have had kids play in schools there, so if you end up with a particular place you're interest in, you might want to post about that school.

My college son was going to originally go to Hiwassee in TN, which is a WONDERFUL school with a young coach that doesn't have a lot of experience, but is prooving himself and is a wonderful person. The school was having some credentialing problems due to income reserves, nothing academic. I don't know where that stands, but it might be worth checking out. I think once they can clear up that issue, the program stands a chance of growing in a wonderful direction. The best people we met in the college process were at that school.

We also met and visited NW Shoals which is in Alabama. Another school that isn't talked about alot, but a genuine and energetic young coach. He's on top of their academics and participates hands on in that department. Let me know if you might be interested in that school as we have a poster with a son there that could give you inside info, I'm sure.

Louisburg in NC is always a top ranked JUCO, but it carries a very large roster with a JV. The assistant coach there is a guy who's one of the most awesome coaches around in my and my son's eyes. I think it would be a great baseball experience, if your son would play.... lots of DNF guys as you've already mentioned.

I see you're in Florida and of course Florida has some great JUCOs, but again many DNFs. I learned from my son's one year at a JUCO that the important things to look at are not only where kids go on to play, but look and see if those kids are contributing where they play. Just because a JUCO is good at placing kids at a large DI doesn't mean that kid is valued there. Also look at the size of the roster. If a JUCO is carrying 35-45 kids, remember that's a two year school and a larger roster than a four year school would have. No way many of them will be playing. Many JUCOs have arrangements with DIs and particular scouts that "their" kids will play if they're sent to that JUCO. Something to discuss with the coach up front and obviously something to do your homework in regards to.

Good luck to your son and again, welcome to the site.

I had forgotten about the rule change that one of our dads just shared about with the end of DNFs. Now the post is gone though and I think I'm loosing my mind! I wonder if that will truly change things for the JUCO player? That scout will probably still want to continue to follow that player even though he doesn't "own" him that year. Might make things even more important to "suggest" that player go where the scout or 4 yr coach has a relationship. Even if those kids are technically DNF, they're still likely to be redrafted and considered important to the individual JUCOs.

Thanks lafmom.

The Louisburg coach is the one JUCO that actually has seen him closely (that I know of) and liked him but said he wouldn't get on the field there because his corner guys were drafted kids who were entrenched in the lineup.

I need places that ultimatley move kids along to reasonable D1's and high D2's. Anyone out there able to throw some more names at me?

My son just signed a labette community college-they have a great record of sending players on! You may check them out!

FindAWay - I think you'll find that most JUCOs move players on and most will put the names of their players on their website and where they've signed. It's important to look beyond that though... are they contributing where they've moved on to. Probably the number of kids they move on is important as well. From what I've observed, players rarely loose interest from the four year schools when they go to JUCO unless they're injured and just can't play at the same level.

The assistant at Louisburg was headcoach at Hiwassee in TN I mentioned. Super fella!

If I may make a suggestion, I'd narrow down the things that are important in a fit for your son... location, possible scholarship amounts needed, academics/degree, etc. and then search JUCOs that meet his individual needs. Many areas are heavy with JUCOs and others not.

What are the exact differences between D1, D2 and D3 Juco's?

In general, I'd suggest you look at Florida (Miami area or Panhandle Confernece), TX AZ or SoCal JuCo's, both for quality of competition and year-round play. But that doesn't really narrow it down for you.

I would recommend taking it backward. Look at the four year schools he would like to attend and check out the roster for JC transfers. Then you'll know exactly which JuCo's have a relationship with those coaches and which have been successful in the credit transfer he'll need to maintain eligibility.

Choos your 4-years to research based on all the usual academic, financial and geographic criterea.

quote:

Originally posted by Find A Way:
What are the exact differences between D1, D2 and D3 Juco's?

The major difference is in scholarship opportunities. DI JUCO's (if they are administered by the NJCAA which most are) are allowed to fund up to 24 "full" scholarships. Now, within each region there may be some variations of what that "full" includes. Some are allowed to include housing and some don't. However, for the most part, DIs offer more money.... it's possible to go to some of them with only his daily living expenses as out of pocket... one of the things that makes JUCO attractive IMO. Many things to consider though.

Orlando, as always, gives intelligent advice.

Hey Find a Way. Orlando didn't mention some excellent central florida schools that have both draft and follows and D-1 players coming thru. Seminole C.C., CFCC, Daytona Beach C.C., St Pete J.C. all have good track records, play lots of games, have good coaching staffs, good facilities. You'll have to check about housing as some do, some don't. Good luck, weather has been around 80 and sunny.

Do not underestimate the quality of JUCO ball in Tennessee. Your National Champion, Walters State, came from this conference in 2006. There are many other schools in the eastern part of the state that you should look at which is not far from your eastern states request. Coach Dennis at Chattanooga is exceptional at moving guys to the next level. The biggest problem with these schools, except for Hiwassee, is they do not have on campus housing. Each school does have some type of living arrangements. I concur with lafmon, NW Shoals has quality coaching and living arrangements on campus, and a track record for moving kids to the appropriate level of there talents. Coach Langston works very hard for his guys.

Thanks everyone......getting to a top flight JUCO is great but getting to one he can play for is what matters. The stud programs worry me a bit (even though I know he's capable)......because opting for a two year school and NOT playing would be awful.

The one he's most interested in is Manatee..... we'll see. I look forward to the homework on this.