2A, 3A, 4A brackets are set AND how the recruiting process actually went for us

New NCAA age rules drop, spring and summer hoops info still sucks, Drake Allen is a pro, 2027 rankings updated!

Utah HS Hoops Podcast: New NCAA Rules, Summer Hoops, & Updated Rankings Host: Adam Peek, notes created by Gemini In this episode, host Adam Peek dives deep into the major shifts rocking the college basketball landscape and what they mean for local players. From a brand-new NCAA eligibility rule to a massive reality check on AAU stats and social media mixtapes, Adam cuts through the noise to give parents and players actionable recruiting advice. Plus, a big celebratory shoutout to a local legend making his mark in the pros! Episode Chapters & Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome back! Dealing with the frustration of the summer hoops data blackout. * 01:00 – Section 7 Success: Congrats to Herriman on an incredible summer run. * 02:05 – The Truth About Summer Stats: Why self-reported social media stats can’t always be trusted. * 03:40 – The Exception to the Rule: How EYBL and UAA stats actually work. * 06:05 – The New NCAA 5-Year Rule: Breaking down the official legislation voted on this week (June 23). * 08:05 – Local Inspiration: The incredible story of Drake Allen signing with the Detroit Pistons. * 09:20 – The Changing Face of Recruitment: Why coaches are looking for adult bodies and veteran experience over high school raw potential. * 10:04 – The 14-Year-Old Rule: Why you need to forget everything that happens before high school. * 11:15 – How to Talk to College Coaches: Professional communication vs. “Teenager Talk.” * 13:00 – Updated 2027 Rankings: A look at the expanded player list over at PrepBasketball.net. Key Takeaways & Market Insights The New NCAA 5-Year Eligibility Rule The NCAA officially voted on June 23, 2026, to establish a definitive five-year eligibility window based on a player’s age. * The Rule: The five-year clock starts the academic year after a student-athlete turns 19 (if their birthday is before September 1st). * The Exemptions: The rule explicitly allows extensions for military service, maternity leave, and religious missions. * The Utah Impact: For return missionaries who may now enter college at 21, this ensures they can play up until they are 26 years old. However, Adam warns that the loose definition of “religious missions” could turn into a loophole that people try to exploit, which might force the NCAA to refine the rule down the line. Local Spotlight: Drake Allen Signs with the Pistons! Adam highlights former Utah State standout Drake Allen, who just signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Detroit Pistons. * The Ultimate Motivation Story: As a high school junior, Drake didn’t even start on his JV team and got zero varsity minutes. He wasn’t on anyone’s radar or ranking lists. By putting his head down, walking on at Snow College, and grinding his way up through UVU and Utah State, he became a pro. * The Lesson: It doesn’t matter where you are ranked as a freshman or sophomore—it’s about the work you put in. The Reality of Recruiting & Communication * Look the Part: College coaches are heavily recruiting out of the transfer portal and Jucos (like Snow and SLCC) because they want mature, physically developed players. If you are 16 or 17, you need to take the weight room and your nutrition seriously so you look like a college athlete on film. * Ditch the “Teen Talk”: When reaching out to coaches, do not use shorthand, text acronyms, or teenage slang. You are communicating with adults in their 40s—learn how to write a professional email or text message. Class of 2027 Rankings Update The player rankings for the Class of 2027 have been officially updated on the site! * The list has been expanded to include the top 150–200 players. * Note from Adam: The top 50 are heavily evaluated and vetted, but due to an auto-population glitch at the bottom of the list, don’t sweat it if your exact placement toward the bottom looks a little random right now! Links & Resources Mentioned * NCAA.org: Go directly to the source to read the fine print on the new 5-year eligibility bylaws. * www.prepbasketball.net [http://www.prepbasketball.net]: Check out the freshly updated and expanded Class of 2027 player rankings. * Connect: Drop a line or submit recruiting questions to Adam on Substack or X (formerly Twitter) @UtahBall_Net [http://x.com/UtahBball_net]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net [https://www.utahbasketball.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

AAU info sucks, college coaching conundrums, new D3 option in Colorado

In this episode, we dive into the massive frustrations surrounding club and AAU data accessibility, pull back the curtain on the chaotic reality of modern college recruiting, and highlight an incredible, often overlooked academic and athletic opportunity for high school hoopers in the West. Key Discussion Points 1. The AAU Data Black Hole Tracking spring club tournaments (April and May) shouldn’t feel like a top-secret intelligence mission. Despite parents and teams paying premium entry fees ($700–$900+ per tournament) and the availability of high-end tools like Synergy, Hudl, and BallerTV, finding basic game schedules, team records, and official stats remains mind-numbingly difficult for the average person. * The Reliable Circuits: If you aren’t playing on the Nike EYBL, EYCL, or Under Armour Association (UAA) circuits, verified data is almost non-existent. * The Ghost Circuits: Circuits like Adidas 3SSB and Puma offer virtually no easily accessible public records or individual player statistics. * The “Dad Stat” Factor: Without centralized, tournament-verified data, players are left posting unverified weekend stats on X (Twitter). While well-intentioned, college coaches have no way to verify if those numbers are real or padded by proud parents. 2. The College Coaching Conundrum & Recruiting Reality Check The landscape of college basketball recruitment has completely fundamentally shifted for the Classes of 2027 and 2028. * D1 Offers = Job Contracts: With NIL and the transfer portal, a Division I scholarship offer out of high school is practically a professional employment contract. * Coaches are Overwhelmed: College coaching staffs are facing a constant onslaught of legislative updates (like changing eligibility windows and immediate transfer rules). Every month brings a new rule change or lawsuit. * The High School Deprioritization: Because coaches are forced to focus heavily on retaining their current roster, navigating the transfer portal, recruiting JuCo veterans, and scouting international talent, traditional high school recruiting has fallen significantly down the priority list. Advice for Players & Parents: Unless a player is firmly cemented in the top 200–250 recruits nationally, they are unlikely to see heavy, active D1 recruitment until the very end of their senior year. Stop stress-counting offers. Play hard, focus on continuous improvement, stay humble, and treat every single coach who reaches out—from JuCo to D3—with the utmost respect. 3. Don’t Sleep on Division III: The Hidden Gem Because Utah doesn’t have any local NCAA Division III programs, the level is widely misunderstood by local families—and some even view a D3 look as a slight. That is a massive mistake. D3 basketball features an incredibly high level of play, elite academic prestige, and unparalleled professional networks (e.g., Emerson College’s deep ties to NBA front offices, famously producing executives like OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti). * The Colorado College “Four Corners” Policy: [https://www.coloradocollege.edu/admission/4c/] D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but their institutional financial aid can change your life. Colorado College (CC), located in Colorado Springs, has an incredible financial aid initiative: * Families making under $125,000/year qualify for free tuition. * Families making under $60,000/year get free tuition, room, and board. * If you qualify academically for these elite institutions, you can effectively play high-level college basketball and earn a premium degree out of pocket for little to no money. Upcoming Events & Coverage The Great Western Classic * Dates: June 3rd – June 5th * What to Expect: Top-tier local teams alongside elite out-of-state competition. This event is a staple for college coaches looking to scout regional talent. * Coverage: Will Beck will be on-site providing live updates and comprehensive coverage directly on Instagram. Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on X for more updates on the Utah high school basketball scene. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net [https://www.utahbasketball.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Shoe teams, economics, ramblings from being gone for a few months

Utah HS Hoops Podcast: The Truth About “Shoe Teams” & Recruitment Economics Host: Adam Peek Date: May 5, 2026 In this episode, Adam Peek returns to the mic after a long break to share his perspective as both a parent and a veteran of the Utah basketball scene. He breaks down the massive disconnect between social media hype and the cold reality of college recruitment, specifically regarding the “Shoe Circuit” (EYBL, Adidas Gold, UA Rise) and the economics of AAU basketball. Episode Chapters & Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome back! Life updates and the new “Label King” headquarters. * 00:30 – The Mental Health Hack: Why host Adam Peek deleted all social media apps from his phone and why players/parents should too. * 02:10 – Recruitment Real Talk: Why social media followers, mixtapes, and “likes” don’t equal a college scholarship. * 05:10 – The New 5-Year Rule: Breaking down the major shift in NCAA eligibility legislation and how it impacts the Class of 2026. * 07:45 – The “Shoe Team” Disconnect: Understanding the difference between independent teams and shoe-sponsored circuits. * 10:15 – AAU Economics 101: Why the current model is like a lottery system and where your parent fees are actually going. * 13:40 – Event Spotlight: Why the Pro 16 and JA48 (Juco Advocate) events are the gold standard for networking. * 15:30 – The Juco/D2/NAIA Path: Why these are phenomenal options and who you should actually be playing in front of. * 18:20 – The Math of Scholarships: Why spending $25,000/year on AAU might not make sense if a college tuition is only $20,000. * 21:00 – Closing advice: Find a program that develops you, not just one that markets you. Key Takeaways & Insights The “5-Year Clock” Reality The new NCAA model essentially institutes a “5-for-5” rule: five seasons of eligibility in a strict five-year window starting after high school graduation or turning 19. * Exceptions: Military service, maternity leave, and religious missions. * Impact: This rule is causing significant uncertainty for college coaches, particularly for the Class of 2026, as roster spots remain filled by older players staying in school longer. Economics of the AAU Circuit Adam compares the shoe circuit to a lottery system. * The Flow of Money: Lower-level teams and families pay high fees that essentially subsidize the travel and gear for the “top” 1% of players that shoe companies want to sign as pro athletes later. * The Scholarship Math: The average family is now spending nearly $25,000 a year on youth sports. Peek notes that in many cases, it is more “economic” to simply save that money for tuition than to chase a “full ride” that may never come. Recruitment Strategy * Independent vs. Shoe Teams: Peek highlights that unless you are a top-5 national prospect like Anthony Felesi or Dean Rueckert, being on a shoe team doesn’t guarantee you’ll play in front of high-major coaches. * Networking is Key: Coaches don’t usually “stumble upon” random games; they travel to see players they already have a relationship with. * Prioritize Development: Focus on programs that work to get you better. “You will not play in college if you’re not getting better, full stop.” Resources & Links Mentioned * UtahBasketball.net: Latest articles and podcast archives. * PrepBasketball.net: Claim your free player profile to help coaches find you. * Juco Advocate (JA48) & Pro 16: Recommended events for players looking to network with Juco, D2, and NAIA coaches. * Contact: Send recruitment questions or comments to support@prepbasketball.net. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to the Substack or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @UtahBall_Net for more updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net [https://www.utahbasketball.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

2A, 3A, 4A brackets are set AND how the recruiting process actually went for us

Here are the show notes from the Utah High School Basketball podcast regarding playoff predictions and the college recruiting process. Playoff Brackets & Predictions The brackets for the 2A, 3A, and 4A state tournaments are officially out. You can use the interactive bracket predictor on the PrepBasketball.net [http://PrepBasketball.net] website to make your own picks. 3A Tournament Outlook * The Favorites: A championship rematch between Morgan High School and American Heritage is highly anticipated. * The Challenger: American Heritage is currently the only team to have beaten Morgan in 3A play this year. * Dark Horse: Richfield is a team to watch, having previously shown they can get hot at the right time during the semi-finals. * The “Teenage Factor”: Because this is a single-elimination tournament featuring teenage boys, anything from injuries to technical fouls can cause an upset. 2A Tournament Outlook * Top Contenders: Kanab and American Leadership Academy (ALA) are expected to meet in the finals. * Intriguing Matchup: Keep an eye on a potential second-round game between North Summit and Rowland Hall, as both teams feature high-level talent from the class of 2028. * Rising Programs: Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams and APA West Valley are noted for their unique playing styles and recent standout individual performances. 4A Tournament Outlook * Deep and Wide Open: The 4A classification is described as “absolutely wide open”. * Unpredictability: The field is so deep that any team ranked from the #1 seed (Provo) down to the #17 seed (Judge Memorial) has a legitimate path to a deep run. * Region 9 Dominance: Region 9 sent four teams (Crimson Cliffs, Dixie, Pine View, and Hurricane) into the bracket, highlighting the strength of that region. Navigating the Recruiting Process Using the recent commitment of AJ Peek to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) as a case study, here are the key takeaways for parents and players: The Three Pillars of Recruitment * Academics are Non-Negotiable: Grades act as a “regulator” on recruitment. High academic achievement broadens your “opportunity scope,” especially if you are willing to look at schools outside of Utah. * Physical Preparation: Strength and conditioning are vital. Players must be physically able to compete at the next level, which requires dedicated time in the weight room and proper nutrition. * Skill & Exposure: * Showcase Events: Attending college-run “Elite Camps” (such as those at the Air Force Academy or Westminster) provides direct exposure to coaches from multiple levels. * The Value of Film: Having film that shows high-level defensive effort against top-tier competition is often more valuable to coaches than offensive highlights. The Importance of Networking * Advocates Matter: Recruitment often relies on having adults (high school coaches, mentors, etc.) who are willing to advocate for the player and leverage their personal networks. * Social Media Reality Check: Contrary to popular belief, a massive social media presence or “brand” is often not a factor in securing actual college offers. Final Advice for Players * Drive the Process: The desire to play in college must be driven by the player, not the parent. * Seize the Opportunity: If a coach offers you a spot—regardless of the level (D2, D3, NAIA, or Junior College)—and you want to keep playing, take it. For most, college basketball will be the final level of their competitive career. Would you like me to create a summary of the top-ranked players from any specific graduation year based on the provided data? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net [https://www.utahbasketball.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Playoff predictor tool added to PrepBasketball.net

Have fun seeing what might shake out! If you know of anyone who would want to sponsor a bracket challenge, send them my way! https://prepbasketball.net/brackets [https://prepbasketball.net/brackets] - you need to have a login to play around with the brackets on the site Enjoy and let’s see how this season ends up! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net [https://www.utahbasketball.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]