The Rise of International Prospects in American College Basketball

The influence of international prospects on American basketball is nothing new. In recent years, we have seen a significant impact from players born outside the United States in the NBA, as well as in college basketball. The rise of international players has been evident, and it is changing the landscape of the game.

In the NBA, we have witnessed the dominance of international players, with four of the five players on last season’s All-NBA first team being born outside the United States. This includes players like Nikola Jokic, who was not even included in the first team. Moreover, the last five NBA MVP awards have all been won by players from abroad. The influence of international players can be traced back to the 1980s when Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing, both born outside the U.S., were selected as the No. 1 picks in consecutive drafts and went on to dominate the league.

While international players have had a significant impact in the NBA, their influence on men’s college basketball is growing as well. In the past, only a few schools were actively recruiting talent from overseas. Programs like Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s were among the few that consistently looked for talent abroad. Other schools would mainly focus on recruiting players from high schools in the United States. However, the landscape has changed in recent years, with more college programs actively seeking talent from around the world.

There are several reasons behind this trend. One significant factor is the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, which now allow student-athletes to earn money while playing in college. This has made college basketball an even more attractive option for international prospects. Additionally, the rise of programs like Basketball Without Borders, NBA Basketball Schools, and the NBA Academies have provided more opportunities for college coaches to evaluate international prospects in competitive settings. This increased access to FIBA events has paved the way for a high number of high-level international players to be scouted and recruited.

As we look ahead to the 2023-24 college basketball season, it is evident that several top-ranked programs will heavily rely on immediate contributions from their international recruits. Some of these recruits may even have the potential to be one-and-done players, meaning they will only spend one year in college before entering the NBA draft. This highlights the impact and potential of international prospects in college basketball.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful international prospects entering men’s college basketball this season and how they will fit into their respective programs. Please note that this list only includes players who did not play high school basketball in the United States.

One of the standout players is a center from Zaragoza, Spain, who possesses an impressive skill set. Standing tall with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, he is a dominant force in the low post, excelling as a pick-and-roll finisher. With remarkable passing abilities, refined footwork, reliable hands, and a soft touch around the basket, he brings significant experience from playing at the highest levels of international basketball. However, there are concerns regarding his toughness in the paint and defensive struggles on the perimeter. Overcoming these challenges could propel him into the conversation for a top-10 NBA draft pick.

Looking specifically at his fit within his college program, it will be intriguing to see how he plays alongside the team’s lone returning starter, who had consistent foul trouble last season. The combination of their skills and playing styles will largely shape the team’s success.

In conclusion, the rise of international prospects in American college basketball is transforming the game. With the increasing opportunities to evaluate and recruit international players, college programs are tapping into talent from all over the world. The impact of these prospects is evident in both the NBA and now in college basketball, with their skills and potential shaping the future of the game.