Understanding NCAA Basketball, College Recruitment, and Factors that Influence College Decisions for Basketball Student-Athletes
Using five semi-structured interviews, this study sought to better understand the lived experiences and college decision process for NCAA Division I basketball student-athletes. The findings from a thematic analysis retrieved the themes of Family & Brotherhood, Commodification & Compensation, Student-Athlete Lived Experiences and Challenges, and Student-Athlete Programs and Services. Conclusively, the thesis project illuminated a need to better understand what student-athletes go through on-and-off the court and how stakeholders involved in the student-athletes college choice can be better educated about the inner workings of college basketball and basketball recruiting. Limitations, strengths, and future directions for research are discussed.
commodification, compensation, lived experiences, NCAA, recruiting, student-athletes
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