Podcast: 4 Coaches Share D3 Basketball Recruiting Tips

Choosing a college basketball program means looking beyond the court — from academic opportunities and player development to the relationships that shape the journey long after graduation. During YD3’s first recruiting webinar, four coaches with D3 men’s basketball playing backgrounds offered practical advice for student-athletes and families navigating those decisions.

Check out the podcast of our D3 basketball webinar below.

D3 Men’s Basketball Recruiting Podcast

Our D3 men’s basketball panel featured a distinct lineup, including Pat Juckem, head coach of Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), a Lawrence alumnus who led UW-Oshkosh to the 2018 national championship game and WashU to the 2025 Final Four.

Mary Washington head coach Marcus Kahn, a Redlands graduate, guided the Eagles to the 2026 D3 national championship and a 30-3 record.

Miami Heat assistant Dan Bisaccio played at Clarkson and Emerson before launching into his NBA coaching career. Florida assistant Jonathan Safir, a four-year Vassar letter winner, helped the Brewers reach their first Liberty League tournament title game.

To tip off the conversation, Juckem encouraged recruits to consider how the D3 student-athlete experience changes lives beyond sport, describing it as a “four-year experience” that prepares them for the “next 40.” Academics, friendships, leadership opportunities and professional networks all contribute to that long-term value.

Bisaccio urged recruits and their families to ask detailed questions about a program’s academic support, strength and conditioning, mental performance resources, player development and daily schedule. Speaking with current and former D3 basketball student-athletes can offer another perspective on the experience, including team culture and coaching stability.

When contacting D3 basketball coaches, Safir advised recruits to avoid writing generic emails and instead explain why they are interested in a particular school and program.

Short messages with game film highlighting effort, unselfishness and winning plays can make a stronger impression. Kahn also encouraged parents to help without taking over conversations with coaches. Recruits should prepare to explain, in their own words, why a D3 basketball school appeals to them and what they hope to contribute.

Across their different paths through basketball, each coach emphasized that recruiting decisions should account for the full college experience. Finding the right fit means considering academic goals, relationships, personal development and life after the final buzzer sounds alongside competing at a high level.