How We Rate Athletes

The 517 Hoops player rating system is designed to help regional athletes gain national exposure during their pursuit of playing sports at the next level. Our rating system is defined using a 4 tier system that gives coaches and recruiters an instant in depth glimpse of an athletes post high school potential. While we do a number of things throughout the 517 Hoops sports network to recognize all athletes for their hard work and accomplishments, our star rating system is an in depth scouting report for all athletes projected to play college hoops.

Our scouts are local basketball minds who consistently attend high school, travel basketball and seasonal leagues throughout the year. Focusing on only the 517 area code, we are able to connect with athletes like no one else, allowing us to evaluate their potential on the court and in the community. We begin evaluating athletes as soon as the 6th grade, recognizing young prospects with a blue star. During the summer after their freshman season, athletes can begin to earn three, four or five star rating. In very rare instances we may make exceptions, awarding athletes stars sooner than their freshman season.

There are an endless number of factors we use when evaluating prospects. We begin by assessing each unique athlete using our 6 point system. From there we break athletes into their prospective groups, where we will continue to evaluate them throughout their high school and early college years.

Inspired by blue chip athletes, Blue Star athletes are middle school age athletes who have proven themselves committed to the game of basketball. Often times these young athletes have not reached a physical maturity that can project post high school success, but instead display an effort that sets them apart from the majority. Athletes are eligible to earn a Blue Star as soon as their 6th grade year. These young athletes are playing competitive travel basketball, consistently training and attending camps/showcases. Success is not guaranteed, but Blue Star athletes are destined to play organized hoops past high school, if they continue on their projected trajectory.

The majority of our athletes in the 517 region will fall into this category. An athlete awarded 3 stars has shown a commitment to the game of basketball and a work ethic that can translate to the next level. These athletes may be undersized, but thrive academically and possess a great basketball IQ. A three star rating means the athlete has the potential to become a great NAIA/D3 athlete.

An athlete awarded 4 stars has shown an ability to play at a high level of competition and has committed almost all of their time to basketball. Physically they may be talented enough to play Division 1, but lack the size.  They play travel basketball at a national level and commit their body  to elite diet and training. A four star rating means the athlete has the potential to become a great Division 2 to Low Major Division 1.

A 5 star athlete is in a very elite group of area athletes. An athlete awarded 5 stars has proven to be mentally tough enough to handle the rigorous demands of being an elite athlete . These athletes are gifted with size, skill and basketball IQ. They are academically sound and have committed themselves year round to mastering the game of basketball. A 5 Star athlete has the potential to succeed at a Division 1 level.