文/Renee Johnson-Allen (Director of BlueStar Asia）
譯/Double Pump 女子籃球誌
你們應該都聽說過，越來越多國際學生前往美國打大學籃球。
你有沒有想過這一切是否可能？你是否也能夠做到？該如何做到？我夠不夠厲害？接下來我們將一一解答，所以請繼續讀下去。
我可以很誠實的告訴你們，在和Double Pump女子籃球誌交流後，以及過去三年到亞洲盃及HBL觀賽的經驗，你們之中有很多人擁有在美國打球的能力。這感覺起來是很新又很不同的經驗，但是就我個人而言，我可以和你們說非常值得，請點以下連結看我的經歷：https://bluestarbbasia.com/about/
註：Blue Star是美國25年的球探公司，另有Blue Star Asia以及Blue Star Europe，Blue Star Asia位於新加坡，Renee J-Allen為新加坡分公司負責人。Renee為英國人，畢業於美國Drexel大學，曾是英國世大運代表隊一員。
首先，美國大學籃球提供什麼？以及代表什麼意義？
大學籃球讓你可以一邊念書，一邊打球。College和University同義，不過在美國大多時候都用college這個字取代University。
共有三個組織提供參與大學籃球的機會，NCAA、NAIA以及NJCAA。
NCAA：由三個層級組成
Division I 所有參與這個層級的學校，都會提供學生運動員全額獎學金。這個層級最好的球員可能前往WNBA，共351隊分成32個分組（Conferences）。
Division II 不是每個學校都提供全額獎學金，有些學校提供部分獎學金（partial scholarship）或獎金來補償支出，D2共有314間學校。
Division III 不提供獎學金，許多學生透過運動經驗來豐富大學生活，此層級不像DI、ＤII激烈及競爭。
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)小型的大學組織，不是每所學校都提供全額獎學金，有些學校提供部分獎學金或獎金來補償支出。
NJCAA(The National Junior College Athletic Association)
社區大學是另一個選項，讓學生在社區大學就讀最多兩年，之後轉學到四年制的學校，如NCAA及NAIA。為什麼會有人要念社區大學呢？有許多原因，這裡提供一些可能，例如學生找不到四年制的學就讀，他們想要了解更多其他學校的可能性，或是學術上需要更好，提高成績等……。
運動獎學金的形式有哪些？
全額獎學金：包含所有上大學需要的費用，學費、住宿、食物、用書、裝備等。
部分獎學金：沒有包含所有花費，不同學校提供不同面向的補助。
沒有運動獎學金：所有花費都需要自己負擔，不會提供任何補助。
我要在美國打球的可能性有多高？
每個人的可能不同，每個學生的狀況都不一樣。例如，如果你想要或需要運動獎學金，你必須尋找能夠提供的學校，NCAA DI或是DII，NAIA則因學校而異。
如果我決定要去美國打球，可是後來改變心意會發生什麼事情？
什麼都不會發生，去美國打球的只是一個選項，和美國的教練談過不代表你一定要去美國。
我需要準備什麼才符合資格得到這個機會？
最好的準備方式就是提早準備，在你高中畢業前2-4年就開始準備，你會需要做到以下的事情：
考SAT或ACT及托福
一定要考SAT或ACT，測驗英文及數學能力。這是所有要申請美國大學的學生一定要參加的考試。
一定要考托福，英語非母語的學生一定要參加的考試。
免費測驗：https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/free-practice/start.html
NCAA註冊資格中心
學生需要經過註冊資格審核，確保你並非職業選手以及符合學業成績要求。沒錯！
教練們如何看到我的表現？
準備好自己的精華剪輯影片，如此一來教練就能看到你的能力。為了評估選手的能力並和這些教練分享，我曾去過一些亞洲賽事（包括HBL），我們會整理了一份清單，列出你們的表現並評估你們的程度。
如果我有機會跟教練對談，他們會問些什麼？
跟教練對談是必經的過程，但在此之前你應該先準備好以下這些事情：
1. 成功到NCAA中心註冊認真上課，這些課程必須符合標準
2. 安排SAT/ACT和托福考試
3. 新增選手資料並上傳精華剪輯（Highlight）
4. 把和教練的對談當成與陌生人認識的機會，不僅他們想認識妳，你應該也想了解他們。話題會隨著你們的對談有不同可能，例如你打籃球的經歷、開始原因和目標，或是你感興趣的學術科目、個人的個性等。
5. 最好的準備就是忠於自我「做自己」，並認真調查、充分了解這所學校的特色。再次強調，完成資格註冊、通過考試、準備好自己的影片讓教練看見你之後，你才會有機會與教練對談。
我需要付費才能請你幫助我和學校聯繫嗎？
不用，我們免費幫助球員與大學教練聯繫。
有別人和我一樣不是來自美國，仍成功錄取的嗎？
有許多外籍生在美國念書並繼續他們的運動生涯，並在這裡收穫良多。你可以到這個網頁看一下，有多少國際學生正在美國大學當一位學生運動員。
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/international-student-athlete-participation
BlueStar Asia如何幫助你？
我們有個花五分鐘就能填完的選手登錄名單，幫助你建立一個能吻合教練需求的個人檔案。https://bluestarbbasia.com/ncaaplayerregistration/
個人精華影片（Highlight）－這要怎麼做？
精華影片當然不只是把幾個影片放在一起這麼簡單而已，這裡有個連結能幫助你。如果你有需求，我們也能提供進一步的協助。https://bluestarbbasia.com/2019/06/28/highlights/
到美國打籃球對我的未來有幫助嗎？
如果你對這個主題有疑問，我們也能夠回答，這不僅能豐富你的籃球經歷，也能讓你接觸和美國大學（包過學校、實習場所、工作）有關的管道，如果你擁有頂尖實力，也有機會到歐洲聯賽、甚至WNBA開始你的職業選手生涯。
想了解更多可以點進去看我們的指南，裡面有更深入的介紹，告訴你如何能符合資格，也針對一些對於這個過程可能會有的疑問提供解答。https://bluestarbbasia.com/bluestar-asia-recruiting-guide/
如需協助，也可洽Double Pump女子籃球誌，私訊粉絲專頁或是寄信至[email protected]
GHC林芍彤：自律的程度影響追夢的道路能走多遠
北一女中畢業的林芍彤，去年夏天開始在Georgia Highlands College（社區大學）就讀，他也與我們分享這幾個月的心得。
我們一個星期大概只被安排兩場比賽，除了讓球員能充分休息，可讓身體恢復到最佳狀態下進行下一場比賽，但是一個賽季就會長達4-5個月，跟在台灣分成一個階段一個階段的比賽模式比較不一樣。因此，在美國的時候要想辦法一直把自己維持在良好的狀態，不穩定的表現很有可能會失去上場機會。
一直到高中階段除了英文課，其他科目都是中文授課。在美國的第一堂課直接就是全美語的震撼教育完全沒有適應期，真的很辛苦、很不習慣，感覺永遠都學不完，而且越來越多。（比同學用更多的時間在學習上，筆記、中翻英、英翻中、上網搜尋、完成一份報告）
磨合了大概3個多月左右，慢慢習慣上課的節奏和方式之後其實就還蠻輕鬆的。雖然有時候功課有點多，但是因為我們星期五是不用上課的，所以其實只要好好分配時間是可以輕鬆完成。比起一直坐在座位上聽教授講課，美國的教授更常要求我們移動位置去和班上同學一起分享、討論甚至是解決問題。相對來說比較不會侷限在教科書上，而是更自由的讓我們發揮和探討不一樣的事物。
隊友大多是美國人，包含我在內總共只有3位國際生，分別來自俄羅斯和英國。他們會比較了解想家的心情，經常會一起聊天分享。
隊友經常要我介紹台灣的食物和語言，他們也會陪我去找一些我吃的比較習慣的食物像habachi 或壽司。我覺得跟他們相處起來很自在，不會有學姊學妹的那種感覺，也不會因為語言上有什麼隔閡。雖然有時候可能會因為發音的關係鬧一些笑話。
我記得有一場比賽先發球員幾乎都坐在球員席上，然後他們就要我教他們練習用中文說 加油、 做得好 、好球……，然後就在每次進球後或者暫停的時候向場上的隊友呼喊著。
在美國學校提供的餐點大多都是高熱量的炸物，偏甜、重鹹的重口味的食物，所以在比賽期我偶爾會自己煮食，比照在台灣的飲食模式。
在美國自律相對重要，小從飲食起居、大至課業、體能，都不會有人叮嚀或有任何限制規定。
自律的程度會影響追夢的道路能走多遠。
延伸閱讀：【特輯】休學一年的豪賭 北一女林芍彤獲全額獎學金赴美追夢
You may have heard of more international players heading to the America to play college basketball. Have you wondered how this is possible? If you are able to do the same? How do you this? Am I good enough? Below are answers to these questions so keep reading. I can honestly say from speaking with Gena at DP Basketball, attending FIBA Asia Championships and HBL Games the past 3 years many of you have the ability to play college basketball in America. This may seem like a new and different experience but one I myself can say worth it. Please checkout my bio here – https://bluestarbbasia.com/about/
Firstly what does college basketball in America offer and what does this mean?
College basketball allows you to continue playing basketball whilst studying at a College. College is University however in America most use the term College instead of University.
Where can I play basketball and continue to study?
Three are 3 organizations that offer college basketball opportunities. They are the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA
NCAA – 3 Divisions make up NCAA Basketball.
Division I – All schools competing at this level offer full scholarships to student athletes. The best basketball players play at this level head onto the WNBA. There are 32 conferences and 351 teams at this level
Division II – Not all schools offer full scholarships. Some schools offer partial scholarships or other incentives to offset cost. Division II has 314 schools.
Division III – Do not offer scholarships. Many students are there to enrich academics with sporting experience which is not a strenuous or competitive as Division I & IINAIA – Organization hosting smaller colleges in America. Not all schools offer full scholarships. Some schools offer partial scholarships or other incentives to offset cost
NJCAA – Junior College is another option, which allows student to attend a school for up to 2 years to then transition to a 4-year school (NCAA, NAIA). Why would I do this?Number of reasons this is done. Here are a few reasons (there are more) – student didn’t find a 4 year school (NCAA, NAIA), they want to look at more school options, academically needs to strengthen grades etc.
What are the athletic scholarship types?
Full athletic scholarships – All expenses related to attendance of college included – tuition, accommodation, food, books, gear from school.
Partial athletic scholarship – All expenses are not included. Depending on school and offer, they may provide one or more of the following expenses to attend school. For example – tuition or accommodation and food. Again this will vary and could be a dollar amount.
No athletic scholarship – No expenses are provided to student attending school meaning they would have to cover all costs
How realistic is it that I can compete and play in the America?
There is a level for everyone meaning very realistic. Every student and situation is different meaning. For example if you want / need an athletic scholarship to play you need to look at options which provide this (NCAA Division I and possible at Division II / NAIA based on school).
If I decide to look at going to America for basketball and change my mind what happens?
Nothing at all. Looking at America is just an option. Speaking to a coach does not mean you must follow through and go to America.
What do I need to do to be eligible for this opportunity?
The best way to prepare for all of the possible options is to prepare early (during 2-4 years before your finish High School) and you need to do the following
TAKE EXAMINATIONS (SAT OR ACT AND TOEFL)
Must take SAT / ACT – This is an entry exam to test English and Math ability
This exam is necessary for all high school students applying to college in America. More information provided here
How difficult is the exam?
Exam will test English and Math. Some students find exam easy some find it tougher depending on your academic level.
Must take TOEFL – This exam is required for all students whose first language is not English. It is an English proficiency test.
Free practice Test – https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/free-practice/start.html
How difficult is the exam?
I cannot say as my first language is English however if you practice speaking English in school or have a tutor assist with exam preparation early you should do ok.
More information can be found on exams on full recruiting guide – https://bluestarbbasia.com/bluestar-asia-recruiting-guide/
REGISTER NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER
This is a required registration with for students to make sure they meet academic requirements and are not professional athletes. Yes you cannot play college basketball if you are a considered a professional player.
How will coaches see me play?
You will need to have a highlight video of your abilities so coaches can see you play. I attend events in Asia (HBL being on of them) to evaluate player’s ability and share information with coaches on players that can play. We then list player’s player profile information, highlights and an evaluation of your level of play
If I do get to the point where I am speaking with a coach what tings will they ask?
Speaking with coaches is part of the recruiting process. However before you get here you must be working towards the following by doing these things
Registered NCAA Eligibility
Working towards classes needed to be eligible – http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf?j=82150150&sfmc_sub=997475594&l=7842029_HTML&u=709132711&mid=10892399&jb=55
Scheduling exams (SAT/ACT and TOEFL)
Create player profile and have game highlight link
Coaches want to get to know you and you should want to get to know them also. When speaking to coaches topic of conversation / questions will vary. Take it as getting to know someone new that you don’t know very well. They will want to know about your playing experience, reasons and goals for playing basketball, academic interests, personality etc. just to name a few things.
Best way to prepare is to be yourself, be honest and do some research on school so you are prepared. Again this is near the end of the process and we cannot get here before taking care of the NCAA Eligibility registrations, exams, highlights and letting coaches know who you are first by having a profile.
Must I pay for you to help connect me with schools?
No. We help players for free by connecting them to college coaches
Who else like me has done this who isn’t from America?
There are a lot of students from outside America going there to study and continue to play basketball and other sports who have had successful and positive experiences. You can take a look here at number of international students studying and playing sport in American Colleges
How do we make it on the BlueStar Asia Report?
We have a 5-minute player registration form which collects information coaches want to know to build your profile. https://bluestarbbasia.com/ncaaplayerregistration/
Video highlight – How do I make this?
Here is link to help you make a highlight video. It is not that simple in just putting a few clips together. We also help players make their highlight videos if needed https://bluestarbbasia.com/2019/06/28/highlights/
How can basketball in America help me with after?
It can add to your basketball profile and get you connected to further academic opportunities within Colleges in America (graduate school, work placements, jobs) and kick start your professional career possibly in Europe or even WNBA if you excel and are one of the best. This is another topic if you have questions that can be answered
Please check out recruiting guide here for more in-depth explanation of things you need to do to be eligible. Some of the information is covered above briefly as an introduction. We will also help you with the process and answer questions you may have – https://bluestarbbasia.com/bluestar-asia-recruiting-guide/
