Attention all girls basketball players and parents.  If you feel that you can play at the DI level or want your daughter to play in college, read our latest player profile with former Westwood High and Harvard star Lindsay Hallion.

College: Harvard University

Degree and year of graduation:  Psychology 2008

Position:  Point Guard

Beantownhoops:  What are the biggest differences between high school and college basketball?

Lindsay:  “When I think of the biggest differences between high school and college basketball three things come to mind:
1.) Size and Speed. The average height and athleticism of players in a college game and player is a high school game is drastically different. Passes you made in high school might get tipped, drives you had are closed off, shots you could get off in high school may get blocked, and lazy defense can result in a score for the other team instead of a steal for you.

2.) Thinking the Game!! Growing up I heard that 90% of basketball is mental, but you don’t realize it until you get to the college level. There are so many more details to pay attention to and so much to learn. You have to be 100% mentally tuned in at all times during practice. College coaches are freakishly aware of when players zone out and then the whole team may be punished, or worse – you could miss something important. Players are expected to know all plays and defenses (for all positions) and have a solid understanding of game situations. Maybe even more so than with remembering offensive plays, defense at the college level requires a lot more focus than in high school. Your athleticism and/or height are no longer enough to get the job done. You have to learn play angles, closeout properly, where to be in help defense, and all rotations for where the ball is or if a teammate gets beat. Overall, the mental intensity needed at the college level is much higher than that at the high school level.

3.) Commitment. While most high school players who aspire to play in college work on their game year round, play on different teams, and are typically very dedicated to the sport the time commitment at the college level increases dramatically. You are training all year long, pre-season, season, post-season, and summer workouts. You will spend time strength training, conditioning, working on individual skills, watching film, and practicing. It is all very rewarding and worth it as you and your team will improve and reach towards your goals. But many freshmen are not prepared for training multiple times a day, traveling, having curfew, etc. You need to be committed to structuring each day so you continue to improve as a basketball player. This means eating right, sleeping enough, going to class and finishing your homework, and giving 100% at each workout you have.”

How well did you understand the process of becoming a D1 player (ACT, SAT, Clearinghouse, etc.)?

“Initially I did not understand that process very well.  However, the coaches I talked to were very helpful in answering questions about testing, being registered with the Clearinghouse, and anything general that came up.  In my opinion it is important to be familiar with the NCAA rules regarding recruiting so you aren’t breaking them, but don’t be shy about asking the coaches you are in contact with about what you need to do to move forward in the process.”

What do you see as the biggest obstacle facing a talented D1 prospect?

“Deciding what YOU want out of your college basketball experience. Don’t forget that college basketball includes college. In the end, it’s your decision and you are the one who will live it out. Listen to advice, weigh pros and cons, decide what is important to you - but don’t let coaches, friends, family push your decision in a certain direction. You have to do what is best for you.”

Is playing AAU in the summer the only route to D1?

“Playing AAU is not the only road to becoming a D1 player, but it definitely helps the process.  Out of all the players I played with in college only one of them did not play AAU.  If you can get involved with the right program and the right coach, AAU can really help you improve as a player and as a recruit.  The thing I loved the most about AAU was the level of competition.  It was great to practice three times a week with an entire team of aspiring college players.  When we played in tournaments we played against some of the best players and teams in the Northeast and sometimes nationally.  Using the months after the high school season ended to play with and against great competition in addition to training on my own really helped me improve from one season to the next.”

What three things would you tell a player who has signed already to do during her senior year to get ready?

“1.) Do not get complacent! Stay focused on your grades, staying out of trouble, and improving as a player.

2.) When you play in your high school games you will have a bulls-eye on your back – so always be gracious and respectful of those you play with, for, and against. Remember now you are not only representing yourself and your high school team, but the college that has signed you as well.

3.) After your high school season, follow the off-season condition manual to a T. Speak with your coaches about expectations they have, things they want you to work on, etc. Get as much information from your coaches as possible so you can set new goals for this new chapter in your basketball career!”

What advice would you give parents about preparing their daughter to play at the collegiate level?

“My first response to this question is that it is ultimately the daughter’s responsibility to prepare herself to play at the collegiate level. Parents can help guide their daughter by guiding her to the right AAU and college programs (what type of school, location, etc.), but most of the work will be on the player. Many of the players I have seen self-destruct do so because of too much parental pressure/expectations. The best thing my parents did for me was supporting me, letting me make my own decisions, and comforting me when I got too crazy about the whole process or about playing well. It is important for both parents and player to remember that while basketball is a big part of who she is, it is not the only thing that makes her awesome.”

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