Episode 62: Brandon Ramsey (KSR/Basketball Scout)
🎙 In this episode: Brandon Ramsey is ankle-deep in the high school and college basketball worlds: former college coach, high school scout, and basketball analyst for Kentucky Sports Radio. If he says it, you can trust it. Together we unpack the real recruiting process for 98% of players who aren’t top-20, 5-star prospects. From inflated promises to showcase madness to the trickle-down chaos of NIL and the transfer portal… this one’s a reality check every parent and player needs to hear.
🔹 The 98% Reality
For the vast majority of high school players, recruiting is messy, confusing, and full of mixed messages (often through no fault of their own).Â
🔹 Scholarships Beyond the Power 5
Opportunities exist far outside the blueblood programs… but most families don’t know where or how to look.
🔹 The Bill of Goods Problem
Parents and players are often sold unrealistic dreams, and there’s always another coach willing to feed the delusion.
🔹 The AAU Expansion
The circuit has grown horizontally—more tournaments, more shoe brands, more travel—everyone wanting a slice of the pie.
🔹 The “N” Division Dilemma
Families spend thousands traveling across the country to play in the lowest-tier bracket of a showcase. Is that really worth it?
🔹 Coaches Caught in the Middle
Tell players the truth and risk losing them… or keep them happy and keep the roster full.
🔹 Development vs. Exposure
Brandon says too many teams have become “Exposure Vehicles” instead of focusing on player growth.
🔹 The NIL & Transfer Portal Effect
Fewer roster spots, shorter timelines, and more focus on proven transfers over untested high school talent.
🔹 The Vanishing Development Window
College coaches want instant production. Development has become someone else’s job.
🔹 Follow the Money
Even college coaches must pay steep entry fees just to watch these events. So who are they really serving?
🔹 Rapid-Fire Wrap-Up
UK hoops tidbits, hot takes… and the shocking fact that Brandon hasn’t watched a movie in 15 years.
