Hoop Dreams

Brian Tolefree’s plans for next year are taking him to TLAP Sports Academy Prep in West Palm Beach, Florida. Students who attend an athletics preparatory school can take courses and continue their education while working to improve their athletic skills. After their year in the prep school is up, they can accept recruitments and make their decision to play in college. According to TLAP’s website they offer high school 5th year student athletes a “complete basketball training, skill development and academic program intended to quicken improvement and increase opportunities to play at the college level.”

It isn’t uncommon for high school basketball players to opt for a year of preparatory school before accepting recruitment offers. In fact, the Wichita State Shockers had 6 players on their 2015-2016 roster who attended a prep school or participated in a post-graduate team and added another for this coming season’s roster, making the total 7, according to an article from The Wichita Eagle.

Tolefree, a senior who was a starter for the cardinal basketball team this season, decided to attend the preparatory school in order to improve his game.

“I chose to pursue because it allows me an extra year to develop my body and my game without my NCAA eligibility time starting,” Tolefree said. “The application process is the same as any other college application. I still had to fill out financial aid.”

Head men’s basketball coach at EHS, Kyle Deterding, has worked with Brian over the last few years on and off season. He believes that this is a good opportunity for the athlete.

“Brian has worked extremely hard the past couple of years for the opportunity to continue playing basketball after high school.  He will continue to lift weights to become stronger and also stay in the gym continuing to work on his basketball skills,” Coach Deterding said.

Brian made the decision to attend the school with his family after being contacted by the coach. “The coach saw my highlight film and then got in contact with me. After a while he offered me to come play there.”

The prep school provides 2-3 hours of daily individual player skill work, high school academic coursework, 25+ competitive games throughout the season as well as national tournaments and showcases, 3 nutritionist approved meals per day, and help with college placement and decision.

Josh Aarnes, an athletic trainer at EHS, gave his viewpoint on athletes attending a year of prep school. “I would say that an extra year post-high school can help prepare an athlete for the higher level of competition they will face at the college level. They also have more time to train their body and improve their skills.” He also adds that it can be beneficial to take a year to improve without using up NCAA eligibility. “It can be a very useful situation even though the athlete may see it as a negative thing because they are not eligible to compete.”

The NCAA rules state that a student athlete has five academic years to use four years of eligibility. By taking an additional year between high school and recruitment, athletes have an opportunity to hone in on their skills without taking time away from their college careers.

Brian says he isn’t nervous to make the move to Florida next year. “I am anxious to leave and get out of Kansas. I’m ready to experience life on my own.” With a bright future and hope to be a great athlete, Tolefree is ready to make his next move.