At long last, the day has come.
The national signing period begins Wednesday for Division I and II men's and women's college basketball, running through May 15.
Keirsten Sires, founder and president for LRT Sports, a website dedicated to the education of the recruiting process, said once the National Letter of Intent is signed and delivered by the high school senior, it's time for celebration.
Video: Making the Jump
Advice, pointers, horror stories leading up to basketball's signing period.
"The recruiting process is essentially done," she said. "You have just signed a legally binding contract to commit to a college or university for at least one year."
Sires spent 18 minutes with MaxPreps host Chris Stonebraker on a Making the Jump podcast to discuss the the entire process, including the final days leading up to the signing period's commencement.
Among the many topics Sires and Stonebraker covered:
• The difference between committing and signing.
• Being smart on social media. "If your grandma wouldn't like it, don't post it," Sires noted.
• Staying in contact with college coaches. "Do not drop off the planet," she said. "Take the initiative."
With only 13 male scholarships at the 337 D-I universities and 15 female scholarships for the 335 D-I schools, it's vital to be proactive and aware of the many recruiting rules, Sires said. Ivy League, NAIA and Division III schools have different rules and signing procedures.
