Writer Handbook

Get in the Gym

• Do the work before you get there – write a preview, make contact with the tournament director. Make a plan for the games you want to see ahead of time.
• Be open to watching & interacting with ALL teams and coaches. Nobody is off limits. Finding the balance between socializing/networking and watching games/writing is key. Be seen evaluating.
• Note Taking is key. Don’t trust your memory. A page or two of scribbles can turn into a week’s worth of content.

 

Build a Network

• Start small. Develop rapport and relationships with some of the smaller, newer programs and smaller coaches in the area. They’re like you, trying to build up from the bottom.
• Understand Prep Hoops’ mission when building a network. Grassroots programs and high schools loaded with small college talent are the ones you should aim for. Small college coaches, too. Your goal (exposure and visibility for players at all levels) helps those coaches with their goals.
• Be patient with your network-building. Introduce yourself multiple times. Be consistent with your manner and your attendance.

 

How to Create Player Rankings

• Take your time. Do you research – rosters, All Conference teams, stats, and your network of trusted resources. Send a draft to your network.
• Don’t take criticism personally. You put the work in and have earned the expertise, they’re your rankings. Critics are biased and perfection is unattainable. If you’re going to respond anyway except professionally and courteously, don’t.
• Good rankings start with you being in the gym. You can’t put together a list without seeing a lot of live action.

 

How to Write Efficiently

• Prepare yourself. Don’t be afraid to sit down at the beginning of the month or the beginning of the week and create a plan for the articles you want to write. Spread out the articles that take longer. Budget time for interviews, if you do those via DM/Email/Phone.
• There is almost no article type that should take you over an hour to write. There is no article type that should take less than 20 minutes. Care deeply about the quality of the work and the time/length will take care of itself.
• Never stop thinking about ‘featured content.’ Ask yourself, ‘What’s a new way I can organize prospects into a list?” and then analyze that list.
• The more players, the less analysis is needed, and vice versa. Six players with 150 words on each is just as good as 9 players with 75 words on each.

 

How to Utilize Twitter

• Be professional, first and foremost. If you’re on the fence about posting something, don’t.
• Follow the players you want to write about. Follow the teams. Follow the coaches. Following is an important first step to establishing rapport – and learn to use the mute button, rather than the unfollow.
• Advertise your stories every time. Tag the teams/players/coaches so they know you’re writing/posting about them.
• Figure out how the state account fits into your strategy. Engage with players and fans on there. RT yourself and vice versa with that account.

 

Questions to Ask During Interviews

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about recruiting. This is a chance to ask questions unique to that particular player and his situation.
• You may need to call a player. Get comfortable interviewing on the phone. Take notes so you can include quotes. DM is preferable, however, because cutting and pasting answers saves time.
• Start interviews by explaining who you are, what you’ll be talking about, when the article will be published.
• Be professional. Be friendly, but not their friend.

 

Relationships With Club Programs

• Establishing rapport and trust with Club programs is essential. Go out of your way to network with Club people. Be cognizant of appearing too biased toward one or two programs. Spread your coverage out as best as you can.
• Not all Club programs will treat you with the same respect. Don’t take it personally, Don’t let that affect how much you cover them. It’s about the kids.