https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN-pMFpNDIA Summary Below: A robust futures market in basketball has been growing for decades, particularly for middle school kids who are starting to develop and show potential. The real scouting starts after puberty, when players are assessed for their potential to become stars at the high school, college, and professional levels. Scouts are often looking for talent as early as 13, 14, or 15 years old. If you can identify a rising star early, it can be incredibly valuable. The Role of Unofficial Scouts and Runners: These scouts or "runners" aren’t necessarily affiliated with universities but play a significant role in the recruiting process. They seek to attach themselves to star players and guide their paths, whether it's through high school, college, or the professional level. Their value lies in the connections they can facilitate and the money they can potentially earn if they’re successful in guiding players to the right opportunities. The Rise of Street Agents: A large portion of basketball recruitment involves unofficial scouts or "street agents"—people who have no official title but scout playgrounds, pickup games, middle school events, and grassroots tournaments. College coaches often have to communicate with these street agents to stay aware of where players are and to help identify potential talent. As the influence of shoe companies grew, high schools had less control, and the recruitment process became a gray area, filled by unofficial scouts and street agents. International Expansion in Basketball Recruiting: In the last 10 to 15 years, the international boom in basketball has been noticeable. Historically, there have been international players who made an impact in the U.S., such as Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1980s, but the influx of international talent has increased dramatically. Many international players, especially from Africa, Europe, and South America, see the U.S. as an opportunity for growth, and there are middlemen in the U.S. and Canada who bring them over to help manage their development and path to a professional career.