Written by William Johnson June 18, 2025
Being a Division I, II, or III college basketball player sounds glamorous to outsiders. Free gear, packed gyms, travel, recognition. You hear people say, “Man, you’re living the dream.” NIL deals have made it a little sweeter (only for top prospects), but here’s the truth: that dream comes with a cost, and it ain’t for everybody.
1. You’re a Student… but Really an Athlete
Let’s start with the obvious — the “student-athlete” label. On paper, it’s balanced. In reality, basketball eats your schedule alive. Early morning lifts, class all day, practice in the afternoon, then film sessions or treatment, followed by late-night studying. Sleep? That’s a luxury. Free time? Doesn’t exist during the season. Student-athlete was a term made up not to pay athletes, don’t believe me, go look it up. With NIL deals taking over, it may seem okay, but it’s not (we’ll discuss NIL on another blog). When you’re going to a HIGH MAJOR D1, you’re only there to be an athlete; they didn’t recruit you there to be a “STUDENT”, this is just the truth. This past season, it was Rick Barnes, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, who told a kid, ” If you’re not going to do what you’re getting paid to do, sit over here, cause you’re getting paid to do that.” Did y’all hear anywhere in that quote that you’re getting paid to be a STUDENT? Nope, that’s not how the game goes people.
And while your classmates head out on weekends, you’re either in the gym, on a bus, or crashing in a hotel room before a game. The grind is constant — you learn real quick how to sacrifice.
2. Injuries and Pain are Constant Companions
You don’t play college basketball at any level without pain. Ankles swell, knees bark, backs tighten. Everyone’s playing hurt. You tape up, pop ibuprofen, and figure out how to manage it. Sitting out isn’t an option unless you literally can’t walk.
The worst part? You’re expected to perform like you’re 100%. There’s no sympathy in stats.
3. The Pressure is Relentless
There’s pressure from coaches, teammates, fans, and yourself. Every practice is an evaluation. Every minute you get in a game, you’re trying to prove you belong — or prove someone else doesn’t. Minutes are earned, not given.
Mess up a rotation or miss a box-out, and you might ride the bench for weeks. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the mental strain can get heavy.
4. Not Everyone Makes It
You see it fast — some guys burn out, quit, or lose their love for the game. Others just can’t keep up with the physical or academic demands. Talent isn’t always enough. Discipline, work ethic, and mental toughness matter more.
Some players were stars in high school, but in college, everyone’s a star. You’ve got to evolve, adapt, or get left behind.
5. It’s a Full-Time Job Without a Salary
You put in 30+ hours a week during the season — that’s on top of a full class load. Division I athletes might get scholarships and NIL which is mainly for highly
touted recruits, but it’s not the NBA. You’re not rich. Division II or III? Most are grinding with little or no aid, playing purely out of love.
You work like a pro but live like a broke college kid. That’s real.
So Why Do It?
Because the game gives back in other ways. Brotherhood. Discipline. Mental toughness. It teaches you how to push past your limits. How to keep going when everything in you wants to stop. And there’s nothing like the feeling of game night — jersey on, lights up, heart pounding, crowd buzzing.
But make no mistake: this life ain’t for everybody. I have a phrase that says, #EVERYBODYCAN’TDOTHIS, it’s one of the realest statements you’ll ever find, and it sums up being a collegiate hooper best.
It’s hard, humbling, and unforgiving. But for those built for it? For those who really love the grind? There’s nothing better.
