To help young players and their families—especially international athletes from Europe and other countries—understand the complex structure of American college basketball, this series features insights from two highly experienced professionals.
Boris Karebin, President of BK-CENTRE, is a basketball coach with many years of NBA experience and an executive with extensive experience in international scouting and basketball operations.
Nate Altenhofen is the Chief Executive Officer of ABA LLC, an National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Champion coach, and a longtime collegiate coach with extensive experience at major American universities, including Indiana University.
Together, they will answer the most important questions about the U.S. college basketball system and help families understand which pathway offers the best opportunities for each athlete.
Many parents assume that NCAA Division I players are dramatically better than Division II players. In reality, the difference is often much smaller than expected.
What Division I and Division II Players Have in Common
Players in both divisions may possess:
- Excellent shooting ability
- High basketball IQ
- Strong athleticism
- Advanced technical skills
- Competitive mentality
- Professional potential
What Usually Separates Division I from Division II
The main differences are often related to:
- Height and physical size
- Explosiveness and athletic upside
- Consistency under pressure
- Depth of talent across the roster
In many cases, Division II players are nearly identical in skill level to Division I players. The difference may be as small as:
- 2–3 cm in height for guards
- 2–5 cm in height for forwards
- Greater size and length among elite Division I centers and power forwards
Real-World Example
A player who is highly skilled but slightly undersized may be recruited by a strong Division II program rather than a Division I school. After proving himself, that same athlete may later transfer to Division I or continue on to a professional career in Europe or elsewhere.
Why Division II Should Not Be Overlooked
NCAA Division II offers:
- Outstanding coaching
- Excellent facilities
- Athletic scholarships
- High-level competition
- Transfer opportunities to Division I
Many successful professional players began their careers in Division II, NAIA, or junior college before reaching the highest levels.
Key Takeaway
NCAA Division I is the most visible and prestigious level of college basketball, but Division II remains an extremely competitive environment with tremendous opportunities.
For many athletes, the best path is not necessarily the most famous one—it is the program that matches their talent, physical profile, academic qualifications, and long-term goals.
Here are the conference rankings:
Top pic is top 3 levels:
Level1 Top 20 programs
Level2Power4-SEC,10,ACC,B12
Level3 – American, BEast, A10, IVY, Big West
Middle Pic is
Level 4 MID Majors
Bottom Pic is Low D1