If you are hoping to receive a basketball scholarship in the United States, you should be between the ages of 18 and 24 years old and no further along than the fifth semester in college. Also, most basketball scholarships are available only to undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree.
How it Usually Works
College basketball coaches at all levels (NCAA, NAIA, junior college) tend to begin the recruiting process with high school players, most of whom are between the ages of 17 and 19. This only makes sense, as coaches are looking for players who can contribute to their program during all 4 years of college. Occasionally, a coach will offer a scholarship to someone who has played at a 2-year community college or a 1-year prep school after high school.
Older Exceptions
Former George Mason University forward George Evans began his college playing career in 1997 as a 26-year-old, completing it shortly after his 30th birthday. This is because the 6-foot-7-inch Evans joined the military out of high school and served in the Persian Gulf War--deciding to go to college following his military commitment. Evans became one of the best players in George Mason history, becoming one of just two players in Colonial Athletic Association to be named Player of the Year on three occasions (Navy's David Robinson is the other).
Being Young
At the other end of the spectrum was former University of North Carolina center Brad Daugherty, who entered college as a 16-year-old freshman in 1982. While the cases of Evans and Daugherty are rare, they also offer proof that coaches will offer a scholarship to just about anyone who they believe will help their team win and can gain entry to their university, regardless of age.
Playing it Smart
When it comes to earning a college basketball scholarship, perhaps more important than meeting any sort of age requirement is making sure your grades are in order--something that should be done at an early age. Coaches don't like to take chances on academic risks, especially considering the amount of schoolwork needed to be done to stay eligible at the collegiate level. No matter how young or old, or how good of a basketball player you might be, you still must qualify for college academically.
Educating Yourself
Regardless of your age, it's important to be aware of the different requirements for colleges in which you are interested, as well as colleges that may have expressed an interest in you. The best news is, this type of information can be gathered and easily understood at about the same age you're old enough to make a jump shot on a 10-foot basket.
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