In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Garry Linton — former basketball trainer turned mental performance coach — to talk about how recruiting has evolved, why athletes need to take ownership of their path, and how mindset and branding now play a major role in getting to the next level.

Garry has worked with athletes across different stages of development, and one of the biggest shifts he’s seen isn’t just in how players train — it’s in how they get recruited.

For years, many families relied on high school programs or travel teams to handle exposure. But today’s recruiting landscape looks very different. Between the transfer portal, increased competition, and limited roster spots, college coaches are more selective than ever — and relationships matter.

That’s why Garry offers a simple but powerful mindset shift for parents:

Treat every tournament like a business conference.

It might sound unconventional, but it reframes how families approach recruiting. Instead of just showing up and hoping to be noticed, athletes and parents can be intentional. Research which coaches will be in attendance. Identify programs that are a good fit. Be proactive in building real conversations.

Because unless an athlete is a clear, top-tier prospect, recruiting is rarely instant. It’s a process built on trust, familiarity, and repeated exposure.

From there, the conversation shifts into another critical piece of modern recruiting:

Athletes need to build their own brand.

Garry explains that in today’s game, visibility doesn’t just come from box scores or word of mouth. Social media, highlight videos, and personal outreach all play a role in how athletes are perceived by coaches.

And while some programs still support recruiting efforts, the reality is that most athletes need to take ownership of their exposure.

That doesn’t mean becoming an influencer — it means being intentional about how you present yourself as a player and person. Sharing your work ethic. Showing your development. Communicating who you are.

Because when coaches evaluate athletes, they’re not just looking at talent. They’re evaluating character, consistency, and whether that athlete fits their program.

Throughout the episode, Garry highlights the key principles that help athletes navigate recruiting successfully:

• Treating tournaments as networking opportunities

• Researching programs and building genuine relationships with coaches

• Taking ownership of exposure and communication

• Using social media to showcase development and character

• Developing confidence and clarity around personal identity as an athlete

One of the biggest takeaways is that recruiting is no longer passive. Athletes who take initiative — both on and off the court — give themselves a significant advantage.

Garry’s perspective blends basketball experience with mental performance principles, helping athletes approach recruiting with intention instead of uncertainty.

This episode is a must-listen for basketball players working toward college opportunities, parents navigating the recruiting process, and athletes who want to stand out in a crowded, competitive landscape.

🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite coaches who help players develop skills, build confidence, and navigate their athletic journey with purpose.

👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with coaches and performance experts, and explore private training to support your development on and off the court.