Hidden Gems Scouting is a full-service basketball evaluation, scouting, and recruiting company designed to help high school players gain exposure to small college programs that are the right fit for their game, academics, and long-term goals.

We provide:

• In-depth player evaluations

• Honest feedback on strengths and growth areas

• Recruiting education for families

• Exposure to small college coaches actively recruiting

Our focus is simple: real evaluations. Real opportunities. Real fit.

A small college typically refers to NAIA, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, or NJCAA (Junior College or JUCO) programs.

These schools often:

• Have smaller enrollment sizes

• Offer more individualized academic support

• Provide meaningful playing opportunities earlier in a player’s career

• Focus on player development

• Maintain strong coach-to-player relationships

For many athletes, small colleges provide the best overall combination of basketball, academics, campus culture, and opportunity.

Illinois has a strong network of small college basketball programs across multiple levels.

NAIA (Illinois)

• Roosevelt University

• Saint Ambrose University (border IL/IA – recruits heavily from IL)

• St. Xavier University

• Trinity Christian College

• Judson University

• Olivet Nazarene University

NCAA Division II (Illinois)

• Lewis University

• University of Illinois Springfield

• McKendree University

NCAA Division III (Illinois)

• Augustana College

• Aurora University

• Benedictine University

• Blackburn College

• Carthage College

• Dominican University

• Elmhurst University

• Eureka College

• Greenville University

• Illinois College

• Illinois Institute of Technology

• Illinois Wesleyan University

• Knox College

• Lake Forest College

• Millikin University

• Monmouth College

• North Central College

• North Park University

• Rockford University

• Wheaton College

NJCAA (Junior Colleges – Illinois)

• Moraine Valley CC

• Triton College

• Morton College

• South Suburban College

• College of DuPage

• Elgin Community College

• Waubonsee Community College

• Kankakee Community College

• Illinois Central College

• John A. Logan College

• Southwestern Illinois College

• Parkland College

• Lincoln Land Community College

• Kishwaukee College

• Danville Area Community College

This is not a complete national list — but it shows the depth of opportunity right here in Illinois.

While Division I basketball gets the most attention, it represents a very small percentage of available roster spots nationwide.

Small colleges:

• Offer significantly more roster opportunities

• Provide real scholarship packages (academic + athletic)

• Allow players to develop and grow into impact contributors

• Often give players more playing time earlier

At Hidden Gems Scouting, we prioritize fit and opportunity over hype.

Yes, many small colleges offer athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, and need-based financial aid.

• NAIA: Athletic scholarships available

• NCAA Division II: Athletic scholarships available

• NCAA Division III: No athletic scholarships, but strong academic and need-based aid

• NJCAA: Athletic scholarships available

Many families are surprised to learn that small college packages can be competitive—and sometimes better—than larger programs.

Evaluation Day is ideal for:

• High school juniors and seniors

• Unsigned seniors

• Players seeking honest recruiting feedback

• Athletes looking to understand their realistic college level

If you’re serious about playing at the next level and want clarity, exposure, and direction, then this is for you.

The Hidden Gems Scouting Showcase is designed for serious high school players who want real exposure to small college coaches.

This event is ideal for:

• Unsigned seniors still looking for the right college fit

• Juniors who want early exposure and honest recruiting feedback

• Under-recruited players who may not be receiving Division I attention but can thrive at the small college level

• Late bloomers who are still developing physically or skill-wise

• Players who want to be evaluated based on how they actually play — not hype, rankings, or social media

Our showcase is not for players just “testing the waters.” It’s for athletes who are serious about playing at the next level and want to compete in front of coaches actively recruiting.

At Hidden Gems, the focus is simple:

• Real competition

• Real evaluation

• Real opportunity

If you’re looking for clarity on your level and meaningful exposure to small college programs, the Showcase is built for you.