In this episode, we cover…
(0:00) Steve introduces his background and playing Division I basketball at Boston College
(1:00) Talks about the biggest surprise at the D1 level: the intensity and volume of off-season training
(2:00) Explains arriving as a walk-on and jumping straight into team workouts without structured summer prep
(3:00) Discusses early struggles with strength, weightlifting expectations, and adjusting to the program
(4:00) Shares his journey from bench player to earning playing time against top ACC teams
(5:30) Talks about earning a full scholarship his senior year through consistent effort and development
(6:30) Explains how strength and conditioning transformed his performance and confidence
(7:30) Answers what college coaches look for: athleticism, hustle, and effort on both ends of the court
(9:00) Discusses versatility—why players need to do more than just one skill to stand out
(10:30) Shares recruiting advice: leverage connections, accept help, and then prove yourself through hard work
What It Really Takes to Play Division I Basketball
For many young athletes, playing Division I basketball is the ultimate goal—but Steve Perpiglia explains that most players underestimate what it actually takes to compete at that level. In this episode with Athletes Untapped, Steve—who played at Boston College—shares the reality of transitioning from high school to Division I athletics and what separates players who succeed from those who struggle.
His journey from walk-on to scholarship athlete highlights the importance of preparation, training, and persistence in reaching the highest level of college basketball.
The Biggest Surprise About Division I Training
One of the first things Steve realized when arriving at Boston College in Massachusetts, was how intense the training actually was. While he expected a challenge, he did not anticipate the volume and intensity of off-season workouts.
From weightlifting to agility training, the physical demands were far beyond what he experienced in high school. As a walk-on, he didn’t have structured summer training before arriving on campus, which made the transition even more difficult.
He quickly learned that being skilled in basketball is not enough—athletes must also be physically prepared to handle the demands of Division I competition.
From Walk-On to Scholarship Athlete
Steve’s story is a powerful example of perseverance. When he first joined the team, he spent his first two years primarily on the bench, serving as a practice player.
However, through consistent effort and improvement, he worked his way into game situations. During his junior year, due to team changes and strong preseason performance, he earned playing time against top programs like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia.
By his senior year, all of his hard work paid off—he earned a full scholarship, proving that development and persistence can create opportunities even when they aren’t guaranteed from the start.
The Role of Strength and Conditioning
A major part of Steve’s growth came from strength and conditioning. When he first arrived on campus, he weighed around 165 pounds and struggled to keep up with the required lifting standards.
Over time, through structured training programs, he significantly increased his strength—eventually bench pressing 260 pounds. This transformation allowed him to compete physically at the Division I level and contributed directly to his success on the court.
His experience shows that athletic development is just as important as skill development when it comes to high-level basketball.
Why Preparation Before College Matters
Looking back, Steve believes one of the biggest differences for athletes is how prepared they are before arriving on campus. Without access to trainers or structured programs during high school, he felt behind when he first started.
Today, with access to private coaching and training platforms, athletes have more opportunities than ever to prepare for the next level. Taking advantage of these resources can make a major difference in how quickly players adapt to college athletics.
What College Coaches Are Really Looking For
One of the most valuable insights Steve shares is what actually helps athletes stand out to college coaches. While common advice includes being a team player and having good body language, he goes deeper into what truly makes a difference.
According to Steve, the two biggest traits coaches look for are:
- Athleticism
- Hustle
Players who consistently sprint, compete on defense, and show effort on every play immediately stand out. Coaches are looking for athletes who can do multiple things—not just shoot or handle the ball, but contribute across all aspects of the game.
The Importance of Versatility in Basketball
Steve emphasizes that being a one-dimensional player can limit opportunities. Athletes who stand out are those who can:
- Shoot
- Handle the ball
- Pass effectively
- Defend with effort
This versatility makes players more valuable to coaches and increases their chances of earning playing time and recruitment opportunities.
Why Connections Matter in Recruiting
One of the most overlooked aspects of recruiting is networking. Steve openly shares that his opportunity at Boston College came through connections—specifically his high school coach and personal relationships tied to the program.
He explains that many athletes believe they need to earn everything solely through performance, but the reality is that connections often play a significant role in getting noticed.
Rather than avoiding help, athletes should embrace it. Using available connections can open doors, and once given the opportunity, it’s up to the athlete to prove themselves.
Accepting Help and Maximizing Opportunities
Steve stresses that success in sports—and in life—is rarely achieved alone. Many athletes underestimate how important it is to accept help from coaches, family, and mentors.
By leveraging relationships and staying open to opportunities, athletes can put themselves in better positions to succeed. Once they get there, hard work and performance will determine how far they go.
Final Takeaway
Steve Perpiglia’s journey from walk-on to scholarship Division I athlete shows that success is built through preparation, hard work, and taking advantage of opportunities.
From his experience at Boston College to his advice on training and recruiting, his message is clear:
Put in the work, stay disciplined, and don’t be afraid to use the resources and connections available to you.
For young athletes aiming to play college basketball, that combination can make all the difference.
About Athletes Untapped
Want to crush it on the court like Steve? Start training with a private coach and untap your potential.
We connect families & athletes with private sports coaches. Hosting over 3,000 coaches nationwide, head to our website and find a local/vetted coach near you!
