Dear Coach,

I know your reality. I know you spend countless hours on the road, in gyms, and on the phone, competing not just against the programs in your conference but against the perception that bigger is always better. I know how hard you work to get talented high school prospects and their families to truly see your program—to look past the division label and recognize the opportunity you’re offering: a quality education, a chance to play meaningful minutes, and a coaching staff that will develop them as players and people.

I’m writing to tell you that the recruiting landscape has shifted beneath everyone’s feet, and that shift is creating an unprecedented opportunity for programs like yours. I want to invite you to capitalize on it at the 2026 Black Cager Live Period Invitational.

The Portal Is Pushing Talent Downstream

The emergence of the NIL and Transfer Portal era hasn’t just changed Division I recruiting—it has turned it upside down. Division I staffs are now building their rosters primarily through the portal, reserving their high school recruiting efforts almost exclusively for the top 100-150 nationally ranked prospects. The talented high school senior who would have been a mid-major lock three years ago? He’s now a player the D-I staffs are passing over in favor of a 22-year-old transfer with college experience.

Here’s what that means for you: prospects who previously would have never been accessible to Division II, Division III, NAIA, or Junior College programs are now very much in play. The talent pool available to you has deepened considerably.

The 5-in-5 Model Will Accelerate This Trend

And it’s about to deepen further. The proposed “5 in 5” eligibility model will grant athletes five years of eligibility beginning after high school graduation or after turning 19, whichever comes first. With NIL compensation providing financial incentive to stay in school, older, physically mature players will absolutely use that extra year. They’ll occupy roster spots longer, clog the pipeline, and further shrink the number of D-I scholarships available to high school seniors.

The downstream effect on your programs will be significant—and positive. More quality high school prospects will be looking for homes. More families will need to be educated on the value of small-college basketball. Your opportunity to land difference-makers straight out of high school is growing in real time.

We’re Doing Something About It

Black Cager Sports, in partnership with Game Plan Intelligence Group, is inviting over 100 coaching staffs from Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior College programs to the 2026 Black Cager Live Period Invitational. This is not a showcase where you’ll be watching from the margins while the D-I staffs work the room. This event is built for you.

We are bringing together area prospects, their families, and high school coaching staffs who understand that the recruiting game has changed. These are players actively seeking opportunities at the levels you coach. These are families ready to have honest conversations about fit, playing time, development, and education—the conversations where your program shines.

We want to connect you directly with the prospects who can help you win games and graduate leaders. We want to help you identify the players who have been overlooked by a D-I system that is increasingly looking past high school talent.

We look forward to having you attend, evaluate, and build relationships with prospects who are ready to become the foundation of your next championship run.

Details on dates, venue, and registration will follow shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out directly.

The talent is there. The opportunity is now. Let’s go find your next program-changer together.

With respect and purpose,

Delgreco K. Wilson

Founder, Black Cager Sports

856-366-0992

Jason Boggs
Event Director, Black Cager Sports
484-522-2750