HoopTalk – D3Hoops

There is a form of basketball that may be the last of its kind. I may be a little biased as I am a Division III hooper myself, but I think the jury is clear: college basketball just isn’t the same anymore. However, there is hope at the lower levels.

Division III basketball stands apart as the only NCAA division prohibited from offering athletic scholarships, a key distinction from Divisions I and II. While merit-based awards and need-based financial aid remain available, there are no full-ride athletic packages like those at powerhouse programs. So, what does this mean for the game?

A Brief History and Structure of D3 Hoops

Division III basketball, governed by the NCAA, includes over 440 men’s teams and nearly as many women’s programs across small colleges and universities. Established in 1973 as part of the NCAA’s reorganization into three divisions, D3 emphasizes a “student-first” model. No redshirting, no athletic scholarships, just pure eligibility based on academics and love of the game.

This structure realigns the sport with the NCAA’s foundational ethos: prioritizing education, fostering personal growth, and competing purely for the passion of basketball, rather than financial incentives. In Division III, it’s common to find rosters filled with dedicated four-year varsity athletes and visionary coaches who build elite programs with championship cultures.

Like I said, I may be biased coming from Division III, but the verdict is clear: if you want pure hoops, tune into D3Hoops.com every now and then, you won’t be disappointed.