University Prep Program

The EuroProBasket University Prep Program is a post grad basketball gap year in Valencia, Spain, for men aged 18 to 20 who want to play university basketball. It runs 2 to 10 months at L'Alquería del Basket, the largest basketball training facility in Europe, and it is the European alternative to a post grad prep school year in the United States.

Every coach holds a European coaching licence and works in the professional game. In Spain and across most of Europe a coaching licence is a multi-level qualification that takes years to complete, closer to a university degree in coaching than to a certificate. In the United States, coach licensing is a short course and a fee.

Players train with those coaches, play competitive games against European teams, and leave with the game film and the record of competition that university coaches in the United States and Europe ask to see. Taking part does not affect your NCAA eligibility.

More than 400 EuroProBasket players have signed professional contracts or committed to universities across more than 25 countries since 2015.

Program Highlights

Coaches with a European licence, not a weekend certificate. Every coach holds a European federation coaching qualification and works professionally in the game.
A post grad year in Europe, not a US prep school. The same high-calibre post grad environment American players go looking for, in the epicenter of European basketball, at a fraction of the cost.
Train at L'Alquería del Basket. The largest basketball training facility in Europe, in Valencia, Spain.
University exposure on two continents. Showcase your game in front of universities across the United States and Europe.
Game film that travels. Build a portfolio of high-level competition on film, so coaches can evaluate you properly.
NCAA eligibility protected. Taking part in this program does not affect it.
Career guidance. Meet and speak with current scouts and former NCAA coaches.
NCAA Clearinghouse guidance. In-depth sessions on NCAA rules and regulations, including the Clearinghouse process.
Routes beyond the NCAA. Guidance on NAIA, Junior College, and university options in the UK, Canada, Spain and other European countries.
Scout and coach visits. Visits from scouts, NCAA coaches and university representatives.
Scholarship opportunities. Direct exposure to programs that offer them.

University Prep Program FAQ

What players and parents ask about EuroProBasket's University Prep Program in Valencia, Spain — NCAA eligibility, lengths, ages, academics and university exposure.

Does the University Prep Program affect my NCAA eligibility?

The program is built to preserve NCAA eligibility. It includes NCAA compliance sessions covering the rules and the NCAA Clearinghouse process, so players know exactly what they can and cannot do while training abroad. Every player's situation is different, so confirm your own case with the NCAA Eligibility Center before you travel.

How long is the University Prep Program and when does it start?

Players choose a 2, 3, 5 or 10-month block. The 10-month option runs a full season from August to June, the 3-month block runs September to December, and the 2-month block runs January to March. It is designed as a gap-year alternative to a prep school year in the United States.

What age is the University Prep Program for?

The program is tailored to young men aged 18 to 20 who are serious about playing university basketball. Players over 20 are welcome to email EuroProBasket to ask about eligibility. Younger players are usually a better fit for EuroProBasket's Junior Programs or L'Alqueria Academy.

Can I study while I am in the program?

Yes. On the 5 and 10-month options players can add a university educational program delivered with TPT International School and the Universitat Politècnica de València, together with student residence accommodation. On the 2 and 3-month options the focus is basketball, with hotel accommodation and breakfast included.

Which universities will see me play?

Players build a game-film portfolio in high-level competition and are exposed to universities in both the United States and Europe — NCAA, NAIA and junior college routes in the US, plus university options in the UK, Canada, Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Current scouts, former NCAA coaches and university representatives visit the program.

How much does the University Prep Program cost?

Cost depends on the length you choose — 2, 3, 5 or 10 months — and whether you include accommodation and the university education add-on. Current pricing for each option is listed in the Prices section of this page. For a quote built around your dates and target route, contact EuroProBasket.

Included

2 & 3 MONTH

Hotel Stay – Shared Rooms
Breakfast (lunch and dinner not included)
2 Practices Per Day
Practice Uniforms, Personalized Game Uniforms, Warm Ups
Introduction to American and European rules, systems, concepts and tactics
Education about the United State Collegiate System and European University System

5 & 10 MONTH

2 Practices Per Day
Practice Uniforms, Personalized Game Uniforms, Warm Ups
Introduction to American and European rules, systems, concepts and tactics
Education about the United State Collegiate System and European University System

OPTIONAL ADD-ON 5 & 10 MONTH

University Educational Program - TPT International School and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia
Student Residence Accommodation - Reservation before May