Huge thanks to Karl from
for joining the show. Everyone make sure to go subscribe to his Substack!Also, if you haven’t already, the 2026 and 2027 player rankings are live at rankings.utahbasketball.net . Please drop me any feedback before the season starts so I can have the data correct. If you feel like your ranking is wrong, provide data on why and drop it in the comment section here!
Ok, here are the notes from the show:
What's up, everyone! On this episode, I sit down with Karl Barkley, founder of D3 Direct, to demystify the world of NCAA Division III basketball. For Utah players, where D3 opportunities aren't right in our backyard, this conversation is essential listening. We break down the biggest misconceptions (especially about scholarships), discuss why D3 is a powerhouse of opportunity, and give you actionable advice for navigating the recruiting process.
If you or your player is looking for a path to play at the next level, you don't want to miss this.
Guest Information:
Guest: Karl Barkley
Company: D3 Direct
Website: d3-direct.com - Your go-to resource for camps, recruiting advice, and more.
Key Discussion Points & Takeaways:
The Scale of D3 Basketball: Did you know there are more D3 schools (around 440) than D1 schools? Karl explains that D3 is the largest NCAA division, offering a massive number of opportunities for student-athletes.
Busting the Scholarship Myth: While D3 schools don't offer athletic scholarships, Karl breaks down how players can get their education paid for through a combination of academic merit aid, grants, and other financial aid packages. Often, the final cost can be less than a partial scholarship offer from a D1 or D2 school.
The "Why" Behind D3: Karl makes a powerful point: "D3 is the last bastion of what college sports used to be." It's an environment that prioritizes the "student" in student-athlete, setting players up for a 40-year career, not just a 4-year one. The network you build is invaluable.
What to Look for in a D3 School: For Utah players looking out of state, Karl advises considering:
Distance from Home: Do you want your family to be able to see you play?
Academics: Does the school have the specific major you're interested in? Doing this research will impress coaches.
Environment: Are you ready for Chicago winters or Texas heat? Consider the weather and campus environment.
Program Fit: Is it a top-tier program where you might have to wait your turn, or a rebuilding one where you could play right away? Do they have a JV team?
Recruiting Advice: Karl's golden rule: "Ask hard questions during your recruiting process to avoid hard truths when you get to campus." Be proactive, do your homework on the programs, and don't be afraid to ask coaches where you stand.
The D3 Pro Pipeline: We discussed examples like Brody Fox (Wisconsin-Stout) who went from D3 to a D1 star and now a pro career. Karl also mentioned the book Pipeline to the Pros by Ben Kaplan, which highlights how many D3 alumni are now in NBA front offices and coaching staffs.
Resources Mentioned:
D3 Direct Website: d3-direct.com for recruiting resources, camp lists, and one-on-one coaching.
Book: Pipeline to the Pros by Ben Kaplan - A look at how D3 grads have shaped professional basketball.
Utah HS Hoops Rankings: As mentioned in the intro, check out our new 2026 and 2027 Player Rankings!
Thanks for tuning in! Make sure to follow Karl and D3 Direct on social media for daily tips, and don't forget to subscribe to the Utah HS Hoops podcast.
