Men's Basketball Head Coach, Kevin Hamilton, joins the New York Institute of Technology with a basketball background ranging from the collegiate to the national level.

Hamilton has impressive college basketball success during his four seasons at Iona College. Hamilton helped Iona have an impressive 84-31 overall record as well as their first two NCAA Tournament appearances.

After graduating, Hamilton was chosen in the fourth round of the 1980 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics but suffered a career-ending injury in the preseason. Hamilton has held several positions in the sports industry, including his current position as an AAU Director and international scout.

In 2014, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) added Hamilton to the Honor Roll Class and into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the “MAAC Experience” exhibit.

2aDays: What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?

I look for character, confidence, and commitment. These qualities can usually lead to a student-athlete that wants to be coached.

2aDays: What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?

Playing in the right events and usually those that are aggressive in reaching out to us about something we offer that separates us from others. Academics or program benefits.

2aDays: When should an athlete contact you? What is the best way?

Most players also have coaches and friends participate in the contact process. We want those who want to be at NYIT more than others.

2aDays: What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?

Work as hard as they can in everything they do. We are number 1 in our conference with academics finishing with a 3.4 GPA team average. We expect players to participate in events that can make them better on and off the court.

2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?

Do everything you can do to show you will fit in. Don't lie!

2aDays: What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Show your diversity in who you are. Always put your best foot forward, and don't be afraid to admit that you need to improve in an area.

2aDays: What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?

If the video has me watching it more than once. Usually, team play and athletic ability. I also can pick up a good teammate on film more than players know.

2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?

A: Bad music!!! Don't use it. Present clear watchable video so a coach will pay attention.

Q: When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of the season, or after each game?

Doesn't matter as long as it reflects who they are. I like highlights that also give a mini resume upfront, such as good grades and awards they have won.

2aDays: What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?

Have a list of non-negotiables for school and be prepared to move on if they are turned down.

2aDays: How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?

A: We all check it out to see what type of player we will get. Social media is very telling and very dangerous for players who do not know how to use it. Be careful what you do on social media.

* Originally published on November 14, 2017, by LRT Staff