Oberlin College Men's Basketball Head Coach, Isaiah Cavaco, continues to reach a success level that Oberlin hasn't seen since the 1990s.

During the last four seasons, the Oberlin Men's Basketball team has appeared in the NCAC Tournament, produced back-to-back double-digit win seasons for the first time in 30 years, and has seen six NCAC victories, which is the most since that same year. Along with this, Coach Cavaco has mentored five 1,000-point scorers and numerous All-NCAC performers.

Coach Cavaco was the interim head coach and an assistant coach at Oberlin before being named the head coach and coaches at Ohio University, Yale University, and John Carroll University.

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

For basketball, I look for an ability to defend multiple positions and skills or roles offensively that will give him an identity. Off the court, I want to see independence and being proactive about the process.

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

Respond quickly to any contact from coaches. There are too many players for anyone to be chasing people.

2aDays: When should an athlete contact you? What is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)

Early junior year is great to get on our radar. Late junior year is good to set up a time to be seen at a tournament or showcase.

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

I expect that they provide effort and intensity, and it's our job to help channel those in the right direction. Most incoming first-year players are not physically ready for a season's demands, so the weight room is very important to us. In the classroom, we expect that they seek out what they need before anything becomes too difficult.

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

Don't talk negatively about situations or sound like you might be making excuses. Nobody wants to bring in a “can't do” mentality guy.

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

Put yourself in situations that highlight your ability. Play with the same team as much as possible, and don't change your game from week to week. That said, challenge yourself with the best competition whenever possible.

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

I like it when I see players making plays that translate to college. Solid plays done really well are better than circus shots.

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

Keep the music and special effects as just background. Highlight the things you actually do well, so we don't see you play live, and you aren't that guy at all.

2aDays: 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?

I like them at certain points like mid-season (holidays), the end of the season, the end of the spring events, and the end of the summer. Obviously, you don't need all of those, but that's when I'm most interested in adding new recruits.

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?

Figure out what it is that made it your dream school and find those characteristics in another one. Also, ask what it is that made them undesirable to the school and work on that weakness.

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

Just don't show irresponsible behavior or a lack of appreciation for what you have. All the other stuff is just for fun.

* Originally published on May 24, 2022, by Bryan Sosoo