Insight Requested: Share Details About Your Squad!
Being nationally ranked in high school basketball brings great recognition to a program, and for good reason. But what does it take to make it onto the coveted FAB 50 list?
First and foremost, a high school basketball team can increase its chances of being ranked by demonstrating a high level of team performance against strong competition. This means scheduling and winning against quality opponents, including those ranked in the FAB 50, in regional, state, and national tournaments.
Having highly ranked individual players also plays a crucial role. Players who appear on top national recruiting lists attract scouting and media coverage, raising the program’s profile nationally. Consistent team success over multiple seasons, showing sustained excellence rather than one-off success, is another important factor.
Exposure through elite AAU programs, national showcases, and media attention can also put a team on the radar of ranking committees. Recruiting and retaining talented players, especially in pivotal roles like lead guards and skilled big men, increases team competitiveness and attractiveness to rankers.
While the FAB 50 ranking methodology is not publicly disclosed, these principles align with the typical criteria that national rankings consider: strength of schedule, quality wins, player talent, and visibility.
It's important to note that the FAB 50 ranking is based on on-court results, not just recruitable players or television appearances. Defeating a FAB 50-ranked team, especially a winning team, can make a significant impact on a team's ranking.
However, the FAB 50 does not rank teams with players who have completed eight semesters of high school. Programs must also follow age cutoff guidelines and rules of the high school governing body in their state to be eligible for FAB 50 ranking.
Honesty and consistency are also key when providing information about a team or player. Providing false or misleading information about a program can lead to disqualification from the FAB 50 ranking.
As the 2025-26 school year approaches, teams should focus on recruiting or developing elite talent, scheduling and winning against quality opponents, performing well in national events, and maintaining visibility throughout the season to improve their FAB 50 ranking prospects.
Lastly, a functional website or up-to-date social media handle with all the results and stats can help a team get recognized, making it easier for ranking committees to follow their progress.
- To increase a high school basketball team's chances of getting ranked in the FAB 50, they should focus on demonstrating high team performance against strong competition.
- Players who appear on top national recruiting lists can attract scouting and media coverage, raising a program's profile nationally and potentially securing a spot on the FAB 50 list.
- Consistent team success over multiple seasons, showing sustained excellence rather than one-off success, is another important factor when trying to make the FAB 50 list.
- Exposure through elite AAU programs, national showcases, and media attention can put a team on the radar of ranking committees, increasing their chances of making the FAB 50 list.
- The FAB 50 does not rank teams with players who have completed eight semesters of high school, so teams must follow age cutoff guidelines and rules of the high school governing body in their state to be eligible for FAB 50 ranking.
