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May 19, 2026 56 mins

Women’s basketball recruiting is evolving fast — and college coaches are adjusting in real time.

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Tennessee women’s basketball assistant coach Bill Ferrara to discuss how NIL, social media, transfer rules, and roster changes are reshaping the recruiting landscape for athletes and families.

Coach Ferrara shares insights from more than 20 years in Division I basketball, including what coaches actually look for in recruits, why highlight tapes matter more than ever, and how Tennessee rebuilt its roster and culture in just weeks.

The conversation also dives into the realities of recruiting today, the importance of adaptability, and why finding the right fit matters more than chasing status or rankings.

About Coach Bill Ferrara

Coach Bill Ferrara is an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee women’s basketball program and brings more than two decades of Division I coaching experience. Throughout his career, Ferrara has coached at programs including St. John's University, University of New Mexico, Central Michigan University, University of Florida, and Florida State University.

Known for his high-energy coaching style and recruiting expertise, Ferrara has helped develop winning programs and standout athletes across women’s college basketball.

Key Takeaways

- NIL and new eligibility rules are changing the recruiting process for athletes and families

- Highlight tapes and social media now play a major role in exposure

- Coaches value fit, work ethic, and adaptability more than ever

- Tennessee’s fast-paced system requires toughness, urgency, and resilience

- Parents and athletes should focus on long-term fit, development, and opportunity.

Resources for Basketball Parents

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Keep in Touch

Bill: https://www.instagram.com/coachferrara?igsh=MWIzd3JkcXB0ODAwOQ%3D%3D

Tennessee WBB: https://www.instagram.com/ladyvol_hoops?igsh=MTY1NmdxeHFjY2EzeQ%3D%3D

Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr?igsh=bXFrcTliMHBoajg5&utm_source=qr

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