Two men's basketball players attend basketball academy

Two Eastern Florida State College men's basketball players competed at the 2024 NCAA College Basketball Academy took place in Rock Hill, South Carolina at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center.

Emondrek Erkins-Ford and Corey Caulker were among 49 student-athletes from 37 NJCAA member institutions that participated in the academy, learning about NCAA eligibility and compliance, the recruiting process, agents, the transfer portal, and name, image and likeness opportunities. Caulker played with the Yale squad while Erkins-Ford represented Grambling State.

"We did a bit of both, we would have a game and then we would have a class about eligibility, NIL and other stuff that will help us," Caulker said. "They had some previous Division I players talk to us about what to expect and kind of a day in their life and how hard it is."

Both players have been playing in different events throughout the summer as they prepare for the upcoming men's basketball season.

"This summer has been great, you build some great relationships and play against good competition, so you know what to expect a bit. It was fun playing basketball with different guys," Caulker said. "It gets me super excited for the season, I can't wait for the rest of the guys to get here and get started."

The NCAA College Basketball Academy is a developmental summer academy that gives junior college student-athletes the chance to participate in high-level basketball competition and life skill courses. Student-athletes are given the opportunity to compete and perform in front of four-year coaches and college recruiters as well as life skill courses that educate student-athletes on NCAA eligibility and compliance, the recruiting process, agents, the transfer portal, and name, image and likeness opportunities. 

The men's basketball season begins in October.