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About Indiana University Northwest Basketball
Indiana University Northwest offers a practical path for players serious about balancing education and competitive basketball. Head Coach Javier Heridia leads a program in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference where players get genuine playing time and meaningful development rather than riding the bench. Located in Gary, Indiana, the university delivers a legitimate degree from the IU system—a credential that holds real weight whether basketball leads to professional opportunities or not. NAIA basketball at IU Northwest means you're competing against players committed to the game, but without the recruiting circus of Division I. You'll develop skills in a structured environment where coaches invest in your growth because your success directly impacts team performance. The Chicagoland conference provides solid regional competition and exposure, and the program actively uses the transfer portal both ways—creating realistic pathways to higher levels if you're ready, or positioning you for meaningful roles immediately. Coach Heridia values players who understand that elite development happens in practice and film sessions, not just games. You'll get coaching feedback that translates to actual improvement, better positioning for professional basketball or graduate school, and a degree that opens doors beyond athletics. This is for recruits who want a professional experience without the hype—where your effort directly determines your playing time and your trajectory. The gap between a recruit who gets offers and one who doesn't is rarely talent alone—it's preparation. Florida Coastal Prep specializes in exactly that bridge year. Explore the program at floridacoastalprep.com or reach out via /contact/.
Getting recruited at this level requires more than raw talent — coaches need to see your film at the right moment, your eligibility paperwork must be in order, and your tournament exposure has to match the standard the program is recruiting to.
Preparing for NAIA Basketball at Indiana University Northwest
NAIA programs recruit players who show consistent improvement and competitive readiness. FCP's post-graduate year bridges the gap between high school and college-level play, giving athletes the film and academic standing NAIA coaches require.
Whether you're a current high school player exploring options through our high school program or a graduate looking for a post-grad year, FCP provides the coaching, competition, and college placement support to help you reach programs like Indiana University Northwest.
Targeting Indiana University Northwest?
FCP coaches understand what NAIA programs like Indiana University Northwest look for in a recruit. We build players' film, exposure, and eligibility profiles to match exactly what coaches at this level need to see before making an offer.
Research compiled by the FCP recruiting staff · Last updated March 2026