Are you Otis? They Didn’t Come to See You… Yet!

The phrase “Ain’t nobody come to see you, Otis” made famous in The Temptations movie is dripping with ego, spotlight, and truth. And it perfectly translates to the athletic recruiting process.

In Recruiting Terms:

This quote is what it feels like when:

• A teammate is grinding behind the scenes, but the star player gets all the attention.

• A role player is overlooked because they don’t have the flash, even though they have the impact.

• A high school athlete watches a teammate with highlight dunks or viral plays get offers while they run the offense, lock down defenders, or set the tone…and get crickets.

But here’s the twist in recruiting: sometimes you are Otis.

You’re doing the work.

You’re the glue.

You’re consistent.

Yet it feels like no one came to see you, not the coaches, not the cameras, not the clout.

Let’s Flip the Narrative:

What recruiters do come to see when they are really doing their job is:

• Leadership

• Toughness

• Communication

• Basketball IQ / Sport IQ

• Work ethic over hype

So if you are feeling like Otis, lean into it.

• Be undeniable in film.

• Be unforgettable in interviews.

• Be unshakable in your approach.

Because eventually, the right coach will say:

“We came to see YOU, not just the highlight reel.”