For every college athlete who steps onto the court or field as a starter, there are dozens more grinding from the bench — watching, learning, and training for opportunities that may not come for months, if at all. In college sports, bench time isn’t failure — it’s a fundamental part of development that shapes persistence, resilience, and long-term performance.
In NCAA Division I basketball alone, freshmen often see very limited minutes compared to upperclassmen. According to RealGM’s analysis of college basketball data, the average percentage of minutes played by freshmen across Division I teams is around 19%, meaning well over four out of five minutes on the court go to players beyond their first year. RealGM Basketball
This gap underlines one truth: even very talented first-year athletes may not immediately earn consistent court time — not because they lack potential, but because experience, trust, and understanding of the college game take time to develop.
Academic research shows that how teams distribute playing time varies widely, but the pattern is consistent: starters get the most minutes, players in rotation get moderate minutes, and bench players may only see limited action. In a study on basketball match demands, starters averaged about 28.2 minutes per game, while in-rotation bench players averaged about 17.9 minutes, and out-of-rotation bench players only around 5 minutes. PMC
Those numbers don’t just reflect playing time — they reflect trust from coaches, game-readiness, and competitive role assignment.
1. Development Happens Everywhere — Not Just in Games
Training sessions, film review, and strength and conditioning are all essential growth environments for athletes who aren’t yet seeing big minutes. A study examining physical improvements over a collegiate playing career found significant gains in strength and performance metrics across players’ time in school, even beyond game time. For example, Division III football players increased their bench press strength by 31% and squat strength by 36% over their careers. PubMed
This kind of progress shows that bench time fuels physical growth, even if it’s not reflected in early-game stats.
2. Every Minute Counts — On and Off the Floor
Bench players still contribute to team success in practice, intensity, and internal competition. They push starters, simulate scouting opponents, and provide depth when injuries strike. Many future starters spend their first season learning from upperclassmen, mastering the playbook, and improving their athletic profile — preparation that pays off later.
3. Patience Often Precedes Breakout Performance
Many successful collegiate athletes didn’t start as stars. Take someone like Steve Scheffler — who, according to his player profile, saw limited action as a freshman, averaging just 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in about 4.7 minutes per game — but grew into a key contributor in later seasons. Wikipedia
This development arc — from bench contributor to dependable starter — is both common and character-building. If you’re entering college sports and worried about limited playing time, here’s the truth: Your worth isn’t defined by minutes played — it’s defined by how you use the time you do have. Train with intention. Learn from every rep. Build habits that outlast a single season.
4. Maximize Your Bench Time: Tips for Athletes
- Focus on Technical Skills: While not playing, take time to refine the nuances of your sport. Work on footwork, ball handling, or studying the game film to understand opponents’ strategies.
- Stay Engaged Mentally: Learn the playbook inside and out. Understand your coach’s decision-making, the team’s needs, and your potential role when opportunities arise.
- Create Healthy Competition: Use the time on the bench to compete internally with teammates. Push yourself to stay sharp during every practice, as internal competition can often be more intense than game competition.
- Be a Student of the Game: Watch the starters and understand how they approach each situation. Ask coaches and seniors for feedback. This will pay off when it’s your turn.
5. Your Moment Will Come
Every player has a different timeline for success. Some break out early, while others take years of hard work, behind-the-scenes development, and training to make their mark. But rest assured, bench time can become your advantage — not your setback. Athletes like Steve Scheffler, who worked their way up through limited playing time, are living proof that patience, preparation, and persistence often lead to the brightest successes.
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
Leave a Comment