Sure, the student could ask those things. But my 17 year old probably wouldn’t have remembered to ask all his questions, or – the questions his parents want asked. That’s why its not a bad idea for a parent to speak to the coach directly.
I have to say, I did not speak to the coach, but I knew my son’s college advisor would be in touch with the school, and I knew there would be no games played/gray areas.
I did speak with a couple of coaches before offers were made during visits to the schools.