We're in the EYBL, which is the best league in America by far. The competition is far and away a step above anything else out there. So we're not afraid to play anyone, given that we play the best teams in America on a game by game basis. The best play in the EYBL, which is exactly where we are.

I agree with the EYBL being the best competition out there but why wouldn't the 17's go to the state tournament. If your not afraid to play anyone then why aren't they gonna be there. Give the fans what they want to see.

Are Hoop Dreams and Team Manimal sponsored by Adidas? I have no clue because they have zero representation on here and I know close to nothing about either program other than Hoop Dreams nationally ranked 15s. It'd be nice if someone following those programs spoke up and let us know what they are doing and how they are doing.

IMO a program that is sponsored will always remain elite. Their younger ages might not be on the level as the 17U was, but most teams aren't. If you can get kids to play and travel for free you will always attract the best kids. Some of the kids from the teams you mentioned could possibly end up playing with the Magic.

well lets see. The magic 15u have won 2 tournaments so far. How many have. any of the other 15u teams won. And not little no name tournaments at KBA. The magic 16u have been in final 4 of about every tournament they have played in. I would put the magic 15s and 16s up against any other team in the state, including the travelers. Hoop Dreams 15u is loaded and would go e the Magic 15s a battle

Are Hoop Dreams and Team Manimal sponsored by Adidas? I have no clue because they have zero representation on here and I know close to nothing about either program other than Hoop Dreams nationally ranked 15s. It'd be nice if someone following those programs spoke up and let us know what they are doing and how they are doing.

 

HD is not sponsored by Adidas. Manimal is sponsored by Kenneth Faried but not sure how/if any shoe company figures into that.

HD 15U has beaten some good teams in both Pitt and Hampton, including sponsored programs (by the big shoe companies)-but didnt win either tourney. We did win the Bearcat Classic in Cincimnati. It had about 40 teams but obviously wasn't at the level of the other 2 tournaments mentioned.

 

I only know of one common opponent this year for any of the state's 15U programs. I think HD and Team Manimal both played the same GA Stars team, though in different tournaments. Haven't seen any of these other teams play but, knowing many of the players, there certainly is a lot of talent in Kentucky the 15U age group.

HD is not sponsored by Adidas. Manimal is sponsored by Kenneth Faried but not sure how/if any shoe company figures into that.

HD 15U has beaten some good teams in both Pitt and Hampton, including sponsored programs (by the big shoe companies)-but didnt win either tourney. We did win the Bearcat Classic in Cincimnati. It had about 40 teams but obviously wasn't at the level of the other 2 tournaments mentioned.

 

I only know of one common opponent this year for any of the state's 15U programs. I think HD and Team Manimal both played the same GA Stars team, though in different tournaments. Haven't seen any of these other teams play but, knowing many of the players, there certainly is a lot of talent in Kentucky the 15U age group.

 

The GA Stars team that both teams played were somewhat different..... From my understanding, the coach of the GA Stars admitted that he loaded the team at the Knoxvegas with some of his 16U players because they weren't checking birth certificates and it wasn's a Live event.

Not too many teams will be able to compete on the level of the Travelers each year because they will get the best players year in and year out, period... How many of you have actually been to see a game on the Nike EYBL circuit or to Nike Peach Jam??? This guy has (me) has more than once, and any kid who chose to play with an Under Armour, Adidas, Converse, or any other team when they have the opportunity to play for an EYBL team would be insane!!! I don't even know why we continue to talk about the "Magic Program" as if they have established a dynasty when they have "ONE" really good team and several other average teams???? I would love to see how long this program keeps their "Under Armour Sponsorship" after their 2014 class graduates? From my vast experience with the circuit, I have learned that those sponsorships can go away as fast as they came when a program is not producing multiple D1 prospects each year.

 

And while we are on the topic of sponsorships; aren't Hoop Dreams and Team Manimal sponsored by Adidas. Adidas is much more dominant on the AAU circuit than Under Armour in terms of the amount of successful teams (ie... Indiana Elite, Eric Gordon All Stars, Ohio Basketball Club, Dallas Mustangs, Atlanta Celtics, Florida Elite, and many more). So why would the Magic be considered above Adidas or on the same level of Nike?

 

Under Armour is just now getting into the grassroots circuit so its going to take time for them to build a name. You will begin to see more regular name programs become Under Armour in the near future.

The Travelers have a winning record in the EYBL (5-4).

 

I saw the Magic play at Spiece and the Travelers play in Hampton. In my opinion, the Travelers are 15-18 points better. I didn't realize how good the Travelers' young players were, and their 3 out-of-state players are all really good.

 

I know the Magic have a big rep after what they did the past two years, but they've clearly fallen off a great deal. They're still good and have beat some fairly good teams, but they're nowhere near where they were the past two years, and stepping up to 17s is a different ball game. The Louisville Magic played one game against an EYBL team at Spiece and lost by around 20. All-Ohio Red I believe, who is also 5-4 in the EYBL. They did beat Meanstreets, but it was not the Meanstreets EYBL team.

 

After watching both teams play, I think the Travelers are better at 4 of the 5 spots on the floor and have a way better bench. And they're doing it with half their team being freshmen or sophomores.

The Travelers have a winning record in the EYBL (5-4).

 

I saw the Magic play at Spiece and the Travelers play in Hampton. In my opinion, the Travelers are 15-18 points better. I didn't realize how good the Travelers' young players were, and their 3 out-of-state players are all really good.

 

I know the Magic have a big rep after what they did the past two years, but they've clearly fallen off a great deal. They're still good and have beat some fairly good teams, but they're nowhere near where they were the past two years, and stepping up to 17s is a different ball game. The Louisville Magic played one game against an EYBL team at Spiece and lost by around 20. All-Ohio Red I believe, who is also 5-4 in the EYBL. They did beat Meanstreets, but it was not the Meanstreets EYBL team.

 

After watching both teams play, I think the Travelers are better at 4 of the 5 spots on the floor and have a way better bench. And they're doing it with half their team being freshmen or sophomores.

 

I thought Hatton didn't play at Spiece? Wouldn't that make a difference? They still aren't better than All Ohio Red (neither are the Travelers), but it could change your opinion of them.

Hatton didn't play, true, but he wouldn't start for the Travelers. The Travelers didn't have Davis at Boo Williams, either.

 

The Travelers and All-Ohio Red have the same record (5-4) and have played many of the same teams in the EYBL. They're about the same, and they'll play each other either in Dallas or Minneapolis, not sure which one.

 

I know the Travelers are new to Kentucky, but they've put it together pretty good for year one, and they have a history of NBA players and McDonald's All-Americans. Does the Magic have that?

We need Don King as the promoter of the Magic - Travelers game. :popcorn:

 

I don't blame the Travelers for not going to Ft. Wayne. Kids do need breaks. And I doubt they didn't go because of the Magic. Odds are they wouldn't have played each anyway.

 

I think it would be a great game. Magic definitely have the better guard play, but I think the Travelers would have the advantage on the inside. But, neither is hurting because they probably won't play each other this year.

I don't know why the Travelers didn't go to Ft. Wayne. If I look at the schedule right, there were only 2-3 EYBL teams there. Since they go to Dallas this weekend it wouldn't have made much sense anyway.

 

I disagree about the guard play. I think Snider is a great player, but other than that, the Travelers are much better on the perimeter. If you haven't seen the Travelers play, you're not taking into account how good Thomas and McCormick really are. I'd take those two, with Bolden and Justice, over Green and Cunningham any day.

 

As good as Snider is, Beverly has been great for the Travelers. He won't score like Snider, but he's been great in the EYBL and nobody expected that.

 

The Travelers are much better in the post. The Tennessee kid is really good, and they have depth there. The Magic has no one who could stay with Johnson.

Hatton didn't play, true, but he wouldn't start for the Travelers. The Travelers didn't have Davis at Boo Williams, either.

 

The Travelers and All-Ohio Red have the same record (5-4) and have played many of the same teams in the EYBL. They're about the same, and they'll play each other either in Dallas or Minneapolis, not sure which one.

 

I know the Travelers are new to Kentucky, but they've put it together pretty good for year one, and they have a history of NBA players and McDonald's All-Americans. Does the Magic have that?

 

 

 

We can revisit this when the Magic have been around as long as the Travelers. The Magic have a great chance to put two in the McDonald's game next year. Can the Travelers say that?

The Travelers have a winning record in the EYBL (5-4).

 

I saw the Magic play at Spiece and the Travelers play in Hampton. In my opinion, the Travelers are 15-18 points better. I didn't realize how good the Travelers' young players were, and their 3 out-of-state players are all really good.

 

I know the Magic have a big rep after what they did the past two years, but they've clearly fallen off a great deal. They're still good and have beat some fairly good teams, but they're nowhere near where they were the past two years, and stepping up to 17s is a different ball game. The Louisville Magic played one game against an EYBL team at Spiece and lost by around 20. All-Ohio Red I believe, who is also 5-4 in the EYBL. They did beat Meanstreets, but it was not the Meanstreets EYBL team.

 

After watching both teams play, I think the Travelers are better at 4 of the 5 spots on the floor and have a way better bench. And they're doing it with half their team being freshmen or sophomores.

 

I hate the Magic don't have D'Angelo Russell this summer. Their fall off is related to his departure.

I just hope that the state tournament is full of great talent, great games, and upsets... I would love to see the big teams with the big $ lose!!!!! Is there any AAU team out there that can beat the MaGiK? Hoop Dreams? anyone else..... looking forward to some games that make AAU basketball the better brand of basketball....

Who are the teams so far in the 15u,16u and 17u?