Well, I guess to each his own. I just think doing it this way you still won't KNOW where you actually stand even if you win nationals at a lower level. I mean, from what I have read you have some REALLY good players so why sell yourself short.

 

Make no mistake about it.... Nationals is not just some throw away basketball tournament. There are really good, big time teams in both tournaments. And, even really good teams in Vegas. Why doesn't each team just pack up and head out west???

Here are some highlights from Shining Star's game yesterday against Lextown Ballerz. Bo Schuh, #44 (CovCath) and Liam Rabe, #5 (Dixie) play on the Shining Star team. They are a fun team to watch play.

 

Will there be games on Saturday the 26th? Where at Hoops, MidAmerica?

All games are at the fairgrounds....

The atmosphere, ease of "spectatorship", organization, and talent have been great this week. AAU is putting on a nice show. I even see a lot of high major, and other, college coaches tweeting about the venue and setup.

 

Only negatives I've seen... A couple of awful courts! Tiled and dusty,no worse combination for tournaments of this magnitude. And, no easy place to see the results of the game, other than the website, that I've seen at the venue (although, I guess I could be missing them...).

The atmosphere, ease of "spectatorship", organization, and talent have been great this week. AAU is putting on a nice show. I even see a lot of high major, and other, college coaches tweeting about the venue and setup.

 

Only negatives I've seen... A couple of awful courts! Tiled and dusty,no worse combination for tournaments of this magnitude. And, no easy place to see the results of the game, other than the website, that I've seen at the venue (although, I guess I could be missing them...).

We are pretty fortunate that it's local---did not have to travel to Orlando for the showcase and Nationals.

Solid event overall. Probably about on par with the Pitt Jam Fest and Spiece Run-N-Slam as far as talent level from the tournaments I was at this year. Officiating was solid in the games I saw which is always a big plus.

 

I'd also agree some of the courts used were in poor condition at best. A lot of dead spots and you could see it buckle at times on several of them. Obviously finding 17 courts to use in a setting like this can be tough, but they need to improve on that aspect next year...

Solid event overall. Probably about on par with the Pitt Jam Fest and Spiece Run-N-Slam as far as talent level from the tournaments I was at this year. Officiating was solid in the games I saw which is always a big plus.

 

I'd also agree some of the courts used were in poor condition at best. A lot of dead spots and you could see it buckle at times on several of them. Obviously finding 17 courts to use in a setting like this can be tough, but they need to improve on that aspect next year...

 

I think they use a few college courts and the old Eddie Ford snap together courts.

I think they use a few college courts and the old Eddie Ford snap together courts.

 

Right. Some were good, and others not so much. One of the challenges when you install 17 courts in one building that isn't a basketball facility. Have to find 17 quality courts as part of the deal...

One thing I'm guessing they are lacking is ample seating for the bigger games? It seemed not many courts had a whole lot of seating. Orlando had plenty of great viewing areas last year.

Are there games all day today?

Yes, showcase games are in Freedom Hall today. Nationals continue all weekend..

From Rick Bolus blog:

 

NATIONAL BOYS AAU TOURNAMENT

WRITTEN BY RICK BOLUS | 26 JULY 2014

 

Yesterday I spent the day at the National Boys AAU Tournament held in Louisville, KY. Over 3,000 players and 294 teams participated in front of a multitude of college coaches. The event was held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center where games were played on16 courts held under one roof. I focused on mostly the Class of 2015 and players who I normally would not see during the regular season. Below were my top 20+ picks:

 

Luke Kennard 6-5/Sr Franklin, OH

Antonio Blakeney 6-3/Sr Orlando Oak Ridge, FL

Kevarrius Hayes 6-8/Sr Live Oak Suwanee, FL

Khalea Turner 6-8/Jr River Ridge John Curtis, LA

Edrice Adebayo 6-8/Jr Jacksonville Northside, NC

Joseph Toye 6-6/Sr LaPorte La Lumiere, IN

Cameron Justice 6-2/Sr Hindman Knott Co. Central, KY

Haanif Cheatham 6-5/Sr Pembroke Pines Charter, FL

Kyle Ahrens 6-4/Sr Versailles, OH

Alex Owens 6'8/Sr Orlando Oakridge, FL

Seth Dugan 7-0/Sr Otsego, MI

Aric Holman 6-8/Sr Owensboro, KY

Derek Pardon 6-8/Sr Cleveland VA-SJ, OH

Manuel Patterson 6-8/So Chicago North Lawndale, IL

Jon Teske 6-11/Jr Medina, OH

Tyler Cook 6-8/Jr St. Louis Chaminade, MO

Eli Wright 6-5/Jr Owensboro Apollo, KY

Matthew Rafferty 6-8/Sr Hinsdale Central, IL

Joe Schneider 6-10/Sr Wilbraham Wilbraham & Monson, MA

Nolan Gerrity 6-9/Sr Berea Midpark, OH

Kyle Doucette 6-8/Sr Easthampton Williston Northampton, MA

 

The tournament continues today and will end on Monday.

Rick Bolus High Potential Blue-Chip Basketball Camp - NATIONAL BOYS AAU TOURNAMENT

Who was Cam Justice playing with?

Who was Cam Justice playing with?

 

Travelers