STATE OF THE UNION: Travel basketball
I am pretty sure by now you have heard that the recruiting landscape in college basketball has changed dramatically. In the summer of 2018, scandals rocked the sport from Tempe,AZ all the way to Lousiville,KY. Scandals took center stage last week, when LSU head coach Will Wade was accused of exploiting 2018 top 50 player Javonte Smart. Whatever comes out of these investigations, travel basketball must still go on. More than ever, travel ball has gained popularity each and every year.During the NCAA live period last summer, over 1,750 17u teams appeared in live period events all over the country. So what’s changed? Here are 10 questions you may be asking about the upcoming season.
- 1. Will there still be a NCAA live period this season?
- yes. Their will be 2 live periods in 2019. April 26-28 and July 11-14. Before this season, it would be 5 live period windows. Due to Easter weekend and the NCAA changing the calendar in July, this season it will only be two. So travel ball coaches, make sure you make the most of your spring and summer.
2. Are HS events considered live period now?
One of the changes in with the NCAA, was to have more involvement with the high schools. This season, it will be 2 live period scholastic weekends. June 21-23 and June 28-30. Although this was to help out the high schools, several state associations have decided to back away .Among those were, Texas, Nevada, and New York.
3. Camps, NCAA running camps now?
Another change to the NCAA calendar, was the NCAA youth development camps at 4 locations across the country. 2,400 high schoolers will be selected for those camps. Their will be an estimated 1,200 rising seniors, 600 rising juniors, 300 rising sophomores, and 300 rising freshman. July 23-25 will host 1,200 guys( 300 per camp) and July 26-28 will host 1,200 more at the same sites. The sites are
EAST University of Connecticut
SOUTH University of Houston
Midwest University of Illinois
WEST University of Grand Canyon
4. Anymore events college coaches can attend?
yes. June 13-14, the NBAPA will host the top 100 camp in Charlottesville, VA. This camp is only for elite prospects.
College coaches will be in attendance. College coaches can attend practices with your high school also.
5. How do I get my son nominated?
HS Coaches, the NCAA and the NABC are the individuals that will nominate players.
6. SO what happens if my son doesn’t get selected for a camp?
He could keep playing with his travel team during a non live period for travel ball at that time.
7. Are there any circuits for the 2019 season?
yes. The 3 shoe companies are back for another season. Nike EYBL, Adidas Gauntlet and Under Armour are positioning themselves for the top prospects in the country. Nike, will run 3 regular sessions during the spring, ATLANTA Apr.26-28, INDIANAPOLIS May.10-12 and concludes in Dallas May 24-26. Peach Jam will be in Augusta July 11-14. Adidas, which has 55 teams on its gold gauntlet, will start with regional qualifiers Apr.12-14.Dallas Apr.26-28 and regional qualifiers again May 25-27. Adidas, will host 2 events in July.The Adidas Summer Championship which has always been in Vegas, has moved to Birmingham, AL. July 18-21, Adidas will have their gauntlet finals in LA. UAA, will have 2 sessions in the spring. Chicago Apr.12-14 and KC Apr.26-28.UAA finals will be at Lakepoint in Cartersville, GA.
8. Are shoe circuits the only leagues out there?
No. Other non shoe circuits are out there for a lot of independent teams, as well as possibly playing for a national championship through different organizations.
NY2LA
RecruitLook Hoops
Hoop Group
Prep Hoops Circuit
Platform Hoops
UAA Rise
Adidas Silver Gauntlet
The Association
AAU
YBOA
NTBA
USBA
US Amateur
Gym Rats
Primetime Sports
9. Any other changes I need to know about the upcoming season?
PSA( prospective student athletes) need to register at eligibilitycenter.org before they can register to play in live period events. When you register, make sure you pick Division 3 or undecided,it is free. This is a must before playing in live period events. If you select Division 1 when you register, you will pay a $150 fee. Coaches, when you register for live period events now, you will have to submit financial expenses for your team.
10. Who are some of the top tournament organizations out there?
Their are plenty of great tournament organizations out there. Here is a look at some that will have the top teams and major exposure week in and week out
On the radar hoops
HOOPSEEN
Hoop group
Gym Rats
USA Youth hoops
Premier hoops
Pangos
Basketbull
Baylor basketball
GASO
Elevate Hoops
Phenom Hoops Report
2019 SG Anthony Edwards with Atlanta Express this summer. Photo by Hoopseen