For the first time the Nike EYBL will make a stop in Lexington, KY. This weekend April 24-26 the KBA is hosting the massive grassroots tournament.
The EYBL consists of a total of 40 teams that spread across the nation. They have 4 tournaments and cut the field to 24 for the annual Peach Jam in July. The event winner is named the EYBL champions and king of the court.
The EYBL boasts their grassroots programs and players as the elite and rightfully so. Many are playing in the NBA playoffs and the final four rosters were full of EYBL Alums.
Top players in the class of 2016 such as Jason Tatum, Michael Porter Jr., and Henry Giles III, & Malik Monk are headlining the event.
Kentucky has high interest in All 3. Tatum,  which they shown by offering  his freshman year. Coach Cal has also offered well as Monk and Porter Jr.
Another Kentucky recruit Jamal Murray of Canada, a sensational guard didn’t make the trip. He was a lock to show but some believe he will reclassify to 2015 and possibly sign with the Cats.
Pitino and the Cardinals are lobbying for their share of talent as well.
2016 players Maverick Rowan, who had 23 in a loss and in his post game interview was not allowed to say the Cardinals or be asked about them specifically so many UofL hopefuls think Rowan’s ship has sailed.
Pitino is also courting Ado Abdulhakim of the Georgia Stars. Ado picked up offers from Oregon and Iowa State Friday evening.
Kenny Payne was in attendance as well as 5 2014-15 Wildcats including Devin Booker, Marcus Lee, and Alex Polythress.
Best believe the “recruiter” himself, John Calipari will be roaming the courts this weekend rubbing elbows with some big time coaches. Â Dukes Jeff Chappel, St. John’s new head coach Chris Mullin alongside assistant Barry “Slice” Rorhssen, Â were a few of many on opening night.
Division 1 Coaches from around the nation will swarm and roam the facility all weekend. Up to 15 coaches, scouts, and recruits can be seen evaluating any one game or player.
The EYBL gives the coaches a chance to see a recruit play against the same talent level helping evaluate their targeted recruits.
They get their eyeballs full of intense, fast paced hoops and competition unlike any hardwood in KY has seen outside historic Rupp Arena.
To describe it wouldn’t do it justice. The event is a must for any hoops lover  in the commonwealth. With 5 games running simultaneously, all with D1 recruits who are freakish athletes. Draw dropping talent engulfs you and it’s hard to keep your eyes on one court. Oohs and Awws are a regular with any EYBL program, not to mention 10 teams balling at once.
It’s amazing to see the number and depth of quick, big, strong, ripped, and talented 17 year olds in one location.
The best thing about the event is its public. $5 on Friday and $10 for Saturday and Sunday passes. Yes, Â you can literally be up close and beside every recruit, coach, and scout your heart desires.
Rim rocking dunks and long distance calling from 3 are regulars of Nike’s EYBL and it happens everywhere. Eye candy for any level of hoops fan.
Dont be surprised if you’re blown away by the talent and skill level, everyone is.
I suspect the EYBL will be back to Kentucky soon, Â and if Nike executives Realize the heart of basketball is in KY, maybe a staple.
