The Arkansas Wings 16-and-under team practices for the AAU Boys Basketball Elite Tournaments in Louisville. (Photo: The Courier-Journal )
Some of the nation’s top 10th- and 11th-grade basketball players will converge on the Kentucky Expo Center July 22-27 for the AAU Boys’ Basketball National Championships and Super Showcases.
According to a press release, many of the top players will be showcased, including 2016 ESPN 100 ranked Edrice Adebayo (#6, Boo Williams Summer League), University of Louisville commit V.J. King (#16, King James Shooting Stars), Trent Forrest (#49, Alabama Challenge), Nick Ward (#52, All Ohio Red), Derek Funderburk (#53, King James Shooting Stars), and Xavier Simpson (#58, King James Shooting Stars).
“AAU Basketball strives to provide the very best event experience for athletes, coaches and spectators,” said Boo Williams, AAU Boys Basketball National Chair and winner of the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame Human Spirit Award. “We feel the 10th Grade and 11th Grade National Championships and Super Showcases are the premier basketball event in the country where the nation’s best players compete year after year.”
Approximately 500 teams, over 5,000 players — accompanied by close to AAU 1,000 coaches — will compete on 28 courts over the six days of the event.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to again host the AAU Boys Basketball National Championships in Louisville,” said Karl Schmitt, Louisville Sports Commission president and CEO. “This is basketball country, and local sports fans always look forward to the chance to watch these future sports stars. In Louisville, if you provide people with a good quality basketball event, we will support it.”
The economic impact to the area is expected to be over $3 million, with participants and their families visiting local hotels, shops, restaurants and other Louisville area businesses, according to the release.
The event is open to the public with a day pass cost of $19.85 and tournament pass of $50.00. Discounts available for seniors and children. Tickets available at http://www.ticketmaster.com.