July is a key month in recruiting as a number of high-profile events give coaches an up-close look at potential targets. Elite recruits will want to put forth their best effort to enhance their chances at garnering offers from college’s elite, while under-the-radar prospects can use the extra exposure to generate new buzz.
Let’s take a look at the best hoops events July has to offer.
LeBron James Skills Academy
When: July 5-9
Where: Las Vegas
Why it’s important: This Nike event allows 80 of the nation’s top high school prospects an opportunity to display their talent in front of media and scouts from every NBA team.
What makes it unique: Easy, the event is hosted by two-time NBA champ and four-time MVP LeBron James and focuses on skill development and intense game competition.
Players to watch: C Jahlil Okafor, PF Cliff Alexander and PG Tyus Jones -- the top three prospects in the Class of 2014.
Reebok Classic Breakout
When: July 9-12
Where: Philadelphia
Why it’s important: About 120 players from different talent levels make the cut for this event to show they can cut it at the collegiate level in front of hundreds of coaches.
What makes it unique: This event has a tryout system consisting of drills, stations and 5-on-5 games held throughout the spring at eight cities across the country. A number of up-and-comers -- namely John Wall -- have been discovered here, and current ranked stars get a chance to separate themselves from their peers.
Players to watch: PG Emmanuel Mudiay, SG Rashad Vaughn, Jordan McLaughlin and SF Dwayne Morgan.
EYBL Finals at the Nike Peach Jam
When: July 10-14
Where: North Augusta, S.C.
Why it’s important: The 24 best teams from the EYBL regular season advance to the finals for the right to play for the Peach Jam title.
What makes it unique: In addition to the Top 24 EYBL 17U teams 16 Nike Sweet 16U Invitational Tournament teams will compete as well that features high major prospects from the classes of 2015 and 2016.
Players to watch: 2014 stars C Jahlil Okafor, PF Cliff Alexander, PG Tyus Jones and PF Trey Lyles; 2015 recruits PF Ivan Rabb, SG Malik Newman and Cheick Diallo; and 2016 centers Thon Maker and Skal Labissiere, to name a few.
adidas Invitational Classic
When: July 10-14
Where: Indianapolis
Why it’s important: The adidas Invitational Classic kicks off the live period, which gives prospects a chance to make an early, positive impression on college coaches of all levels.
What makes it unique: Super Pools, which means the best teams play against other top teams right from the onset. Also it is important to note that 410 college coaches attended this event last summer.
Players to watch: PG/SG Brandone Francis, PF Trey Lyles and SG James Blackmon Jr.
Under Armour NY2LA Sports Summer Jam
When: July 17-21
Where: Mequon, Wisc.
Why it’s important: Combine high-quality exposure and elite talent from coast-to-coast in a competitive arena and you have the UA Summer Jam.
What makes it unique: This event is unique because it allows players and travel programs of all levels to compete in an elite and exclusive tournament to maximize their exposure to hundreds of college coaches.
adidas Super 64
When: July 24-28
Where: Las Vegas
Why it’s important: We head back to Vegas for the final major July event as college coaches get a chance to make final evaluations at the end of the live period. It also allows coaches an opportunity to confirm what they saw at the two weeks earlier at the adidas Invitational.
What makes it unique: The field may be the largest coaches will see this month with close to 450-500 teams from various age groups and playing levels. Also, adidas welcomes players and teams from other shoe brand companies to make the talent base the best it can possibly be.
Players to watch: SG Jalen Coleman and PF
AAU Super Showcase and National Championship
When: July 24-29
Where: Orlando, Fla.
Why it’s important: More than 1,000 college coaches pack the first-class facilities at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports to take in some of the best AAU talent in the country.
What makes it unique: The nation’s premier AAU squad compete for a national championship after qualifying by winning their respective districts, meaning these teams truly have to earn the right to play at this event.
Players to watch: PG Tyus Jones, PG Joel Berry and PF Chris McCullough.
Las Vegas Fab 48
When: July 25-28
Where: Las Vegas
Why it’s important: The talent pool is extremely deep and attracts more than 1000 college coaches, providing prospects a packed arena to showcase their talents.
What makes it unique: There are over 300 reported teams participating with teams from all over the country and a spattering of international squads.
Players to watch: PG Jordan McLaughlin, SG/PG Tyler Dorsey and SG Daniel Hamilton.
Hal Pastner Bigfoot Hoops Las Vegas Classic
When: July 24-28
Where: Las Vegas
Why it’s important: Arguably the largest event of the month, the Las Vegas Classic draws 450 teams from America, New Zealand, Australia and Mexico to name a few.
What makes it unique: The sheer number of talented prospects from a wide range of ages essentially turns this setting into a buffet for college coaches to evaluate and for players to earn college scholarships.
Players to watch: C Jahlil Okafor, PF Ivan Rabb and SF Kameron Chatman.