Indy hosts the best college coaches and high school players at the Adidas Invitational

July is a very busy month for college basketball coaches around the country. But the 2011 Adidas Invitational brings the best of the best to central Indiana—players included.

Indiana as it is already has some of the best high school players in the country but this week the field increased dramatically. During a very quiet time in sports, this AAU tournament is keeping everyone busy.

This tournament is great for Indianapolis, proving even more that it’s the Amateur Sports Capital of the World. After the city hosts the Super Bowl in February, I don’t know what event Indy hasn’t held. And for good measure.

Indy has one of the best airports in the country and there are many comfortable and affordable hotels in the area.

I like the fact that North Central High School, my alma mater, is the host school. Other schools involved include Westfield High School, Northview Middle School, Eastwood Middle School, and the Fishers Fieldhouse. If those venues aren’t turning a profit, they are at least getting a lot of people in and out of their gyms and that’s great public relations.

I enjoyed not only watching the games, but talking with current AAU and college coaches—and of course my friends in the media. It was pretty neat to see my former middle school coach Matt Green coaching the Eric Gordon All-Stars. I also enjoyed talking with former IU assistant Jeff Meyer who was friendly and talkative as always.

Quite frankly, I’m not sure if these games are actually beneficial and enjoyed by college coaches. It’s more about showing your face at the games than evaluating talent. For the most part, I think the coaches know very well who they like and what direction they want to go. But it is important for coaches to show the kids they care and watch their games.

I am amazed at the size of kids today. I’m not too far removed from high school but the physique of young players today are remarkable. Freshman and sophomores walking around, 6-7 and taller. It’s quite fascinating. And talking with older gentleman who just enjoy good ole’ Indiana basketball, they are dumbfounded. The size of the average player today has changed.

If you have nothing else going on this weekend, head out to the various schools and check out some very talented basketball players and possibly see some of your favorite coaches.

For more information on the tournament, including schedules and results, visit IndianaElite.com.

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