Idaho Select will travel to and compete in about 10 different tournaments each year. During the summer we travel to three NCAA Certified events. Here’s a look at these tournaments, what we like about them and what we would do differently.
NW Premier Showcase – Seattle, WA
The NWPS is based out of Bellevue Community College just outside of Seattle. It attracts about 80 of the top 17U and 16U teams from around the northwest and Canada.
What we like about it: The tournament also draws college scouts and recruiters from most of the schools in the northwest ranging from Division I schools in the Pac 10 to Big Sky and on down to the NWAACC. So our kids get good looks from colleges no matter the level they are playing at. The competition is pretty equal throughout, providing great pool play and our top teams generally moving deep into the tournament. It provides challenges with very few blowouts. Plus, the area is great for the kids with things for them to do during their downtime. Through our coaching connections we manage to get a tour of great places including the Seattle Sonics practice facility (before they moved to OKC) and the University of Washington’s basketball facility.
What we would change: The NWPS doubles as an official’s training camp, which means aspiring referees pay to come work the tournament. They are evaluated and coached by certified officials where they receive instant feedback. While this probably helps keep the price of the tournament low, it also means games are officiated very inconsistently. New officials are constantly entering and leaving your game so it can be difficult to get a good feel for how a game is being called. So while we like the price point, we’d suggest a more consistent way of doing the officiating.
adidas Super 64 – Las Vegas, NV
The Super 64 is one of the top tournaments in the nation. There are 144 teams in the 17U division and 76 teams in the 16U division. These teams come in from all over the nation and there are several from outside the country as well.
What we like about it: The diversity that the tournament brings is something that very few other tournaments offer. The lure of Las Vegas attracts so many teams that most Division I and II schools almost have to have somebody there representing their school. And since all of the best players in the nation attend this tournament, it gives our players a chance to see what the best of the best are doing on the floor and can bring that knowledge back to Idaho to work on.
What we would change: Unfortunately, the Big Time tournament stopped its operations last year. It was by far the best run tournament in the nation for this size. But with a lack of sponsorship renewal, the Big Time was no more which left a lot of clubs like us looking for a new tournament to play. The Super 64 welcomed all of us to their tournament but it certainly overwhelmed them. There was an obvious lack of organization to the beginning of the tournament and the frustration was obvious. This year we are hoping they have worked out the kinks.
Best of the Summer – Anaheim, CA
The BotS is the perfect ending to a summer of travel. With the beach, mild weather and a great facility as a part of the deal, you really can’t ask for more. About 200 teams total will attend the event and most colleges are from the west coast.
What we like about it: Phil and Jan Bryant run an exceptional tournament. It’s very well organized, the facility is great and I really feel like they appreciate our teams coming down. And they don’t waste your time. They actually shortened the tournament by a day last year and it was perfect. And the move to the American Sports Center (16 courts) is very convenient. All of teams play in one spot, reducing travel logistics and even the number of rental vehicles we need.
What we would change: OK, we’re being really really picky here. While the facility is great for teams and coaches, maybe a little more seating for spectators would be nice. See, that’s really picky.