By Robert Alfonso Jr.
When July rolls over on the calendar many people are making Independence Day plans or organizing the family vacation.
However, for basketball players this month is important because many of them are playing for a scholarship opportunity during the NCAA Live period, which begins July 8-12 for the first week. There will be events in every corner of the country from Massachusetts to California and everywhere in between.
The evaluation period continues July 15-19 and July 22-26 with NCAA certified events. Based on the schedule listed below, college coaches will be all over the map.
In the Northeast
BasketBull Summer Championships will be loaded with Northeast teams. Many will look to make an impression on a number of college coaches in the region.
Big Shots DC Duel Slam is being played at New 24 Fitness Basketball in District Heights, Maryland.
Elevate Hoops Summer Icebreaker will be at Philadelphia University. This is the same place Reebok held its All-American camp so expect to have some talent in this event. They will also host The Showdown in the same place.
Hoop Group Summer Tip-Off has always given college coaches and travel teams reasons to get to Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim, Pennsylvania.
In the South:
AAU will be hosting its Division I and II National Championships in Memphis, Tennessee.
Adidas Uprising Gauntlet Finale is locked in for North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia. The rims may need to be screwed in just a little tighter as players will look to flex some muscle.
Battle of the Best Charlotte Session I will bring together some of the Tar Heels states best teams.
Best of the South is filled with talent from not just the region but from around the country. Suwanee Sports Academy will serve as host.
Bigfoot Hoops Orlando Summer Classic is spreading its brand to the Sunshine State along with every where else in the country. Games are scheduled to be played at the Orlando Sports Center.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach I will have two sessions at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. There will be plenty to see in both of the two-day events.
On the Radar Hoops Elite 32 Session I and II is always a strong event will take place at Mays High School in Atlanta.
Jucoreport.com is the bona-fide voice of the South when it comes to Junior College talent in the region and helps players along with college coaches find value in every player for every level.
Live Summer Festival Showcase is a strong showcase for Junior College players looking to get another opportunity to play hoops at the collegiate level.
Nike EYBL Peach Jam is brining the heat again to the Riverview Activity Center in North Augusta, South Carolina.
Peach State Select 24 is being played in Aiken, South Carolina and is always loaded with talent. This event is a strong value for college coaches looking for players.
Phenom Champions Classic has some of the better teams from within the state looking to give all those college programs in the state little reason to leave. All games will be played at Greensboro Coliseum Complex Special Events Center.
In the West
Pangos Summer Sweet 16 is going to have the West Coast on lock. Teams will get a great measuring stick on their own abilities out there.