April Live Period Returns
For the first time in five years the April “Live” period has returned.
While you won’t find the word “Live” used in the NCAA recruiting calendar, it has become popular lingo in the grassroots world to describe a period of time in which college coaches are permitted to watch potential student athletes compete outside of their high school. In other words, coaches are allowed to watch AAU and grassroots tournaments.
The NCAA permitted those evaluations beginning at 5pm on Friday and lasting until 4pm on Sunday afternoon. An identical period will take place next weekend.
The return of the “Live” period has brought excitement back to the month of April with virtually all of New England’s grassroots programs in action.
The region’s three Adidas sponsored programs – New England Playaz, Connecticut Basketball Club, and the Rivals Basketball Club – are all in Las Vegas for the Adidas VIP Exclusive Run. The Playaz have both 16s and 17s in action, the Rivals have 15s and 17s, and CBC 17s.
New England’s lone Nike sponsored program, the BABC, are in Minneapolis for the first session of the Nike EYBL tour. The BABC is the defending EYBL champions and begin their title defense with one game on Friday, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday.
The Hoop Group has set up shop in Pennsylvania this weekend for their annual Pittsburgh Jam Fest. This year the event has become even more prestigious, being named a stop on the Under Armour Championship Series Tour. Expressions Elite is representing New England in the u16 division along with Stamford Peace in both u16 and u15.
The vast majority of New England’s other grassroots and AAU programs are all in Middletown, Connecticut for the BasketBull New England Championship. The field includes the Rhode Island Hawks, Maine MAC, Metro Boston, Connecticut Select, Middlesex Magic, MB Nation, Connecticut Elite and countless other local New England programs.
Stay tuned to the New England Recruiting Report throughout the weekend for updates from all four locations.