Nike Camp - Indy

[Chaz]

Yesterday I volunteered at the start of the Nike Camp in Indy and drove a van to pick-up "campers" at the airport. There's 120 at the camp this year and I drove approx 30 to the hotel. I heard their names but have forgotten them by now but what sticks with you is two things.

One...these kids are big! I had a player 7'3" from Jacksonville,Fl in the front seat and it was his 4th time at Nike. He was with a point guard from the same high school and they said together they won the Florida 2A championship last year. This was the guards 3rd time at Nike. He's going to Fl State & big guy said either NC or Cincy .

Also had a player from Arkansas (6'10") said he's committed to Ark already. Had a nice kid from St Benedict's in NY area (Soph? to be).

Two...this is a huge business! Who'd have thought sneakers would generate this type of hype & money. We're talking multi millions of dollars as the sneaker companies brown nose with coaches and future stars. And to think I was paid a free lunch ,T-shirt & hat!

I wore my "St Bona" T-shirt all day, as I hope to do the next two days when I work in the gym(we'll see?). Coach Brannan & Coach Gee will be in attendance and i hope to be able to say hello and ask a question or two.

Reporting from the Meat Market in Indy...Chaz

[bonniesin2k6]

You're one SBU hat and wristband away from landing the next Lebron James!

[wgt]

Chaz..... Thanks for your report on the Nike camp in Indy. Your basketball IQ and first hand assessment of midwest talent is always an informative read.

[Chaz]

I did see coaches Brannen & Gee at the camp and they were watching a few of the players. They are working very hard for future recruiting seasons but gave me no specifics as they both attended the three camps running concurrently in Indy (Nike,JuCo & a Team camp).