Memphis, a city with a ravenous appetite for basketball, is once again the epicenter of youth hoops this weekend as the prestigious Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) makes its stop in the Bluff City for the second consecutive year. The Memphis Sports and Event Center will play host to scores of up-and-coming hardwood stars, alongside a few names already resonating with NBA legacy.
According to a report by Action News 5, fan C.J. Hurt was among those in attendance, starstruck by the level of talent present. "To have all of this type of talent in the city is amazing," Hurt said, asserting the sheer potential on display. "College basketball is here it is here at the high school level right now all of the top basketball recruits are here right now," he added, obviously excited about the prospects of these young talents.
The event's roster includes names such as Bryce James, LeBron James' progeny, and Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA standout Carmelo Anthony. Meanwhile, siblings Cameron and Cayden Boozer aim to mirror their father, former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer’s, basketball prowess. As per details from The Commercial Appeal, these budding stars will compete in the first leg of a five-session circuit, culminating with the Peach Jam in July.
Over on Twitter, Jason Munz of The Commercial Appeal highlighted a particularly hyped faceoff between @TeamThadNation and @Soldiers_Salute slated for Saturday. The buzz around the meeting of these teams has even the casual viewer leaning in for a closer look at potential future college, and even NBA, storylines. Memphis, as the stage for this year’s EYBL kickoff, not only shines a spotlight on tomorrow’s basketball elite but also solidifies its reputation as a city that holds court in the realm of basketball enthusiasm.
The EYBL's first session tipped off Friday at 4 p.m. and, without a doubt, Memphis locals and basketball aficionados countrywide will be watching closely as the next generation of basketball's best make their plays, both for their teams and for their futures in the sport. With Memphis now a consecutive host to the EYBL, it's clear this is a city where both the game and its followers are in full court press mode.
