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If you’re like me, you’re already looking forward to the 2017-18 season. You’re also a little sad that the season is over and you may be wondering what to do with yourself until November.
Fortunately, there are some major events throughout the summer that can hold you over. No, it’s not the same. But it helps.
Here are the dates to keep in mind:
April
12-15: Portsmouth Invitational
The oldest amateur basketball tournament in the country features some of the nation’s best seniors competing in front of professional scouts. This year’s lineup includes Tim Kempton (Lehigh), Jacob Wiley (Eastern Washington), Marcus Marshall (Nevada), and Milton Doyle (Loyola).
The prestigious JBC national game will feature the best recruits in the country, including Western Kentucky-bound Mitchell Robinson. Be sure to catch the regional game as well, where Saint Louis, Rhode Island, and Boston University all have commits on the roster.
21-23: Recruiting Evaluation Period
This is the time where coaches travel the summer circuit as the shoe companies showcase their best. The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League will hold its first session during this weekend in Hampton, while adidas is in Dallas, and Under Armour travels to New York.
28-30: Recruiting Evaluation Period
EYBL and Under Armour are in Indianapolis. adidas hits Atlanta.
May
9-14: NBA Draft Combine
With the new rule (effective last year) that players can withdraw from the draft after the combine, expect to see a ton of talent flock to Chicago for the five-day event, then return to campus with feedback for next year.
June
12: NBA Draft Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline
This is the last day that a player can pull out of the NBA Draft. If your team’s star still has his name in the pool by the morning of the 13th, consider him gone.
17-18: The Basketball Tournament Jamboree
The Tournament begins in Philadelphia with a play-in round as teams battle for a spot in the July regionals. VCU, Saint Louis, Drexel, Iona, and others have alumni teams set to compete.
22: NBA Draft
Time to find out where your favorite player is headed.
July
1-17: NBA Summer League
NBA hopefuls take to Orlando and Las Vegas to try and earn a spot on their team. Catch most of this year’s draftees, as well as some of the best un-drafted players in the country.
8-9: TBT Regionals
Charlotte and Philadelphia host the south and northeast regionals of The Tournament.
12-16: Recruiting Evaluation Period
This is the most exciting live period of the summer, as the three major shoe companies hold their summer championships. Legendary Nike Peach Jam is back in North Augusta, while adidas is in nearby Spartanburg. As for Under Armour, the Association wraps up its summer play in Atlanta.
15-16: TBT Regionals
Regional play in Las Vegas (west) and Peoria (midwest).
19-23: Recruiting Evaluation Period
The Under Armour All-American event is in Philadelphia for this week. Traditionally, this is when the Nike Global Challenge takes place as well, though dates have yet to be announced.
20-23: TBT Super 16
The 16 remaining teams in The Tournament travel to New York, where the field will be whittled down to four.
26-30: Recruiting Evaluation Period
The adidas summer championships are in Las Vegas. Expect others to hold major events this week as well.
August
1-3: TBT Final Four
The semifinals and finals of The Tournament will take place in Baltimore.