Unsigned Prospects taking it to next level

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Local effort is growing.

March 26, 2011 - Four years ago a pair of DC area youth high school coaches saw a need and determined to meet it - a host of talented young men in high school and junior college worthy of college basketball scholarships were not receiving them. Relatedly colleges could not utilize these players, a real lose-lose for everyone involved. The Unsigned Prospects Exposure Event effort was born. (Click here for '07, here for '08 coverage)

A number of players placed in schools later, Unsigned Prospects has picked up its game, even further, partnering with iHoops, the National Basketball Association and National Collegiate Athletic Association's youth basketball initiative.

"We are very fortunate to finally have this event supported by a quality, nationally-recognized organization like iHoops," stated Steven Gerald Co-Founder of Unsigned Propsects and Assistant Boy's Basketball Coach, Dr. Henry A. Wise High School (MD), via press release. "We have been able to get dozens of kids into college with this event in the past, so we are excited to still be able to have an event like this that is free for the student-athletes."

Co-founder and Wise head coach OJ Johnson felt similarly, noting in the same document "“There are a tremendous amount of talented and academically qualified kids that go unseen that can contribute to many college programs across the country...Hopefully, Unsigned Prospects will be able to help this segment of our basketball student-athletes."

Specifics follow:

Date: April 9th
Time: 11a-4p (registration 930a - 1030a)
Site: Hoop Magic Sports Academy, 14810 Murdock Street, Chantilly, VA
703-268-5780
Registration: High school and junior college players must do so online via iHoops.com, and click the Unsigned Prospects logo
Cost: Free to the 160 selected players, $80 for DII, DIII, NAIA and JUCO coaches beforehand, on-site $100.

Interested parties should register immediately, as there are no walk ups allowed, selection is competitive and registration will be ceased 500p March 30th.

"Our goal with this program is to aid high school seniors and junior college players in their pursuit of an education and a basketball career, as well as coaches to scout and recruit otherwise unknown talent," shared iHoops.com Director of Athlete and Coach Programs, Neil Dougherty, in the press release.

Prince George's County Community College head coach James Watkins was bullish on Unsigned Prospects, stated in the same communication "We are thrilled to be able to have an event like this targeting our level of schools". He additionally noted "Normally, invite only camps focus on the 'high major/D1' kid, but this camp will have quality players that are perfect fits for our level."

Needs are being met, on a win-win basis for player and school.

Note:

A similar event in Indianapolis is planned for April 23rd. Details follow:

Saturday, April 23

THE FIELDHOUSE

11825 Technology Drive

Fishers, IN 46038

317-842-2255

Student-Athlete Registration DEADLINE (via iHoops.com) is Friday, April 8 at 5:00pm (no walk-ups allowed)