In a historic move, the City of Palms Classic, celebrating its 50th anniversary as the nation’s premier high school basketball tournament, will welcome NBA and G-League scouts for the first time. With over 40 Division I signees across 26 teams, the tournament promises to showcase the top high school talent, drawing attention from professional basketball organizations.
This significant development comes as the NBA has approved personnel attendance at the City of Palms Classic, providing a unique opportunity for scouts to observe the stars of tomorrow. The tournament, scheduled from Dec. 18 to Dec. 23 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, aligns strategically with the conclusion of the G-League Winter Showcase in Orlando.
Executive director Mary Schaack expressed enthusiasm about this milestone, highlighting the long-awaited approval and the anticipation built around hosting such a prestigious event. Over the years, the City of Palms Classic has seen over 200 alumni drafted into the NBA, with 29 out of the league’s 30 teams currently having at least one former participant, including notable stars like Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Michael Porter Jr., and Jaylen Brown.
This move to allow NBA and G-League scouts to attend reflects the recognition of the tournament’s status as a breeding ground for future basketball talent. With a lineup featuring top-ranked recruits such as Cooper Flagg (Duke signee) and Ace Bailey (Rutgers signee), alongside numerous ESPN-ranked seniors, juniors, and sophomores, the decision was a natural progression.
Schaack emphasized the competitiveness of this year’s tournament, describing it as “the best of the best.” The presence of NBA scouts adds an extra layer of excitement, providing a platform to witness the country’s top prospects battle it out in one of the most challenging and competitive high school basketball environments.
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