Nike EYBL Circuit makes a stop in Memphis

GRIFFEN DEMARRAIS // Action News 5 // VIEW ARTICLE

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - There may not be a city that loves their basketball more than Memphis, and that is why this is the perfect spot to host the most elite youth basketball tournament in the nation.

For the second year in a row, the Nike EYBL circuit had their first stop at the Memphis Sports and Event Center.

Hundreds of AAU stars took to the court Saturday as fans from around the city like C.J. Hurt took the chance to check out some of the talent.

“To have all of this type of talent in the city is amazing,” Hurt said.

It did not matter which court you stopped at, Hurt said you will see someone who will play at the next level.

“College basketball is here. It is here at the high school level right now. All of the top basketball recruits are here right now,” Hurt said.

Bryce James, son of LeBron James and Kiyan Anthony, the son of another NBA great Carmelo Anthony, were just a couple of the stars playing this weekend.

Hurt said events like this are always star studded on and off the court.

“I have already seen Kenny the Jet Smith--he is here. Marcus Spears...ESPN personality, their kids are playing and just seeing all of the great basketball,” Hurt said.

This event is big for the city as well; Antonio Perez, who is the General Manager of the Sports and Event Center and stressed this is what the facility was built for.

“It is a gem. We hope that Memphians appreciate what we have within our city ranks and we just have the privilege of managing it for the city,” Perez said.