Isn't it a coincidence that as soon as you start talking about bringing in big athletes someone has to step up to the plate with the NBA newcomers? Well, can I say that I told you so? Or would that be a premature assumption? In the month of July we've had more NBA big name visit Las Vegas than any other month. Excluding the All Star week a few years ago. Wouldn't this be a great time to show off our city. I'd say. I'm just a blogger though.
So, where are all these big athletes then if they're supposed to be out here? Thanks for asking that wonderful question. The problem with Vegas and athletes is that they try to protect them so that everything they do out here stays true to our fabulous slogan and stays out here. And if you''re not with the "in crowd" then you would never know a thing. For example, you wouldn't know that the USA team is out here now and holding practices @ Valley high school. Of course that's under wraps. I tried to get into one of the practices but didn't have my firstborn son to offer as a sacrifice to the Basketball God. Now I know for future reference.
It is also the time for all those wonderful athletes that we watched in high school all year show off their skills in front of numerous scouts from colleges of all levels. When the basketball season ends, Las Vegas and California are the hot spots for high school graduates looking to earn a scholarship or impress scouts with their skills if they already haven't. Not only that, but a great majority of business comes thru Vegas in the month of July.Travelling basketball teams from all over the world come out here to play in tournaments ranging from 3 days to a week.
It's also a good time for the casino world. Not only do they get to house these teams, but they also get to feed them. How expensive will it be to feed 8 or 9 teenage boys who eat, sleep and sports all day? If you get as lucky as the Hilton has, then you get to turn your convention center into basketball central from July 21 thru August 1st. Get this... there's going to be 30 basketball courts placed in this convention center hosting the best of the best teams in the AAU (ammeter athletic union). Now that's what I call showing me the money.
If the youth can do it then so can the adults. Let's lead by example here. We have the number 1, 2 and 3 draft picks playing out here and if you have time I would encourage you to stop by and chat with these fellows after or before a game. They'll be headliners one day and judgement will be pass on them from people who have never even spoken to them. Make the decision yourself. The activities are endless. I plan on watching as many of these games as I can. Not just because I'm a sports junkie... OK that's why... but, also because I want to be able to share this experience with others.
Never worry about the month of July though. Plenty of hoops to keep you happy. If you still want to catch the tail end of the summer league then you have until the 18Th of July. Tickets are 22$ for regular all day admission and 12$ fro seniors and kids under 12. The USA team plays on the 24Th of July at 7pm. Tickets for that event range from 12$ for end balcony seating, to 75$ for center court side seating. With all the hype about Lebron James and the Miami Heat, this is definitely and event to see.
I'll see you next time with results and more Vegas sports scoop. Oh yea, we''ll start the countdown to kickoff too. Stay tuned for more...
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