Nike Basketball Tournament Brings 'Star-Studded' Coaches To Eagan
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Nike All-Star Basketball Tournament is really something, and it's taking place in Eagan this weekend.
The tournament attracts the top high school talent in the nation. That talent, in turn, attracts the top NCAA coaches in the nation.
Tony Yazbeck, the manager for the Howard Pulley Panthers, said up to 3,000 people have come to the tournament since Friday.
"Every big name coach in the country has been here," he said.
Those big name coaches, however, can't talk to the press because of NCAA rules.
Jay Pivic, a coach at Dakota County Technical College, called the tournament a "star-studded event with star-studded coaches."
Many coaches at the event watched Tyus Jones, of Apple Valley. He is one of the event's big draws, but his team is trying to make a name for Minnesota.
Jim Peterson, a former NBA player, said Minnesota players are getting better and better as they play against tougher opponents.
"It brings Minnesota basketball even higher, so it's fun," he said.
The tournament makes an April day not so dreary.
"This is the best event that we've hosted here," Pivic said. "We've got every good team in the Nike stable, and every coach in America is here."
