There is a lot to like about the Carolina Challenge, but there is one thing that is my favorite

First there is the talent on display.  North Carolina is big time basketball state, that produces talented players every year.  However, nationally that recognition as a talent source is often overlooked.  Dave Telep's Carolina Challenge presents a venue where some of the most talented players are on display for all to see.  Over the years there has been some definite future stars come thru.  Just take a look at the Carolina Challenge alumni list.  The showcase of talent is great, but it is not my favorite part about the Carolina Challenge.

The atmosphere of the Carolina Challenge is great and it is free to the public.  No need to worry about scrapping together spare change in this tough economy, because all you have to do is show up.  Not only is it a great experience for the invited players to test their skill against other highly talented players, but it gives those players not invited a chance to come and watch and further motivate themselves to get better as a player.  But the atmosphere is still not my favorite part about the Carolina Challenge.

Man oh man are the individual match ups fun to watch.  Saturday you will get a chance to see up and coming local talent Rodney Purvis go up against Anthony Stitt in the first morning session.  In the second afternoon session Madison Jones of Ravenscroft will go head to head with Tyler Lewis of Arden Christ School.  If that does not wet your match up appetite, in the last session, UNC commit PJ Hairston matches up against Riverside's sophomore sensation TJ Warren.  While very close, the match ups still are not my favorite part about the Carolina Challenge.

In my opinion, the best part of the day are the recruiting/academic seminar and "are you recruitable" sessions.  The work a player does on the court means very little if equal or not greater work is being put into their academic  and social growth.  The NCAA has stringent rules on who is eligible to play at the next level.  These NCAA rules are not based on the ability to hit a jump shot, but how well one has performed in the classroom.  Too often showcases do not emphasize the importance of academics in regards to realizing the player's quest to play at the next level.  That is why these sessions are my favorite.  See you on Saturday.

Kerry Smith

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