Who Will Graduate To The Pro Ranks This Year?

This annual women's basketball tournament has become the launching pad for many lesser-known seniors from smaller schools hoping to find a niche for themselves on the international basketball scene. Recognized worldwide as the premier event for hot female prospects, the fourth annual Women's Pro Basketball Showcase presents the finest US womens basketball talent outside of the WNBA.

Who Will Graduate to the Pro Ranks This Year?

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 2, 2003
Contact: J. Olbert (404) 873-1170
csportsusa@aol.com

Fans will get a chance to see first-hand as women basketball players from all college levels descend upon the Atlanta area on June 14 and 15 to perform in the Womens Pro Basketball Showcase. The annual tournament has become the launching pad for many lesser-known seniors from smaller schools hoping to find a niche for themselves on the international basketball scene.

Recognized worldwide as the premier event for hot female prospects, the fourth annual Showcase will bring to the area the finest US womens basketball talent outside of the WNBA. The Showcase offers basketball fans a rare opportunity to see some of the nations top college basketball seniors take a shot at going pro.

Small college stars from all over the country will compete in this leading amateur tournament for women, held at the Cobb County Convention Center in Marietta, Georgia, June 14-15, 2003. Admission. www.contactsportsusa.com, or (404) 873-1170. Competition among the small college stars begins the morning of Saturday, June 14 with position drills, followed by a series of pre-liminary games and culminating with the tournament all-star game on Sunday afternoon, June 15.

Fans attending not only get a look at the best small college talent in the nation, but can also catch a glimpse of coaches and scouts from the global pro leagues who come to scrutinize the players abilities in hopes of identifying future international stars.

The Showcase traditionally attracts second tier, albeit gifted players who might miss a look from WNBA scouts, or who might be a bit undersized for their position, or who have questions about a particular aspect of their game, but who nevertheless -- in the right situation -- can enjoy a rewarding pro basketball career overseas. This year, there are more than 50 former Showcase players on international rosters.

College players receive invitations to the Showcase based on their senior performance and accomplishments. The field of play consists of eight teams with players coming from the top statistical categories of NCAA Divisions I, II, III, and NAIA. The players are not only among the best on their team, but they are often the leading players in their conferences as well. Some of them may even lead the nation in a statistical category within their college division. It is always interesting to see how they match up against each other", explains Showcase Director, Cheryl Dukes. Weve had D-I conference Players of the Year who get out-rebounded, out-hustled and out-played by the smaller school players."

Among the 72 players from last years tournament are five conference Players of the Year and more than 40 all-conference selections. There is also an open registration allocating a limited number of roster spots to players with international experience and to WNBA draft picks who do not stick with their team. Coaches for the event are selected primarily from among the areas high school and small college basketball programs.

The Showcase is becoming known as the place for highly talented, but little-known college seniors to be discovered by pro scouts. A strong showing at this event can boost their prospects to land the opportunity they seek at the pro levels. The Showcase presents a rare opportunity for fans, coaches, or whoever to examine all of this talent in one place at one time", adds Dukes. The players take it very seriously. They put it all on the floor for the opportunity to play basketball professionally. It is good, solid, competitive and entertaining hoops."

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