Jordan Brand Classic 2012: Excitement Is at an All-Time High After Signing Day

If one thing could subtract from the excitement of one of the most exciting basketball events of the year, it was a LeBron James-esque signing day show on Wednesday night.

In the end, though, the announcements—most notably from Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel—only made the buildup to this weekend's Jordan Brand Classic more exciting.

Given the immense speculation and hype surrounding their decisions, there is no better time for a showcase that will offer us all a glimpse of what those players can do next year in the NCAA.

That being said, this is a game that takes place before the pressure and expectation that accompanies college basketball begins. That means it is one final chance for the superstars of tomorrow to let loose.

The Jordan Classic has been a sure-fire indicator of talent, producing 75 NBA players and countless overseas professionals since its inception in 2002.

Some of the stars of the show in recent memory include Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire (2002), LeBron James (2003), Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo (2004), Kevin Durant (2006), Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin (2007) and Anthony Davis (2011).

It's not a long shot to say Noel, Muhammad and Tony Parker could soon join the ranks of those bona fide superstars.

On Wednesday night, Muhammad and Noel made their selections on a nationally-televised special on ESPNU. Muhammad, the second-ranked prospect in the country, chose UCLA. Noel, the top-ranked prospect, chose Kentucky.

The signing day bonanza came at the perfect time because it directs some much-deserved attention to the Jordan Classic. Not only does the event showcase the best high school prospects in the country, but it also allows those prospects some time to give back to the community.

On Friday, prior to the weekend's main event, the prospects will visit a children's hospital. The visit includes a basketball clinic for the kids.

The Jordan Classic will undoubtedly live up to the hype this year, and it's only fitting that Muhammad, Noel and Parker are—intentionally or not—helping it get the attention it deserves.