Recruiting Roundup: Why Top Players Love the Star-Studded Las Vegas Events

LAS VEGAS—People travel to Las Vegas for the glitz and glamour that only a city like Sin City can provide.

America's best high school basketball players are too young to gamble or enjoy the nightlife in Las Vegas while they participate in the end-of-summer tournaments that dominate the final week of the July live evaluation period. They certainly feel the spectacle of everything the city provides, though.

The big reason: It's the one stop on the grassroots circuit where many NBA players come and watch games.

Between the NBA's Olympic team and Summer League presence in Las Vegas—and the fact that players just like going there during the offseason—the multiple grassroots events in Las Vegas this past week always seemed to have someone important watching.

Some players participated in The Eight, an eight-team mini-tournament comprised of Nike grassroots teams that have ties to an NBA player. During the tournament, most teams have an NBA player on the sidelines as an assistant coach. Other grassroots teams are funded by an NBA player that had their namesake show up.

As Team CP3 celebrated their tournament championship at The Eight, it seemed like nobody could get the euphoric bunch's attention as they danced in a circle. Future's "Wicked" pumped through the speakers as media, coaches and parents all had to wait for the celebration to slow down.

Then the team's celebrity captain and namesake, Chris Paul, spoke up. "Guys, it's time to take some pictures for the parents." The dancing stopped and the team listened to CP3.

"A lot of NBA players came to help coach with the team that they're with. That's probably the biggest difference," 5-star big man and Team CP3 member Wendell Carter said of Las Vegas events.

"Great city to be in—even though it's kind of hot. It's a lot of fun out here."

Throughout multiple Vegas events during the week, NBA players would either support their team or just show up to watch and enjoy themselves. Three summers ago, Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay was dominating opponents during the Las Vegas Fab 48 at Bishop Gorman High School. As an established pro this summer, Mudiay came back to Bishop Gorman and the Fab 48 to watch some premier players like 5-star guard Trevon Duval and 5-star forward Billy Preston.

Over at the Adidas Summer Championships across town at the Cashman Center, Derrick Rose, Damian Lillard, Marcus Smart and David West dropped by to support their respective programs while James Harden sat courtside to take in some games.

Some college coaches even use their former pros as a recruiting tool. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo brought former Spartans star Jason Richardson with him to a few games as he tracked 5-star recruiting targets like Brian Bowen and Gary Trent Jr.

The games themselves feature plenty of star power on the floor, but when you add in the famous college head coaches and NBA stars that are taking in some games, it adds more appeal for common fans. Many Spectators pack the bleachers and give each big game a feeling that is similar to what the athletes experience while playing with their high school teams. 

Las Vegas is the one week during the live period where it feels like the entire basketball community at all levels has eyes on the high school game.

"There's a lot of teams that's out here. A lot of pros, a lot of scouts, a lot of coaches. It really just ups the ante with the amount of people watching. Then when you leave, you see the bright lights from the strip," Trent Jr. said.

"Vegas is a great place to play in. A lot of fans, a lot of coaches. It's just about going out with a bang and having fun."

With at least six events that featured high-major talent this week, and so many important basketball people taking in the games, it seems like the Las Vegas events won't be slowing down anytime soon. 

Bruce Pearl's Uncharacteristically Quiet Success on the Recruiting Trail

Auburn and head coach Bruce Pearl continue to make a splash on the recruiting trail as the Tigers landed a commitment from 4-star wing Chuma Okeke on Monday.

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

By getting a pledge from the 6'7" Georgia native, Pearl and his staff have now secured three commitments from top-60 players in the Class of 2017 as they now sit at No. 1 in the class recruiting rankings.

What makes Okeke's commitment especially impressive for Auburn is that the Tigers were able to sneak in quietly and get work done. Pearl had plenty of opportunities to watch Okeke play in July since he was playing alongside Auburn commit and point guard Davion Mitchell with the Georgia Stars, but the consensus was that Okeke was still wide open.

If you look at the 247Sports Crystal Ball as an example, only one person out of five picked Okeke to head to Auburn, which means that Pearl was getting a lot done without a lot of fanfare during this recruitment.

For someone who has made a name in college basketball by doing outlandish stunts and always being on camera, Pearl is securing talent by doing a lot of work away from the spotlight. With a solid Class of 2016 haul and a potentially great Class of 2017 group, Auburn has a lot going for it right now. Now it's up to Pearl to win with the talent he is bringing to the program.

Mitchell Robinson Continues His Rise Up the Rankings

5-star big man Mitchell Robinson continued his ridiculous July performances in Las Vegas last week as the 7-footer had more dominant outings with New Orleans Elite at the Adidas Summer Championships.

Already regarded as one of the premier players in the Class of 2017, Robinson averaged 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game during pool play games at adidas. In one particularly dominant effort against MBA Hoops, Robinson had eight blocks and also added in three three-pointers on the offensive end for good measure.

Since he also blocked multiple three-pointers in that game, Robinson is one of the few players who can block and make multiple three-pointers in the same game. His freakish athleticism and ability to block shots has him up to No. 4 in the 247Sports national rankings and recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer believes the Western Kentucky commit has huge upside.

"I don't know that I have seen a more athletic 7-footer in the 14 years I have scouted than Robinson," Meyer said. "I immediately put him in the top 10 of the Top247 after I first saw him in May. His stock has only gone up over the summer. He is a natural talent with an incredibly high ceiling. 

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.