HAMPTON — The Allen Iverson Classic All-American Game’s roster reads like a who’s who of future NBA players, including national high school player of the year and Duke commit Cooper Flagg. The star of the event is still Iverson himself.
On Thursday, many of the top high school players in the country were in the Bethel High gym named after Iverson to display their one-on-one, 3-point shooting and dunk skills in what were called “The Iverson Games.” And, to be sure, the dunk prowess of Isaiah Abraham, who will play next season for NCAA champion Connecticut, and the 3-point shooting skills of Gicarri Harris, signed by national runner-up Purdue, drew huge applause.
But the biggest buzz of the night came when Iverson walked into the Allen Iverson Gymnasium.
“I’m never washing my hair again,” a boy, who looked to be about 10, told his friends because Iverson had touched his head.
Iverson’s effect on the all-stars in his game is similar, although none were born when he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals. Among them is Carter Bryant, a 6-foot-8 forward from California who will play for Arizona next season.
Jai Manselle, who co-founded the Allen Iverson Classic six years ago, feels Bryant possesses as much star potential as any of the 24 players in Saturday’s game, which tips off at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Coliseum.
“Carter Bryant is unbelievable,” Manselle said. “From an athleticism standpoint, I would not be surprised if he has more upside than anybody in this game.”
Bryant said Iverson’s legacy is huge on players of his generation.
“He was a person who made it possible for us to do a lot of things,” Bryant said. “A lot of younger guys now are trying to have tattoos, and things of that nature, and wearing their jewelry everywhere, whether that’s a chain or earrings or hats.
“He was the person that made that OK. The legacy and imprint that he’s put on the game is never going to be taken away.”
Following the Iverson Classic, Bryant enters a college landscape vastly different than the one Iverson entered as a Georgetown University freshman 30 years ago. Few side perks came with a college basketball scholarship back then and players were required to sit out a season if they transferred schools.
Bryant will receive NIL (name, image and likeness) money for playing at Arizona and his freedom of movement from NCAA school to school, without having to sit out any time, is virtually unlimited.
“There’s a lot of things that can affect you because of NIL and the transfer portal, but especially the NIL,” Bryant said. “A lot of guys know they’re not going to have as long a career in the NBA, so they try to extend their money as long as they can in the college game.
“Hats off because that’s a great opportunity for them. But it’s hard because guys like me and other freshmen want to show our capabilities, be able to play and, God willing, take ourselves to the highest level.
“My biggest thing wasn’t always money. Gratefully, I’m going to get paid for things I do on and off the basketball court, but for me it’s about the love of the game and (money) didn’t play too much into my recruitment.”
Elijah Moore, a Syracuse recruit who made 13 3-pointers and 67 points in a high school game for his team in Long Island, New York, this season, said the transfer portal is a concern, but one he can handle.
“It’s pretty tough knowing guys are transferring, but I’m just preparing myself by staying in the gym and working day in and day out,” he said.
Like Bryant, Moore is thrilled to end his high school career in Iverson’s all-star game.
“I’m very honored to play under Allen Iverson, a great player and a great person,” Moore said. “He had a big influence on me growing up, seeing the things he’s done to change the game.”
Bryant said, “I’m so grateful because not everybody is picked to play in this game. It’s just 24 of us and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Marty O’Brien, mjobrien@dailypress.com
Allen Iverson Classic
What: Allen Iverson Classic All-American Game
Who: It features most of the top 15 boys high school basketball seniors in the country.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hampton Coliseum
Tickets: Iversonclassic.com
