Check back here for the latest press releases, news and articles, and other tournament information.

5/21/2008: Scout.com - Video Feature: Cactus Classic Wrap Up: The Cactus Classic was among the top events of the spring. Towards the end of the event National Recruiting Director Dave Telep broke down the field with Corey Becker, who is Scout.com's Director of Video Services. Read More.

5/15/2008: ESPN.com - Nelson powers squad to finals. TUCSON, Ariz. -- The adrenaline was soaring as I arrived at the 3rd annual Arizona Cactus Classic. It's easily the most enjoyable stop on the spring evaluation tour and even trumps any event in July. The event is scout-friendly with only 32 teams and director Jim Storey did a masterful job of attracting a bevy of talent to the McKale Memorial Center, not to mention a hospitality room that will knock your socks off. Read More.

5/14/2008: Rivals.com - Top Performers from the Cactus Classic. With a star-studded field of 32 on the country's top travel teams, there was plenty of talent on had at the Arizona Cactus Classic to evaluate. Rivals.com's Jerry Meyer was on hand for all of the action. Read More.

5/13/2008: ArizonaPreps.com - 2008 ACC Top Performers. Last weekend at the University of Arizona's McKale Center, the presitigious Cactus Classic took place once again, filled with this year's most talented crop of teams in recent history. Read More.

5/11/2008: Rivals.com - Cactus Classic Recruiting News. TUCSON, Ariz. - As the Arizona Cactus Classic rolls on, Rivals.com gathered recruiting information from several prospects, which included some interesting news from Renardo Sidney, currently the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2009. Read More.

5/11/2008: ASUDevils.com - Here is a look at a number of the potential 2009 Arizona State prospects in action at the Arizona Cactus Classic, which is being played at McKale Center in Tucson, on the campus of the University of Arizona through Sunday afternoon. Read More.

5/11/2008: GOAZCATS.com - Arizona Cactus Classic Saturday notebook. Our Arizona Cactus Classic notebook is once again mostly filled with UA basketball team and coaching news, but here's the latest from the tournament, including some new recruiting information. Read More.

5/11/2008: GOAZCATS.com - Arizona Cactus Classic School Lists. The 2008 Arizona Cactus Classic showcases some of the best talent in the class of 2009 and beyond . Read More.

5/11/2008: Scout.com - Cactus Classic Day 2 Rundown: TUCSON, Ariz. – There’s nothing better than sitting in one gym all day long and feasting on the menu the Cactus Classic offers. Avery Bradley and Abdul Gaddy were part of the sampling of high-level talent in Tucson. Read More.

5/11/2008: Scout.com - Cactus Classic West Coast Day Two: Day Two at the Cactus Classic had plenty of strong performances from some of the top players in the west. Read More.

5/10/2008: Scout.com - Cactus Classic Day 1 Rundown: TUCSON, Ariz. – It’s going to be a strong weekend at the Cactus Classic. A long travel day for many didn’t slow down John Wall, Abdul Gaddy or Tommy Mason-Griffin. Three of 2009’s top point guard played well Friday night. Read More.

5/10/2008: Scout.com - Cactus Classic West Coast Day One: The Cactus Classic is typically one of the best West Coast events of the AAU season and this year's version looks to be very good. Some of the top players on the first night included Michael Snaer, Mike Moser, Tyler Honeycutt and Anthony Marshall. Read More.

5/10/2008: Rivals.com - Cactus Classic Day One: TUCSON, Ariz. - With a star-studded field of 32 on the country's top travel teams, the Arizona Cactus Classic got off to a strong start Friday night. Although his squad came up short, the No. 1 ranked point guard John Wall was close to unstoppable. Read More.

5/10/2008: GOAZCATS.com - Arizona Cactus Classic Friday notebook. Here are some news and notes from the first night at the Arizona Cactus Classic along with the latest on UA basketball in general. Read More.

5/9/2008: GOAZCATS.com - UA fan's guide to Arizona Cactus Classic. The Arizona Cactus Classic tips off at 6:00pm on Friday night at McKale Center and there will be plenty of Arizona recruits in attendance. If you're a UA fan who is planning on showing up Friday and/or Saturday, we put together a schedule for you to follow. Read More.

5/9/2008: GOAZCATS.com - Arizona Cactus Classic begins tonight. After the inaugural Arizona Cactus Classic in 2006, national scouts, coaches and players all raved about the AAU event held at the McKale Center at the University of Arizona. Read More.

5/21/2007: GOAZCATS.com - The second Arizona Cactus Classic is under wraps and from all accounts, it was once again a success. There was great competition, plenty of elite level talent and some exciting games. Read More.

5/21/2007: CSTV & Hoopmasters - East met West in the finals of the Arizona Cactus Classic Sunday afternoon and the New York City Gauchos came away with the crown in Tucson. It was a survival of the fittest with the Gauchos up against a top Southern California squad in Belmont Shores. Read More.

5/21/2007: Order Arizona Cactus Classic Game DVDs from HoopTV.net. Click here to order.

5/21/2007: Arizona Daily Star - So with a lineup full of major-college guard prospects, the New York Gauchos wrestled the Arizona Cactus Classic title away from Jennings and Long Beach, Calif.-based Belmont Shore, winning 102-96 in the championship game Sunday at McKale Center. Read More.

5/21/2007: Scout - The Second Annual Cactus Classic gave us a chance to see some of the top players in the west, including guys like Michael Snaer, Jordan Hamilton, Jereymy Tyler, Greg Smith, Peyton Siva and others. Read More.

5/20/2007: Scout - The New York Gauchos ran the gauntlet of the Cactus Classic without getting pricked. Kemba Walker, the event’s MVP, helped the Gauchos outlast Belmont Shore for the championship. Read More.

5/20/2007: Rivals.com - It came down to a west coast vs. east coast match up at the Cactus Classic, and the New York Gauchos overcame the enhanced Belmont Shores squad 102-96 behind the sharp shooting of Chris Fouch and the solid play of point guard Kemba Walker. Read More.

5/20/2007: Scout - Saturday at the Cactus Classic was non-stop ball. Jeremy Tyler has the biggest upside of anyone here. We found a few rising seniors who stood out amongst a strong contingent of younger guys. Read More.

5/19/2007: Rivals.com - Pool play is finished at the Arizona Cactus Classic and Saturday was highlighted by a kid with only one year of high school ball under his belt. Rivals.com breaks down the Saturday morning and afternoon games. Read More.

5/19/2007: Scout - Opening night at the Cactus Classic featured one of the best AAU games of the spring. Demar Derozan, Brandon Jennings and Jrue Holiday left a lasting impression as they dueled in the desert. Read More.

5/19/2007: Rivals.com - Belmont Shores and Pump N Run Elite squared off against each other in the marquee game of the first night of the Cactus Classic, and Demar Derozan was terrific for Belmont Shores. Here is a breakdown on his play along with a number of other prospects. Read More.

5/19/2007: Scout - The Cactus Classic, in just its second year, proved again that it's probably the best spring event in the west, with a great deal of talent, like Washington 2009 point guard Peyton Siva, and a great game Friday night, featuring a huge performance by junior wing Demar DeRozan. Read More.

5/19/2007: Rivals.com - If Friday night's action at the Cactus Classic was any kind of preview for what kind of weekend this will be, then buckle up. Things are about to get very interesting. Two of the best guards in the West met head to head for a memorable match-up that will have people talking. Read More.

5/18/2007: GOAZCATS.com - The Arizona Cactus Classic returns to Tucson this evening and the 32-team, 79-game event hopes for another great weekend after a successful inaugural tournament a year ago. Several of the nation’s top talent will be in town, as there will be prospects ranked in the Top 10 nationally in each of the next five recruiting classes – 2008 through 2012. Read More.

5/18/2007: Arizona Daily Star - NCAA rules will keep college basketball coaches away from the talent-laden Arizona Cactus Classic this weekend. A lack of natural rooting interests, springtime diversions and other sporting events may keep fans away, too. But Jim Storey hopes they don't. Read More.

5/18/2007: GatorBait.net - Some of the top prospects in the nation are headed to the desert this weekend to take part in the Arizona Cactus Classic and there are a few prospects that have Florida on their list that will be at the event. Read More.

5/17/2007: Rivals.com - There is a new power tournament in the west. The second annual Arizona Cactus Classic at the University of Arizona tips off this weekend and tournament organizers have every top name in the west in the event. Tournament organizer Jim Storey and his staff have secured 32 teams for the 79-game event this weekend in Tucson. After last year's successful event, this year's field looks deeper and just as exciting. Read More

5/15/2007: Tucson Citizen - Some of the nation's best high school boys basketball players will show off their skills in Tucson this weekend for the second Arizona Cactus Classic. For the University of Arizona, it's a chance to introduce its program to potential recruits in the AAU Across America Basketball Tour, even though the NCAA does not allow coaches to make contact with visiting players. Read More.

5/15/2007: Arizona Daily Star - Blessed by Southern California's broad recruiting terrain, UCLA and USC both have secured three prominent basketball recruits from the high school class of 2008. All are Californians familiar with the neighborhood. If you're Arizona, Oregon or Washington State, you start at a disadvantage. What can be done? Here's what: Have the best recruits come to you. Read More.

5/13/2007: Arizona Daily Star - If your plans are flexible next weekend, you may wish to spend $10 to see part of the 32-team, 79-game Arizona Cactus Classic at McKale Center and Bear Down Gym. Last May's inaugural Cactus Classic included McDonald's All-Americans James Harden, Jai Lucas, Taylor King and UA recruits Jamelle Horne and Zane Johnson. Read More.

5/12/2007: The field is set and the 2007 pools and game schedules are now available. With many of the nation's top level teams participating look for the 07' Arizona Cactus Classic to be one of the single most elite level tournaments ever to be played. Click here to view the game schedules and pools.

5/7/2007: Arizona Cactus Classic partners with the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. TUCSON, AZ - Attention Basketball Junkies! The Arizona Cactus Classic is coming to Tucson May 18-20
with nationally ranked high school AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) teams, elite players, over achievers, underdogs, applause, cheers and yes, some disappointments. $5 of every ticket purchased at Bank of Tucson goes to United Way’s Keeping Kids Safe After School focus area. Read More.

5/4/2007: HoopTV.net has joined The Arizona Cactus Classic in offering coverage of teams at the tournament. Teams advancing to the FInal Four and Championship Game will receive DVDs of the games. In addition, for just $99/game you get 10 DVD's and the right to purchase additional DVDs at just $10.00 a disc. Click here to order Full Coverage for your team of your first four games. Click here to order single game coverage.

4/11/2007: The Arizona Cactus Classic is set to impress with the Second Annual Cactus Classic held at the University of Arizona. The 2007 tournament will be held from May 18-20, 2007.

5/24/2006: Rivals.com - The first annual Cactus Classic held at the University of Arizona was loaded with top talent from the West Coast and many of them turned in impressive performances. [ Read More ]

5/24/2006: USChoops.com - Last weekend’s inaugural Arizona Cactus Classic featured some of the top AAU teams on the West Coast. While there were a handful of top 2007 prospects, the Class of 2008 prospects took center stage. Jrue Holiday, Larry Drew, Jerime Anderson, Malcolm Lee, Demar DeRozan, Malcolm White, Troy Gillenwater and more are profiled in this report. [ Read More ]

5/23/2006: Rivals.com - The first annual Cactus Classic held at the University of Arizona was loaded with top talent from the West Coast and many of them turned in impressive performances. It was a sign of great things to come for this event. [ Read More ]

5/23/2006: GOAZCATS.com (subscription) - The AZ Cactus Classic was filled with exciting games, top-notch talented and several memories. From Gary Johnson's vicious dunk over Taylor King to Isaiah Thomas' 50-point outburst against SoCal Razorbacks to Utah Pump N' Run's unbelievable victory over SoCal All-Stars, there were several moments that stand out from this past weekend's tournament. Here are some awards and notes from the Arizona Cactus Classic. [ Read More ]

5/22/2006: Scout (subscription) - The inaugural Arizona Cactus Classic was held this past weekend at the University of Arizona and we were very impressed with the event. Tournament Director Jim Storey and his staff did an outstanding job putting together a very good field of teams. The event was easily one of the best ones we’ve been to in many years. The tournament was well-run, while the facilities and hospitality were terrific. The AAU coaches we spoke to were all in agreement that the Cactus Classic was one of the best events they’ve attended. [ Read More ]

5/22/2006: Arizona Daily Star - Alex Jacobson spent his last minutes this weekend at McKale Center sprawled out on a chair, mired in foul trouble, pondering the first losing tournament exit his SoCal All-Stars team has made all season. [ Read More ]

5/22/2006: Arizona Preps (subscription) - This year's first annual Arizona Cactus Classic will be an event to be remembered for a long time. Tournament organizer Jim Storey and his staff put on a first class event that turned out to be the best event of the spring. An Arizona tournament is not complete without the top Arizona teams and players competing though, and this year's event did not disappointe in this area either. [ Read More ]

5/21/2006: GOAZCATS.com (subscription) - The final day of the Arizona Cactus Classic was extremely competitive. Every game we watched went down to the final moments but Houston Hoops simply ran out of gas as Pump N' Run Elite won it all. [ Read More ]

5/21/2006: Hoopmasters - The 2006 Arizona Cactus Classic ended with an excellent offensive show by the innaugural champions the Pump N' Run Elite... [ Read More ]

5/21/2006: Tucson, Ariz.-Gonzaga commitment Austin Daye dominated the opening of the game, event MVP James Harden was solid throughout the game and 2008 point guard Larry Drew shared the sugar as the Pump N Run Elite easily defeated the Houston Hoops 67-48 in the finals of the inaugural Cactus Classic. [ Read More ]

5/21/2006: Hoopmasters - The Semi-finals both went down to the wire as Houston Hoops edged the Las Vegas Prospects 73-72 as the Prospects missed a long three at the buzzer. In the other semi-final Pump N' Run Elite scored the last four points of the game to edge the Illinois Warriors by a 74-69 margin. These tough, hard fought games led to the Championship match-up at the 2006 Arizona Cactus Classic. [ Read More ]

5/21/2006: Hoopmasters - The Quarter-finals of the 2006 Arizona Cactus Classic were truly a basketball lovers delight as three of the four match-ups went to the final minute to be decided. Ending with an epic two overtime battle between Houston Hoops and the Southern Cal All-Stars. Setting up a pair of big-time semi-final match-ups. [ Read More ]

5/20/2006: GOAZCATS.com (subscription) - The Arizona Cactus Classic kicked off on Friday night and it was definitely a successful beginning to what should be a very fun tournament. Here's a list of scores and notes from the opening night of the tournament. [ Read More ]

5/20/2006: Rivals.com - Pump N Run Elite all purpose guard James Harden has been one of the most impressive prospects at the Cactus Classic. A smooth and also explosive lefty, Harden slashes and shoots it, defends and rebounds, handles and passes. [ Read More ]

5/20/2006: Rivals.com - Tucson, Ariz.-On the opening night of the inaugural Cactus Classic, 2007 prospect Steven Gray was outstanding, but there were also a number of class of 2008 standouts. None were better than North Hollywood combo guard Jrue Holiday. [ Read More ]

5/20/2006: Hoopmasters (subscription) - The Arizona Cactus Classic got off to a good start last night in Tucson as many of the favorites won opening round games... [ Read More ]

5/20/2006: GOAZCATS.com (subscription) - The Arizona Cactus Classic got started on Friday Night with some of the best teams in the tournament in action. [ Read More ]

5/19/2006: Arizona Daily Star - More than 300 elite-level basketball prospects will land on the Arizona campus this weekend and Lute Olson can't see any of them. Yet the UA basketball coach couldn't be happier about it. This weekend's inaugural Arizona Cactus Classic, featuring 32 AAU programs mostly from the West, is being held during an NCAA "quiet'' period when coaches are prohibited from watching or talking with prospects. [ Read More ]

5/19/2006: GOAZCATS.com - The first annual Arizona Cactus Classic has finally arrived. Tucson, Arizona has never had so many elite high school basketball players in town at the same time and this event looks to be one of the best AAU tournaments of the summer. Considering that the event is being put on by GOAZCATS.com Publisher Jim Storey, it goes without saying that we'll have the tournament covered from beginning to end. [ Read More ]

5/18/2006: Rivals.com - The first annual Arizona Cactus Classic proves that size doesn't matter. Kevin Love and the SoCal All-Stars will be the tournament favorites in the Arizona Cactus Classic. The tournament, which begins Friday at the University of Arizona in Tucson, is no bigger than many minor AAU events with 32 17-and-under teams and about 350 players. [ Read More ]

5/16/2006: Tucson Citizen - Top high school basketball recruits will be in Tucson this weekend for the inaugural Arizona Cactus Classic at McKale Center. The 32-team event, with about 350 players, begins Friday night and runs through Sunday afternoon on the University of Arizona campus. Most of the teams come from the West, but there also are teams from Illinois and Texas. [ Read More ]

5/16/2006: GOAZCATS.com - Brackets have been released for the Arizona Cactus Classic and as expected, there are going to be some big time matchups. All of Arizona's recruits play on Friday night, but on Saturday, there are some games that you don't want to miss. [ Read More ]

5/15/2006: Full Court Press - "Arizona Catcus Classic To Showcase Best of the West" - The inaugural Arizona Cactus Classic being held next weekend May 19-21 at the University of Arizona promises to be one of the top West Coast events this club season. [ Read More ]

5/14/2006: Tournament Pools, Schedules, and Championship Brackets released. [ Click for more info ]

5/11/2006: Arizona Daily Star - The Arizona Cactus Classic is expected to attract many of the region's top elite-level players and their AAU teams to McKale Center next weekend. According to event organizer Jim Storey, among those expected to attend include Alex Jacobson, Jamelle Horne, Gary Johnson, Brandon Jennings, Kevin Love, Kamyron Brown and Jai Lucas. [ Read More ]

4/26/2006: GOAZCATS.com - The Arizona Cactus Classic is just over three weeks away and the tournament is shaping up to be one of the premier AAU events of the summer. Some of the top teams and recruits in the country are all set to show up in Tucson for the May 19-21 tournament. [ Read More ]

4/25/2006: Listen to the Arizona Cactus Classic radio commericals (mp3 format): 10 second spot - 30 second spot

4/23/2006: Arizona Daily Star - The ACC will be a three-day AAU basketball tournament for perhaps the nation's top 32 summer teams, and a showcase of the elite high school players. [ Read More ]

4/5/2006: The Arizona Cactus Classic is having a volunteer meeting on Monday April 17, 2006 from 5:45 -6:30pm. The meeting witll be held at the Swede Johnson Building (NW corner of Cherry and Speedway). All prospective volunteers and Employees should attend. The tournament is in need of volunteers for a variety of positions ranging from media relations, statistics, hospitality suite, setup/breakdown, scorekeepers.

3/30/2006: First Magnus Financial Corporation signs on as Co-Title Sponsor of the Arizona Cactus Classic. The tournament now known as The Arizona Cactus Classic presented by Hamilton Aerospace Technologies & First Magnus Financial Corporation

3/28/2006: The Arizona Cactus Classic expands the field to 32 teams. With even more players and teams attending, the event is quickly shaping up to be one of the top tournaments of the year.

2/7/2006: Seattle Rotary Select confirms its attendance in the Arizona Cactus Classic. Seattle Rotary Select is current University of Arizona freshman Marcus Williams' former AAU team.

1/11/2006: GOAZCATS.com - The Arizona Cactus Classic, which will be held from Friday, May 19th through Sunday, May 21st, will host some of the best AAU teams and players in the country. There will be 24 teams total – 19 of which have already committed to play – and fans can expect to see some big time talent. [ Read More ]

1/10/2006: The Arizona Cactus Classic web site launches. Be sure to continue checking back for the latest tournament information and updates.

1/9/2006: The Southern California Razorbacks have committed to playing in the Arizona Cactus Classic, making the total number of teams 18.

1/2/2006: The well respected Atlanta Celtics commit to playing in the Arizona Cactus Classic.

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WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE ARIZONA CACTUS CLASSIC:

""We'd like to thank Jim Storey and his staff they did a great job running the 2006 Arizona Cactus Classic. You'd never know it was their first tourney, everything was first class, info, tournament and hospitality!'
Van Coleman, Hoopmasters National Recruiting Analyst

"The tournament was a smashing success for a number of reasons.  First, the event was extremely well run and organized and tournament director Jim Storey and his staff went the extra mile in every way.  As a matter of fact, we heard a coach from one of the participating teams tell Storey this was the best event that his team has ever played in."
Clark Francis, Hoop Scoop National Recruiting Analyst

"The summer circuit has needed a quality western event and Jim Storey has filled the need with the Arizona Cactus Classic. Everything about the event was first class, and it was one of the best evaluating experiences I have had. A great event in a great location that will only draw better teams from across the country in the years to come."
Jerry Meyer, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst

"Jim Storey and the Arizona Cactus Classic staff deserve high praise for a great event. It was well organized and there was high quality competition. It was definitely the place to be for people in the scouting industry. A very productive weekend."
Gerry Freitas, National Recruting Analyst

"The event was easily one of the best ones we’ve been to in many years. The tournament was well-run, while the facilities and hospitality were terrific. The AAU coaches we spoke to were all in agreement that the Cactus Classic was one of the best events they’ve attended."
Greg Hicks, Scout West Coast Recruiting Analyst

"This is by far the best organized and run tournament we have attended!"
Earl Hurst, Head Coach Utah Pump N' Run

"This year's first annual Arizona Cactus Classic will be an event to be remembered for a long time, at least until next May when the 2nd annual event takes place. Tournament organizer Jim Storey and his staff put on a first class event that turned out to be the best event of the spring."
Anthony Ray, Head Coach Arizona Magic and Publisher of Arizona Preps