Prime Time League schedule delayed two weeks
Eastern Iowa college basketball fans will have to wait an extra two weeks to get their summer fix.
The eight-date schedule for the Prime Time League was delayed when the NCAA asked for a reapplication, director Randy Larson said.
The league, which features six teams made up most notably of current and former Iowa and Northern Iowa players, will open play June 30 at the North Liberty Community Center. The champions will be crowned July 28 in North Liberty.
“It was delayed by things that were not in our control. It’s a big process,” Larson said of the annual application to the NCAA.
Prime Time League seeking players to battle Hawkeyes, Panthers
He said the governing body sends a response to the original application asking league organizers to affirm that they understand the rules — players can’t be paid or provided uniforms, college coaches can’t attend the games, etc. This year, they made Larson reapply at that point and re-started the 45-day clock before the games could begin. It was the first time that has happened, Larson said.
This will be the 30th year of the league, which also includes local players who are impressive enough at tryouts to join the Hawkeyes and Panthers on the teams' rosters. The tryouts will be held at 11:30 a.m. on June 25 at the North Dodge Athletic Club. The draft is the following night.
Larson said former Hawkeye star Matt Gatens is again among those planning to play this season. In addition, former Panthers sharp-shooter Matt Bohannon intends to play and could be paired on a team with younger brother, Jordan, a Hawkeye commit. The two have not previously played together.
Matt Gatens helps young Hawkeyes, awaits next pro step
The revised 2016 PTL schedule:
June 30: 6 p.m. at North Liberty Community Center
July 7: 6 p.m. at NLCC
July 10: 3 p.m. at the Sportsplex in Waterloo
July 14: 6 p.m. at NLCC
July 17: 3 p.m. at the Sportsplex
July 21: 6 p.m. at NLCC (first round of playoffs)
July 24: 3 p.m. at the Sportsplex (semifinals)
July 28: 6 p.m. at NLCC (championship)
Scenes from last year's event:
