LeBron James may be in DC playing in the NBA playoffs but the inaugural LeBron James AAU Tournament — King James Shooting Star Classic — is underway in Akron, Ohio. Unlike last week’s split of AAU talent between Pittsburgh and Houtston, this tournament really seems to have brought a bigger confluence. Both Adidas and Nike sponsored teams are in attendance, meaning lots of top talent on hand. Of course, that includes Pope, Pryor, Blair and the rest of the Pittsburgh JOTS team. It also means top talent like O.J. Mayo and Derrick Rose are playing.

That much talent in one place also means lots and lots of coaches to come and watch.

The three-day event, which features more than 300 teams from across the country, will showcase some of the nation’s top high school players.

More than 250 college coaches are expected to attend.

Earley said he has heard from several big-name college coaches, including UCLA Bruin’s men’s head coach Ben Howland and Texas Tech men’s head coach Bobby Knight.

The tournament is one of the premier stages where players perform and coaches can identify and evaluate potential college recruits.

Most local hotels are booked or on the brink of it.

Akron’s Courtyard by Marriott sold out in December, said assistant general manager Laura Valiante. “We’ve been turning people away ever since.”

Earlier this week, the Hilton in Fairlawn had four rooms available and the Hampton Inn in Stow had “a limited number” of smoking, king-sized rooms. Both venues were booked by Thursday.

All of that is exciting for Dru Joyce II, the St. Vincent-St. Mary High boys coach who spearheaded the tournament.

Have to believe Coach Dixon is at this one as well. Not to mention that Jerome Lane still lives in the area. I would expect him to be around, and hopefully encouraging kids about Pitt.