The sixteen teams playing in this week’s NJCAA Division II Men’s National Basketball Tournament are ready for action after getting an official welcome last night (Monday). Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer was among those who welcomed the teams, coaches and officials during a banquet at Turtle Run.
The Mayor says he is looking forward to an exciting week of high caliber basketball.
‘’People ask all of the time ‘what is the caliber of the athletes that are playing in this tournament?’ The caliber is so good that we have 200 four-year school coaches who are in the gym throughout the week watching these players play because they know once their two years are finished at the junior college level they can really provide them with some great opportunities in the next two years. And likewise, that athlete can provide them with an opportunity to win an NCAA Championship at the next level,’’ says Eisenhauer.
And Mayor Eisenhauer notes the tournament is giving quite an economic boost to the community.
‘’When you talk about 16 teams who are here for the course of a week, staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, and then the staff and fans that come with them doing the same as well – there’s no question there’s an economic impact to this event.’’
The teams are from thirteen states this year, and four of the teams are playing in their first national tournament. You can hear all of the games on WDAN 1490am Radio. They are also being streamed on VermilionCountyFirst.com this week.
