The inaugural Tampa Bay Pro Combine will be held on June 3 to June 5 at the AdventHealth Sports Arena at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County. This pre-draft event is presented by Pasco County, which has dubbed itself as “Florida’s Sports Coast.” It will showcase more than 40 college draft eligible men’s basketball players from around the nation who are hoping to make it into the NBA and will be competing to prove themselves in front of basketball decision-makers.
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla and Matt Babcock, an NBA Draft analyst for Basketballnews.com, lead the player selection committee. Both will be in attendance during the event, evaluating and getting to know the players.
“This is an event that will prove to be very helpful to prospects as they look to begin their professional basketball careers,” Babcock said. “There are a lot of great people involved in setting up the event and the Tampa Bay area and Florida’s Sports Coast is beautiful. In addition to being productive for players, agents, and teams from a business standpoint, I think the event will be a lot of fun, too.”
The three-day event will feature drills, games, athletic testing and measurements, a three-point shootout, dunk contest, and game play. It will give college and international basketball players a chance to be noticed by scouts and managers and possibly realize their dream of playing in the NBA.
In addition to the players, event sponsors are hoping it will be a tourist draw as well.
“The Tampa Bay Pro Combine is a tremendous opportunity for our destination as we work to solidify Florida’s Sports Coast as the premier sports destination within the state,” said Adam Thomas, Pasco County Tourism Director. “The level of talent participating in the Combine shows we’re capable of hosting not only youth amateur sporting events but also the best in national talent. We’re thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for this event and look forward to working with this amazing team for future events here on Florida’s Sports Coast.”
The economic tourism impact for Pasco County is projected to exceed hundreds of room nights and thousands of dollars in restaurant and shopping revenue.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the Tampa Bay Pro Combine Presented by Florida’s Sports Coast to our community,” Pasco County Commissioner and Tourist Development Council Chairman Mike Moore said. “Our tourism industry has grown significantly in the last few years since re-branding as Florida’s Sports Coast and I’m excited for people from all over the country to visit Pasco County. I know the players will enjoy showcasing their skills at a premier facility in the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County.”
For tickets to the Tampa Bay Pro Combine visit the event’s online portal at www.tampabayprocombine.com.