Basketball Classic History

In a state where basketball is a year-round passion, the Derby Festival Basketball Classic gives hoops fans an opportunity to see some of the nation's finest roundball talent before the players move on to the collegiate level. Basketball classic 2

The Classic, first held in 1973, has grown in stature every year and is easily considered one of the nation's finest high school All-Star games. Local fans look forward to the game every spring, especially to get a sneak peek at freshmen-to-be at the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky and Indiana University. This is the 37th year for the only Derby Festival event held on the hardwood.

Not only does the Derby Festival Basketball Classic feature blue-chip talent from around the country, the event has helped raised more than $800,000 in charitable donations since its inception. Groups that have benefited from the donations include the Ronald McDonald House, Kosair Charities and the Crusade for Children.

The 1987 basketball game set two records: more than $78,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House and an attendance figure of 19,041 made it the most highly attended high school All-Star basketball game in history. The evening before the Derby Classic is always eagerly anticipated by basketball fans. The Night of the Future Stars allows fans to see the players up close as they participate in the slam-dunk, two-on-two and three-point shooting competitions.

The event is not unlike the NBA All-Star weekend, with spotlights and lively music. The Derby Festival Basketball Classic has showcased some of the nation's finest high school talent before the players move onto to stardom at the collegiate and professional levels. Among players who have performed in past Derby Classics are: Eric Montross, Jamal Mashburn, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Darrell Griffith, Sam Perkins, Vern Fleming, Pervis Elllison, Len Bias, Kiki Vangeweghe, Rex Chapman, Sam Bowie, Penny Hardaway and Dajuan Wagner.