Lee Cummard snatched the rebound, dribbled the length of the floor and hit Trent Plaisted with a perfect bounce pass, which ended with a resounding two-handed dunk.
On the next possession, Matt Carlino pulled up from 25 feet, splashing a jumper that nestled softly through the bottom of the net.
Back and forth the two teams went, in a fast-paced affair played two weeks ago. BYU from the past, and BYU from the present. Cummard and Carlino. Plaisted and Anson Winder. Lamont Morgan dropping smooth assists. Brock Zylstra making moves to the basket.
For the past decade, the Taylorsville Pro-am tournament has been a linchpin of summer competition in the Salt Lake City area. It's the only college certified summer league on the Wasatch Front, a tournament that draws players past and present from each of the major schools in the state.
And, among fans, it's also the best-kept secret in Utah.
For years, the pro-am has been played almost anonymously. There are families and friends present. But real fan interest has always been lacking in an event that's free to the public.
It's a shame, largely, since it represents a chance to see how your favorite player is progressing, or how a favorite from yesteryear is faring against a current guy.
There are examples: Former Utah star Shaun Green has lost weight, has gained athleticism and has kept the jumper that made him a local legend, first at Olympus High and later for the Utes.
Winder has clearly progressed from his freshman season at BYU. He's a better player now, more aggressive going to the basket, stronger and thicker in his upper body and better at finishing at the rim. Utah State fans, last summer, could've predicted a breakout season for Preston Medlin, as his game grew as much on the court as his beard grew on his face. Of course, Medlin, who will enter this upcoming season as arguably the best player in the Western Athletic Conference, was forced to shave once the real year began.
And then there is Michael Stockton, who for years has shredded more heralded players around the state, even while playing for Westminster.
Most importantly: These games are fun. They are played under NBA rules, with a 24-second shot clock and NBA defensive rules. Speaking of defense, not much is played, as the pace is often frenetic and free-flowing.
It's a pro-am designed to be entertaining, and it is. Competition heats up during the postseason. The winner, last year, was a team headlined by brothers Tai and Mekeli Wesley, big men who played and starred at Utah State and BYU, respectively.
Games are played on Tuesday and Thursday nights, starting at 6 p.m. and often going for five hours. And with 10-minute quarters, there is plenty of time and room for area stars to do their thing and show how they became area stars in the first place.
Twitter: @tonyaggieville
