Columbia, SC (WLTX) --- The South Carolina Pro-Am Basketball League began its first season Sunday at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. The league features current professional players as well as some of the top collegiate and high school talent in the state.
Former USC basketball player Carey Rich organized the league. He says the league helps players and coaches find quality talent during the summer off-season.
"This now allows those coaches to satisfy one of the biggest challenges they have, and that's finding viable and competent competition for their players during the summer, " Rich said.
Rich hopes the league will blossom and continue to attract more great players to the league. In fact, former Gamecock basketball star Devan Downey was on the court Sunday. Downey, who now plays professionally in Turkey, says the Pro-Am is just what he needed.
"In the summer time it's hard to find competitive basketball," he said. "This Pro-Am will give everyone a chance to compete during the summer."
The league holds games on Sundays and Thursdays with tournament in August. The games are free to the public.