Prime Time League

From Hoopedia

The Prime Time League is a Midwest pro-am league was started in 1987 in Iowa City, Iowa at the recommendation of Dr. Tom Davis, at that time the new Iowa Hawkeyes basketball coach who had just completed his first season (30-5), and its founder Randy Larson.

Players from the National Basketball Association, Continental Basketball Association, American players playing in Europe, The University of Iowa, The University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, players from various NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III schools as well as select high school and amateur players. The 'PTL Draft' is held in early June by the coaches representing the teams, which have ranged from the intially eight to as many as twelve.

The season runs from mid-June until late July each summer. Playoffs are held at the conclusion of each regular season and after a bracketed playoff, an annual league champion is crowned. An MVP is also named each year, among them Michael Payne, Brad Lohaus and Les Jepsen.

Games were held at Iowa City High School two or three times per week in two gyms from 1987 to 1999, and eventually moved to a facility in North Liberty, Iowa in July of 2000.

The league completed its 21st year in July, and continues to help develop skills in aspiring players, including Ricky Davis and Matt Gatens, who were both drafted and played as rising high school freshman. Larson has continued to run the non-profit based league since its inception in 1987.