COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team hosted elite skills camp, and had an overwhelming turnout. 74 high school students came to Cookeville for the one-day camp from Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio and Minnesota. Many of whom will go on to play division I college basketball.

"We were very pleased with the turnout, we probably had more kids than we anticipated," TTU men's basketball coach Mike Sutton said. "For the players it's a really good camp because it gives them an opportunity to see where they stack up against higher competition. A kid might be the best player on his high school team, but to go into a college workout and against top competition is very beneficial."

The camp consisted of individual and team skills clinics in the morning, followed by five-on-five competition in the afternoon.

But the elite camp focused on more than just basketball. Students and parents had the opportunity to learn what it takes to qualify to play college basketball, and what Tennessee Tech has to offer in the classroom.

"It's a good opportunity for kids to hear about what the requirements are to play NCAA basketball," Sutton said. "We had some people from the university talk about Tennessee Tech and the programs it has to offer. It's always good because it gives parents a chance to ask questions and its gives the kids the chance to experience Tennessee Tech.

"This camp is a great opportunity to exchange information. Part of what were trying to do is showcase Tennessee Tech University as much as the basketball program. Not every kid is going to play college basketball but it is important for all of them to think about higher education."