Editor's note: This is the latest entry in Dave Telep's July Road Trip blog. Throughout the month, Dave will check in each day he's on the road while covering some of the biggest basketball recruiting events in the country. He'll let you know where he is, offer some highlights of the day and give a quick look at what's next.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Wednesday was a special treat as July’s third and final open evaluation period tipped off. There were a multitude of games Wednesday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, but the premier matchup was a case of great players performing at a high level in front of a national TV audience on ESPNU and a strong contingent of college coaches watching in person.

The AAU Super Showcase was in full swing, and what a treat it was!

Thursday promises to be just as good with an even more talent-loaded matchup on ESPNU and WatchESPN at 7 p.m. ET, but let’s first take a look back at some of Wednesday’s biggest storylines.

Stars light up the big stage

Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, UCLA’s Steve Alford, Notre Dame’s Mike Brey and Minnesota’s Richard Pitino sat courtside for Wednesday’s TV matchup between Minnesota-based Howard Pulley and Boston’s BABC. After ESPN 100 power forward Reid Travis (Minneapolis/De La Salle) scored 31 points and grabbed a slew of rebounds in a 64-61 win over BABC, we’d venture to guess they craved his signature more than ever.