Slam Dunk attracts big-name coaches in 2000

Slam Dunk to the Beach used to be the biggest high school basketball tournament in the country, attracting the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and other future NBA legends. With that kind of star power, the tournament also attracted the who’s who of college coaches. In 2000, coaches scouting players included Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Maryland’s Gary Williams and Louisville’s Denny Crum. 

The tournament was founded in 1990 by Bobby Jacobs and quickly grew into one of the nation's top high school basketball tournaments. More than 35 athletes who played in the event went on to compete at the highest level in the NBA.

Jacobs surprised most people when he folded the tournament in 2004 after a successful 14-year run. He cited health issues as the reason. However, it was later revealed Jacobs struggled to or often did not pay many people associated with the event. In 2006, a state audit found Jacobs had mishandled tournament finances to the tune of more than $50,000. He was charged with theft and 12 counts of forgery. He eluded arrest for nearly a year before being caught by U.S. Marshals in Miami, Fla. As a result of a plea bargain, Jacobs served eight months in prison with probation of a year and four months. He was also ordered to pay restitution of about $200,000 to several parties and state and county agencies.

The Delaware Sports Commission revived Slam Dunk in 2014. It ran successfully for 10 years before a hiatus was announced in 2024. In its place, the much-smaller Beach Slam was held the last two years at Cape Henlopen High School.