The overcrowded AAU circuits and the high school conflicts seemed more significant than they actually were. Kispert is confident when asked about the current state of basketball in the Pacific Northwest.

To him, the region is still being slept on.

“The talent out there is still pretty under-recognized,” Kispert told RG.org.

The observation from someone who played at Gonzaga, a program that focused on identifying overlooked talent, is significant.

And Kispert isn’t exaggerating when he rattles off the kind of hoopers the Northwest has produced: Hall of Famers like John Stockton, Gary Payton, fan favorites like Brandon Roy, and a new wave led by Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero. Players who have diverse styles, but all developed in gyms across the country from Seattle to Spokane.

Kispert's message is straightforward: if you're committed to basketball, the Pacific Northwest is as effective a training ground as any.

“We’ve got everything – max players, role players, defenders, Hall of Famers, legendary scorers,” he said. “It’s a great place to learn the game and to invest in the game.”

Even though the region is known for its basketball heritage, it hasn't had an NBA team since 2008 when the Seattle Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City. Despite playing hoops year round, that loss still stings for a place.

“We Need a Team Back in Seattle”

The Northwest is not waiting for validation, as evidenced by Kispert's trust in the region. It's waiting for the NBA to catch up.