If there one person to credit for the soaring popularity of the Dolphin Classic in recent years it just might be Ed Haskins.

The Seattle area high school basketball coach has annually entered teams in the tournament and will be doing so again for this weekend's 23rd edition.

Back in 2004 when Haskins was an assistant coach at Rainier Beach, he created a huge buzz when he brought one of Rainier's most acclaimed graduates -- NBA guard Jamal Crawford -- up for the tournament. Crawford earned MVP honours and he would make two more appearances in helping Haskins' teams capture three straight titles.

Another famous Rainier Beach alumni -- New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson -- came to Dolphin as a spectator, as did current Portland Trailblazers star and Seattle native Brandon Roy.

Crawford has not played in the past two tournaments and subsequently the American team's dominance ended. They lost in the 2007 championship game to the X-Falcons and took a step even further back when they didn't even reach the final last year.

That's why organizers expect Haskins to show up with a loaded line-up for the 2009 tourney. Crawford is currently playing for Golden State while Robinson is a free agent.

Haskins is now head coach at Garfield High -- one of the most successful programs ever in the State of Washington.

Don't be surprised to see two-time former tournament MVP Rozelle Ellis back in Haskins' lineup.