LA Live transformed into an epic streetball tournament August 2nd through the 4th for the 11th annual Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament.
The tournament welcomed over 5,000 ballers of different ages, gender, and skills to face off and put their mark on the event as a streetballer.
The opening tip-off party began Friday night with street performers, dance groups, live art, and food. The fun was only beginning when fans were able to compete in the pay to play basketball challenges of a three-point shootout, the driveway classic game of knockout, free throws, and half court shots.
The excitement took flight on Day 2 with jaw dropping dunkers soaring across center court leaving fans in awe. Chris Staples took home the crown flying over several young fans with ease.
As the temperature skyrocketed, so did the gameplay. All ballers 8-years-old and above were able to participate in the epic tournament.
The tournament consisted of the junior youth division (ages 8 & 9), senior youth division (ages 10-12), teen division (ages 13-19), adult division (ages 20 & over), wheelchair division, special Olympics division, and the elite division designated for the most competitive teams.
The men’s and women’s Elite Division champions will qualify for an opportunity to play in the USA Basketball 2020 3×3 Open National Championship. Each team brought their competitive edge to the tournament and left their mark on the tournament as a streetballer.
On Day 3 the winners for the women’s and men’s elite division champions were crowned. LA Premier took home the title for the women and 3ball Minnesota hoisted the trophy for the men.
Since 2013 Nike 3ON3 Commissioner and Vice President for L.A. Live Events at AEG, Ryan Golden, has overseen the tournament. “We want the community to come down during the summer when there isn’t basketball or hockey happening at Staples Center and L.A. Live and enjoy the festivities,” said Golden.
The success and growth of the tournament each year has continued to prompt L.A. Live to accommodate for the fans and athletes. “We have consistently had over 1,500 teams each year participate,” said Golden. “Closing down streets, accessing parking lots, and finding creative ways to use the area are signs we are continuing to grow each year.”
The Nike 3ON3 Tournament will return to L.A. Live August 8th and 9th in 2020, with more games, more fans, and more teams.
