Jalen Coleman is passionate about keeping aspiring hoopers in the community to train and compete. He was able to promote local play through his annual 3v3 basketball tournament at Edward Vincent Park in Inglewood. Coleman ran the tournament through his company Outside J. Inc, he traveled from his alma mater Temple University to host the event.
The single-game elimination tournament was for youth from eight to 16 years old. The tournaments consisted of three divisions 8-10, 11-13 and 14-16. They also provided lunch for the competitors.
“We’re doing it for the community and for the love of the game of basketball so we can make it more accessible for the youth here that live in the community,” Coleman said. “It’s a fun day at the park, an opportunity for the kids to go outside and play three-on-three basketball.”
Organizations like the Los Angeles Clippers, the City of Inglewood, Good Tidings Foundation, and Pepsi sponsored the event. Winners in each age bracket received gifts and gift cards.
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Coleman helped to organize the brackets while his parents helped manage the logistics. DJ Aye Jaye provided music throughout the tournament.
“The Coleman family, they give me a lot of support,” DJ Aye Jaye said. “[Coleman] brought out all of the young boys and girls who love basketball … I think this is so great because I love everybody who supports basketball especially for the youth.”
Jewell Blake IV, 16, frequently comes to Edward Vincent Park to play basketball. He noted how his stepmom signed him up to compete.
“I should have went up to the bucket, lay-up more,” Blake IV said.
Outside J. COO and CFO Alexis Coleman noted how the sponsor Honors Graduation gave him a grant for the 3v3 basketball tournament along with a college scholarship.
“[Coleman] was the national winner for his community service initiative,” Alexis said. “I think it’s amazing because it just shows that you’re not too young to be a social change agent.”
Last August, Coleman’s efforts with Outside J. were profiled by the Temple School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Edan Aguiar, 12, was a member of a tournament-winning team. The Inglewood native enjoyed playing in a local three-on-three tournament.
“It was amazing, it was a beautiful experience,” Aguiar said. “The subs get involved too so everybody plays, has a good time.”
Lauren Bogar signed up her nine-year-old son to compete. She hopes that her son learns the importance of having confidence and having fun.
“I think that’s very awesome,” Bogar said about Coleman’s efforts with Outside J. “[Coleman] did a great job. Everything was so organized.”
While the tournament brought the community together, it also aided in improving the skills of the youth.
“My teammates were amazing … they really helped us get the win,” said Evan Grady, 12. “It definitely helps just to get extra work in. I feel like I got better today.”
