Tauranga is set to host New Zealand’s premier basketball event.

The Classic by HoopNation will held this Labour Weekend, with 2023 expected to draw record crowds to the city for the tournament.

The Classic promises an awe-inspiring showcase featuring more than 1300 athletes forming 191 teams, participating in over 548 thrilling basketball games.

Spread across14 courts at five premier venues in Tauranga, this free four-day event will captivate fans and players over the long weekend and the community is encouraged to head along and join the fun.

Some players are taking time away from the court the week to connect and inspire children at Merivale Primary.

The players, McKenna Dale and Jade Kirisome, have careers with Whai Basketball and are looking to motivate up-and-coming basketballers with a quick entertaining talk, some technique demonstrations, and a slam dunk competition.

"Beyond the thrilling basketball action, it’s so great to see how The Classic in Tauranga goes the extra mile to impact our community positively," says Tauranga City Council venues and events manager Nelita Byrne.

"As we open our doors to about 2000 people for this event, it's not just about celebrating the sport - it's about the educational experience too. This embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation and showcasing our unwavering manaakitanga to all participants and visitors."

"The roots of this tournament trace back to a desire to honour a friend of the founders who passed away in 2009", says co-founder Paul Berridge.

This desire inspired the duo to create something truly exceptional. Originally conceived as a memorial game, the founders embarked on a nine-month design and planning journey to develop the final HoopNation concept.

However, their vision extended beyond the tournament - the ultimate goal was to elevate the stature of basketball in New Zealand, which is the fastest growing youth sport in New Zealand.

The commitment to this vision in action can be seen at Merivale Primary School this week, with the children excited to meet professional basketballers in the flesh.

Founder KJ Allen emphasises: "If we're not speaking the vision, we don't believe it." Their unwavering focus on the well-being of players and fans became the cornerstone of their success, measured by a unique metric - the sheer joy that participants derived from the event.

HoopNation's journey began modestly in 2011 with just fifteen teams in Whanganui, gradually transitioning to Tauranga in 2016. In 2023, with a staggering 191 teams competing across 17 divisions, HoopNation now stands as a lasting testament to the dedication of its founders and the profound impact it has had on the New Zealand basketball landscape.

"This year's tournament exemplifies the essence of HoopNation, welcoming participants of all ages, from 12 to 50 and beyond, to compete socially or competitively," Byrne continues.

"High-profile players, including current Tall Ferns and former Tall Blacks, will grace the event, inspiring our young basketball enthusiasts."

HoopNation's enduring success is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and an unwavering passion for basketball that has resonated deeply with players, fans, and the New Zealand community.