Chesapeake Arena, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, welcomes young basketball players to the team’s first O’City: Battle of the Courts 3v3 Tournament Aug. 18-19. This double-elimination competition offers divisions for boys and girls ages 9-11 and 12-14.
“O’City Tournaments was created to provide opportunities for core and casual athletes to compete in an atmosphere that inspires play, celebrates the game of basketball and provides a unique environment for fans and participants,” says Michelle Matthews, manager of the Thunder’s youth basketball programs.
Matthews says the 3-on-3 style was chosen because “athletes are more involved with the game in this format and … understand the importance of communicating on the court to obtain success.”
The tournament, however, isn’t just about competition or even a love of basketball.
“Each team will be required to complete the off-court character programming called Elevate prior to tournament competition,” Matthews says. “In this program we discuss how to elevate ourselves on and off the court to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Games, taking place on six half-court stages, are 20 continuous minutes; team entry is $175. Brackets are available Aug. 16. To sign up or learn more, visit nba.com/thunder/ocity.
