The Playground Burlington a slam-dunk for 3-on-3 tourney

David Finlay was disappointed when his three-on-three basketball event was rained out in Hamilton last month.

But his luck changed when the owner of The Burlington Playground facility contacted him about hosting the tournament.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” said Finlay. “FIBA (the sport’s international federation) contacted me and endorsed the event.”

The result is a Level 4 FIBA event with a first-place prize of $10,000 to the winning team being held in Burlington. The Wentworth District 3VS3 Basketball Festival is  scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Playground, at 952 Century Dr., from noon to 7 p.m.

Finlay partnered with Team Nike, Raptors 905 and 3on3 Basketball Canada.

“As soon as we put up notices that Team Nike was involved and the $10,000 prize (supplied by Team Nike), it got filled up pretty quick,” said Finlay, the event founder and manager.

The tournament attracts some of the sport’s best up-and-coming players, who are playing not only for prize money, but the chance to earn FIBA
points and climb up the ladder to international three-on-three success.

Saturday’s event is a Level 4 Lite Quest competition, with successful teams moving up levels, a select few to the ultimate World Tour level. This 18-and-over men’s tournament will showcase players averaging 25-30 years of age.

There are 16 teams travelling from as far as New York and Montreal, with the sudden-death, 10-minute games (or first to 21) whittling the foursomes (three on court and a sub) to one championship team in a single afternoon. Each team paid a $300 registration fee.

“The winner collects 1,800 FIBA points, enough to enter into another tournament at a higher level than mine,” Finlay said. “They can reach the World Tour if they’re good enough. That’s held every four years.”

The National Basketball League’s rookie of the year, Shaqwon Barrett, is one of the players participating, competing for team BKS, and Team Canada athletes Alex Johnson and Bikramjit Gill will also be on the court. The skill level is pro/Division 1 with some street ball legends as well, all FIBA-registered.

Three teams competing from the Office Hours league have had the thrill of playing at the residence of singer/songwriter/rapper Drake.

Finlay is excited about holding the tournament at the Playground, which features FIBA-approved basketball courts.

“It’s a beautiful facility,” said Finlay, who is going all out to make the experience memorable not only for the players but for the fans who show up for the free-admission event.

Some of the events lined up for Saturday include a free-throw contest, which will raise money for CityKidz. There’s a 50-50 draw, sling bags for every kid in attendance, live music, a halftime show, a DJ and plenty of vendors. There are prizes and giveaways throughout the afternoon and players will compete in a slam dunk contest as well. Team Nike and Raptors 905 reps will be on site.

“My (future) goal is to host the biggest Light Quest FIBA event in Canada,” Finlay said. “I hope to hold it in Burlington because it’s a halfway point for a lot of players from Toronto to Kitchener. But I’d like to keep it in southern Ontario for sure.”