Tournament aids Hoops for Haiti

The Business Careers in Entertainment Club will sponsor the fourth-annual King of the Court basketball tournament this Saturday at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Wildermuth Fieldhouse from noon to 5 p.m.

This year, King of the Court will feature a 3-on-3 single-elimination tournament, a Hot Shot contest, and a three-point shooting contest. 

Each year the tournament donates a portion of its proceeds. This year some of the funds will be donated to Hoops for Haiti.

“There are a lot of good basketball players that go to this school and other than pick up basketball at the rec, they do not have an opportunity to really showcase their talents in an extremely competitive environment,” said junior Kevin Noone, a past tournament participant.  “Not only does it provide a competitive environment for the best basketball players on campus, but it raises money for such a good cause, Haiti relief.”

Hoops for Haiti, a non-profit organization located in Bloomington, Ill., takes teams to Haiti to set up basketball camps and equip Haitian children with equipment and experience necessary to play basketball.

In March, Hoops for Haiti led a group of “basketball missionaries” to Pillatre, Haiti, with the goal of giving each child that attended their camp a pair of basketball shoes.

“During King of the Court we are going to have bins set up at the tournament so people can bring in athletic clothing or equipment that they don’t use any more,” tournament director and junior Drew Dube said. “We plan to then bundle all that up and send it to Hoops for Haiti.” 

All participants will be competing for prizes that have been donated by local business and restaurants. Basketballs signed by coach Tom Crean  will go to the first-place teams.

King of the Court is just one event that the BCEC, a student-run organization, puts on yearly. Each event provides BCEC’s members with hands-on experience through networking, fundraising and promotion. 

Noone said the King of the Court gives students an outlet to demonstrate their basketball talent in a tournament format.

“If you think you are one of the best basketball players on campus, then there is no reason not to play in King of the Court,” Noone said.