Juniors prep for worlds at tourney

HoopNation drivers Paul Berridge (with ball) and KJ Allen (left) and their family members ahead of the big 2014 Labour Weekend tournament in Wanganui. PHOTO/FILE

The Junior Tall Blacks will perpare for the world championships by competing at the 4th annual HoopNation tournament in Wanganui's Springvale Stadium at Labour Weekend.

The October 25-27 event is the only tournament of its kind in Australasia. The Junior Tall Blacks will play in the Pakaitore-Whanganui men's premiere division and will be accompanied by the assistant coach of the Breakers, Judd Flavell.

"The quality of the talent increases every year," say organisers Paul Berridge and KJ Allen.

"Usually BBNZ will send teams overseas to get prepped but they recognise the international standards at HoopNation as having all the quality and talent they need to play on their front doorstep," Berridge says.

Three of the current Tall Blacks who have just finished playing for the Fiba Basketball World Cup in Spain will be lining up for teams at HoopNation.

"This is another big coup for us. It's the first year the Pakaitore-Whanganui men's premiere competition has been full so we are at capacity with entries for that. We have the best floor in NZ and a lot of players say they love playing on it."

Spectators are in for a treat with the number of current and former professional Tall Blacks, Breakers, Junior Tall Blacks and national players present. For players, coaches and officials, the strong social aspects give people a chance to catch up with each other.

"It's the only event of its kind in New Zealand where you get to witness that and it's right here in Wanganui," Berridge says.

"That's the vision KJ and I have had since we came up with the concept in 2009."

Another point of difference is that the entry fee includes a custom-made reversible uniform to play in and take away. This year's reversible uniform with white and black strips and the hint of a fern is a tribute to the Tall Blacks.

After the games it's party time. Two after-parties featuring King Kapisi and JB the War Villain and the Villains will rock at Stellar Bar and Restaurant on the Saturday and Sunday.

Alongside the tournament an exhibition that pays tribute to Michael Jordan's 29 shoes for fans and dedicated sneaker-heads will be displayed at the Sarjeant on the Quay Gallery upstairs at the i-SITE.

Exhibition host DJ Sirvere will share the history and stories behind each shoe.

"This exhibition, supported by Dub Dee See and HoopNation, is a phenomenal coup for Whanganui as it's the first city in Australasia to host it," Allen says.

Wanganui will buzz with the event, and it is good for the local economy.

"HoopNation is an opportunity for us to showcase ourselves and our city which is something both Paul and I love," Allen says.