Only the best invited

They want to make it the best, therefore they only want to invite the best.

Entries will open this Sunday for Wanganui's third annual moneyed basketball tournament HoopNation and organisers will be going on a recruitment drive this month to ensure the headlining Men's Premier competition is an "all star" affair.

Paul Berridge and KJ Allen say the new eligibility rules for the top grade are that all players must be or have been at National Basketball League (NBL) level.

"Those still in those circuits, looking to participate," said Allen.

The pair will be going on a promotional tour on the weekends of June 14-15 and June 21-22 to the NBL games in New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North and Wellington to approach potential participants.

"That's going to encourage the quality of those players stepping up," said Berridge.

Helping promote the tournament on Sunday was Manawatu Jets guard Matt Te Huna, who was also taking the time to visit his Wanganui family.

The 29-year-old was part of the Palmerston North team that entered last year's HoopNation and included Sid Adams, current Taranaki Mountain Air's player.

Both guys had previously entered the NBA draft and Adams' younger brother Steven is considered a real prospect right now in the 2013 draft, coming from the University of Pittsburgh.

From a sporting family himself, Te Huna is the younger brother of Silver Fern netballer and Southern Steel captain Jodi Brown, and a second cousin of well-known mixed martial arts fighter James Te Huna.

Last year's Premier men's winning team Rack City will be coming back to defend their title. The team include greats such as Paul Henare and Phill Jones, both former Tall Blacks, NBL stars and New Zealand Breakers.

As well as the top grade, the entries will also open for the Men's A, Women's Premier and Women's A divisions.

In Women's Premier, the All-Stars team from Wellington are coming back to try and win their third straight HoopsNation title.

Berridge said that last year 20 teams overall took part and this year they had a goal of over 30.

The registrations for the 2013 tournament will close on September 8.

Berridge said the prize money amounts would be announced closer to the time.

Last year the pool heading into the tournament was around $5500, and in 2013 the sponsors are assisting with custom uniforms, equipment such as strapping, and the after-parties.

The tournament will be held at Springvale Stadium on Labour weekend, October 26-28.