Seattle basketball fans might not have a NBA team to root for during an off-season headlined by among the best free agent classes ever and defined by LeBron-mania. However, that doesn't mean the city is left wanting for basketball culture. As described by Seth Kolloen of The SunBreak and Kelli Anderson of Sports Illustrated earlier this year, Seattle city high schools have produced more NBA talent per capita than any city in the U.S.
So consider the Adonai Hood Classic on July 10th & 11th at Garfield High School as both a celebration of local talent and perhaps one more reason why this city deserves a NBA team (assuming there's a reasonable way to pay for it).
Of note this year is that O'Dea High School has been replaced by Seattle Prep, meaning Spencer Hawes (recently traded to the Philadelphia 76ers) and Martell Webster (recently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves) are scheduled to participate this year, which will make the tournament a bit more interesting (O'Dea has been a perennial doormat, as described by Aaron Brooks in the video below).
Other NBA players expected to participate as of today:
- Brandon Roy (Garfield High School/University of Washington/Portland Trail Blazers)
- Jamal Crawford (Rainier Beach/Atlanta Hawks)
- Aaron Brooks (Franklin High School/Houston Rockets)
- Jason Terry (Franklin High School/Dallas Mavericks)
- Terrence Williams (Rainier Beach/New Jersey Nets)
- Nate Robinson (Rainier Beach/Boston Celtics/2010 free agent)
Last year's winners:
Three point contest: Nate Robinson
Slam dunk contest: Justin Dentmon (University of Washington/2010 Charlotte Bobcats summer league)
Tournament champions: Rainier Beach (def Garfield - Roy did not play)
Tournament championship Player of the Game: CJ Giles (Rainier Beach/2010 Golden State Warriors summer league)
The post tournament wrap-up from the 2009 Hood Classic:
Tickets for the Hood Classic are $12 for adults and $8 for children. Tournament schedule coming soon.
Related Links:
The Adonai Hood Classic Facebook page
My tournament summary from last year
Gabe Showalter of Culture Mob speculated about a NBA expansion team of Seattle Natives