WEST SPRINGFIELD ― Hooplandia 2025 officially began play with the first round of tournament games on Saturday at the Eastern States Exposition.
Basketball players of all ages were competing across the 75 basketball courts, with nearly 1,000 competitors registered to participate this weekend.
Torrential rain and thunderstorms have plagued Springfield’s new 3×3 basketball festival in each of its first two years. Fortunately, the skies were clear, but with the temperature creeping towards 90 degrees and an unrelenting sun beating down on festival-goers, staying hydrated was of the utmost priority for attendees.
Brian Scalabrine puts kids and adults ‘to work’
Former Boston Celtic Brian Scalabrine (left) held a basketball clinic at Hooplandia 2025.Kenneth Manoj
Former NBA champion Brian Scalabrine conducted a free basketball clinic at Hooplandia 2025 at the Outdoor Showcase Court.
Initially intended for kids under the age of 18, Scalabrine instructed everyone on the court — including the adults — to grab a ball.
“Let’s get to work,” Scalabrine said.
Scalabrine put his participants through a series of basic ball handling drills and layup lines, emphasizing the necessities of the game: pace, aggression — and most importantly, having fun.
“I love basketball, I knew we were going to have fun at the end by playing (scrimmages),” Scalabrine said afterward. “But I’m a big believer that you work and then you enjoy the game… instead of saying ‘Hey I’m Brian Scalabrine, I’m a celebrity’, let’s just get to work, right?”
Currently a television analyst for the Boston Celtics, Scalabrine played 11 years in the NBA after being drafted with the 34th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft out of the University of Southern California.
“(When) I grew up playing, there was Hoop It Up in Seattle, they shut down a mall and you’re playing in the streets,” Scalabrine said. “I remember those things. I’ve won (a) junior college championship, went to the Elite Eight (and) won an NBA championship — I (still) remember those moments (in Seattle), those are core memories.
“It was me and my friends, we’re trying to win and its intense and there’s people there and the music and there’s arguing — all of it just led to the character that I am.”
Scalabrine also noted how beneficial organized tournaments can be for young children, both on and off the court.
“I love the 3×3 format,” Scalabrine raved. “… a kid will find out what (they are) made of, a kid will be motivated by losing, a kid will be motivated by winning. Could be a life-changing experience for them.
“I have my own AAU team, White Mamba. We believe in instilling the hard work and you (eat) your daily vitamins, you get a routine where you get into a gym and warm up — you prepare yourself to be successful. That’s what sports in general do, it keeps you accountable.”
Jumpsbychi helping athletes reach new heights
Chidebe ‘Chi’ Ndibe, better known as ‘Jumpsbychi’, held a jumping clinic at Hooplandia 2025 to help kids on jumping technique and how to maximize their leaping potential.Kenneth Manoj
Chidebe ‘Chi’ Ndibe, better known as ‘Jumpsbychi’ on TikTok and Instagram, offered a free jumping clinic for kids to put their leaping ability to the test.
As soon as Ndibe set up the Vert Trainer, challengers lined up without invitation to show off their hops.
“It’s an awesome tool,” Ndibe said. “… everybody wants to go up, jump as high as they can and hear the bell ringing.
“(When) they have this goal (that) they want to reach (and) when you do that repeatedly, that is a great way to improve your jump.”
Based in Connecticut, the 27-year-old grew up in a family where athletics were embedded in their life. Ndibe noted his passion for basketball and track & field growing up and how he’s using that passion to help inspire kids and young adults to reach for their full potential.
“I love connecting with people, seeing people step out of their comfort zone and go for things that they don’t normally do,” Ndibe said.
