One of the highlights of Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney + Festival, which set Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ablaze with feisty, fiery competition, June 20-22, was a visit from Brian Scalabrine. The former Boston Celtics player and current analyst hosted a clinic that catered to all types of players on Saturday, June 21, followed by a midday meet and greet.
Best known as “The White Mamba” or “Scal” to adoring fans, Scalabrine’s history with the NBA began in 2001, when he was drafted by the New Jersey Nets. Over the following years, he’d also play for the Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. Now, Scalabrine serves as an analyst for the very same team through which he found his strongest following.
“I love basketball, in general. I haven’t lost the love for it. I’m still as obsessed with it now as when I was a kid, and I love working with young people,” said Scalabrine while sitting down with Hooplandia’s Hoop Scoop blog writer after the conclusion of his clinic at the weekend-long event.
When asked what he feels is special about 3x3 tournaments, Scal shared, “I know basketball was originally invented 5x5, but—if you want to get better—3x3 is the way to go.” Of Hooplandia in particular, he said, “I love that there’s all age groups, both men and women. It’s a true mark to this game and how many people it can bring together.”
Upon hearing about Hooplandia’s recent partnership with Kevin Garnett’s Hoop It Up, Scalabrine lit up. “I’ll never forget doing my first Hoop It Up experience,” he reflected. “Think about everything I’ve done in the game of basketball. Some of my fondest memories are of going to Hoop It Up and playing on the streets of Seattle…It’s really cool that Hoop It Up partnered with Hooplandia.”
“What about the sport has kept your love alive, and how do you see it benefiting a community?” Hooplandia’s Hoop Scoop blog writer asked.
“Basketball is a sport that brings people together from all different walks of life and all different areas together. And it can be so positive,” Scalabrine said. “I love that, and I think the community aspect of coming together—and the amount of people that work or donate their time to help put this on—I just think it brings everybody together.”
He continued, “I came to Hooplandia to do a basketball clinic for all ages and skill levels. We started out with some ball handling and then went into some shooting moves. At that point, we just played 3x3. The music started going, the intensity started going up and people were getting after it. It was fun! For me, it’s always about teaching the game. I am so fortunate because of all the people that helped me out, and I’m trying to pass that forward.”
At the conclusion of his interview, Scalabrine discussed the collaborative partnership between ESE and the Basketball Hall of Fame that makes Hooplandia possible. “I’ve been to the Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame about 20 times,” he said. “It’s cool that Hooplandia and Springfield are coming together…Some of the people that do really well here will have the chance to play at the Hall of Fame, and that’s amazing. That’s taking your resources to another level.”
It was a joy for participants and spectators alike to interact with such a revered name in Boston sports. Hooplandia is grateful to Brian Scalabrine and his team for their visit and outspoken support.