The Northeast’s Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney + Festival was in full swing over the weekend, with more ballers than ever filling its bustling courts. It has become an annual tradition that Bulkley Richardson sponsors the Hooplandia Leadership Award during the tournament, and this year’s recipient is none other than John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Mark Cress of Bulkley Richardson, the sponsor of the award presented Doleva with this honor at a midday reception on Saturday, June 21, amidst gameplay.
Bulkley Richardson is a law firm that has been in practice for more than a century, providing high-quality legal services to local and national clients. Their team’s pledge is to serve as both industry and community leaders, encouraging and upholding excellent moral standards and fairness.
It is in this spirit that Bulkley Richardson, in partnership with Hooplandia producer and host site, Eastern States Exposition (ESE), created the Leadership Award that they look forward to giving out each year to a deserving person, group or organization within the community that exhibits the qualities of good leadership: bravery, respect, positive attitude, integrity and fair play. This leader-like behavior builds team morale and makes a lasting impact on the communities in which we work, live and play.
“Bulkley Richardson is pleased to sponsor Hooplandia again this year and honored to be a part of this great community event. When we work and play together with integrity, fairness and a positive attitude, anything is possible. Teammates and opponents can come together, complement one another and build a stronger community as a result,” said Jennifer Jacque, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Bulkley Richardson.
“Regional residents take the Basketball Hall of Fame’s proximity for granted at times,” said ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy. “People travel from all over the world to visit Western Mass. in awe of what we see every day. John Doleva does an amazing job leading and building the Hall’s globally recognized shrine. He is a champion of the sport and the city of Springfield.”
After accepting the award Doleva said, “This recognition means a lot to me. We’ve worked for three years on Hooplandia—both me, personally, and the Hall of Fame as an entity want to see the event grow.” The Hall of Fame has partnered with ESE to host Hooplandia since its inception, and their role has been crucial to the success of the event. Doleva continued, “This partnership is what sets Hooplandia apart from other 3x3 tournaments across the country.”
Doleva’s reach in the community extends beyond the Hall; he is an active member of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB), which works diligently to generate tourism in the region. He is the founding member of the GSCVB’s Sports Commission. He has been a major proponent for the coveted Hoophall Classic and Hooplandia, since its inception. He lends his time outside of the workplace to Link to Libraries, as a director on the board at the Greater Springfield YMCA, Springfield College, the Red Cross of Pioneer Valley, the Springfield Rescue Mission homeless shelter and more. In 2025, he was honored by BusinessWest as a Difference Maker, a recognition for individuals who lead the way in the local community.