On Friday, April 11, organizers of Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney + Festival, invited the event’s 2024 champions to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the unveiling of a display in their honor. The players, families and friends had the Hall of Fame bustling with excitement as they toured the museum and snapped photos with their team names emblazoned on the champion plaque.
The exhibit features a Hooplandia-branded Spalding game ball and an image, photographed by Dave Hosmer, of two players engaged in an intense showdown. The player facing the camera is thirteen-year-old Alejandro Recca, a member of the Springfield Ballers and Hooplandia champion from 2024.
When asked how he reacted to his likeness and team being featured, Recca said, “I was happy! I had so many people around me at the time, and I was in school, so my environment was insane because people gave me so much support and confidence and they wanted me to continue my journey and keep doing what I’m doing.”
Recca explained that his basketball story began at the early age of four years old. “I started playing with a mini hoop, and I guess it continued on, then I started playing with different teams. I started with [the MLK Tarheels of Springfield] and got my way to the Springfield Ballers, and now I’m here today,” he said with a smile. When asked about his dreams for the future of his basketball career, Recca shared that he hopes to be in the NBA one day, and he feels that his recognition in the Hall of Fame has provided him with a head start.
“[Hooplandia] gives an event for younger people to play basketball and get attracted [to the sport], like the way I did,” Recca added. “So, I feel like it’s going to keep going and get even bigger than it is now!”
James Gee, President & CEO of the Springfield Ballers and head varsity womens coach at Springfield Central High School, was also in attendance.
“It was super exciting to hear that our players had the opportunity to be promoted on the wall of the Hall of Fame,” said Gee. When asked about Recca, Gee shared, “He’s a great kid on and off the court. He’s one of our shining stars in the program… I think he embodies a lot of what the Springfield Ballers is about—integrity, character and academics. I’m very happy and proud of what he’s doing.”
“[Hooplandia] has been such a great turnout and a big event that’s starting to grow more and more in our communities. It’s catching on, so a lot of our kids are looking forward to it now,” Gee continued. “Meeting the college stars that are coming down and the other athletes playing in it, meeting people from all over the country that happen to join Hooplandia—I think our Ballers are really excited to be a part of this, and especially our future Ballers.”
For John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the exhibit represents more than just an honor—it showcases the power of partnership, and its ability to advance the game.
“The power of partnership is key to growing the game of basketball at every level,” Doleva said. “When Eastern States Exposition and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame come together with a shared vision, we inspire the next generation of basketball players and elevate the game. The growth of Hooplandia is a prime example of how collaboration can fuel progress. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for the sport we love.”
Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Hooplandia’s inclusion within the Hall of Fame.
“Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an authority on the game of basketball at every level,” Cassidy said. “It is imperative that Hooplandia be recognized among its exhibits. The plaque in the display will be replaced annually as countless more champions earn their place in the sport’s very headquarters.”
Basketball fans can visit the new Hooplandia exhibit during the Hall of Fame’s regular operating hours with a museum admission ticket, available for purchase at HoopHall.com.
Interested in cementing your place in basketball’s history? Advanced discount registration for Hooplandia 2025 is now open through May 26, and the tournament is set to tip off June 20-22.