Representatives for Hoops in the Sun Inc. (HITS), a leading community-based basketball program, say they are proud to bring the 24th season of “Roundball Classic Summer Tournaments,” to Orchard Beach Park on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, starting at noon on their sponsored courts in Orchard Beach Park. Organizers said the event features the best basketball talent from all ages and boroughs in New York City.

Organizers said HITS is a community-based basketball program dealing primarily in the streetball industry. The Hoops in the Sun basketball program to be held at Orchard Beach in the Bronx, will avail of the, according to The New York Daily News, over 700,000 people who will visit the beach during the summer weekends. They said it provides a recreational activity for adults and youth and an entertainment outlet for beach-going spectators of all ages.

 

“Hoops in the Sun is honored to be joined by sponsors & partners, including SNIPES, Capelli Sports, Redbull, NY Yankees, iSlides, LIDS, Oakley, The New York Knicks, representatives from NYC Council, NYS Assembly, NYS Senate, Bronx Borough President, NYC Parks and more,” the group wrote. “These sponsors & partners allow Hoops in the Sun to showcase talent, and celebrate the community at this event.”

Jeffrey Amponsah, head coach of Team Create (12U) in the Rising Suns League (12U, 14U, 16U, HS), added,“We want to put our kids in a great position to succeed, and that’s playing against the best competition, and you only find that at Hoops in the Sun.”

 

According to the organizers, Hoops in the Sun is more than just a basketball tournament; it’s a celebration of the greatness of the community. The event is free and open to the community, beachgoers, and basketball lovers. All are welcome and encouraged to come enjoy a day of exceptional basketball and celebrate the achievements of these young athletes and the dedication shown to the Bronx Community by Joe & Randy Cruz and the entire HITS Family.

 

Organizers said Hoops in the Sun was created by Rufino (Joe) Cruz, Sr., but was known to many as Joe “Pops” Cruz, and his two sons Joe Jr., and Randy in the Summer of 2000 as an 8-team, Pro-Am Men’s League for male adults age 18 years and older, including current and former college standouts and professional basketball players. Twenty years later, the program has expanded to over 50 teams ranging from ages 10 years and older including elementary, high school, college and NBA players.