bounces off tonight in Linden
AFTER months of preparation, the lucrative Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball tournament will officially bounce off this evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court in Linden. Sponsored exclusively by distributors Ansa McAl Trading, the tournament will be played country wide and would see scores of basketball players vying for the first prize of a trip to the NBA All-Star Weekend in Orlando or a cash prize of One Million Guyana dollars.
The day’s proceedings will begin with Ansa McAl formally handing over the new dressing room facility in which they constructed and named after former national player James Brush.
After a small but significant presentation to the MSC, action in the first ever 3-on-3 nationwide tournament will begin where at least eight games will be played.
The rules of the competition states that the games will be played to 15 minutes – 7 ½ minutes per half – with a 30 second time out in each half.
A team must consist of four players, with none being under the age of 18. The organizers warn that strict rules are in placed if a team is found with such players, since it’s an event that’s being sponsored
under and alcoholic beverage and as such, there’s a law that prohibits minors from participating.
Each basket beyond the arc (three point line) will count as two points and inside will count as one. The first team to reach 21 points even before the 15 minutes of play will be declared the winner.
To start the game, the two team captains will flip a coin and after every basket, the defensive team will have possession. A four foul limit per player rule will be in effect with substitutions being made
when the ball is dead.
Unlike the usual game, one referee will be in charge along with one person responsible for keeping time and scoring.
A workshop featuring officials from Linden, Georgetown and Berbice was held last weekend, where the rules were revised and cemented and also, the referees were made aware of the difference in play between 3-on-3 and the regular game of Basketball.
After Linden, the following weekend games will next be played in Georgetown at the Burnham Basketball Court and Albouystown; Buxton on the East Coast and in Berbice, the New Amsterdam Basketball Court. Matches are also set to be played in Bartica and Ana Regina.
With six caps and your registration forms, a team of four players will have a chance to cash in, in the fabulous prizes and a chance to be crowned the first ever Real Smooth 3-on-3 Champions.