Shot clock ticks down to EmD 3-On-3 debut

Preparations are almost complete and reservations booked – it's tipoff time for the inaugural EmD 3-on-3 Tournament at Emerald Downs.

August 9, 2013 1:05 pm
The Houston Rockets' Aaron Brooks
The Houston Rockets' Aaron Brooks

For the Reporter

Preparations are almost complete and reservations booked – it’s tipoff time for the inaugural EmD 3-on-3 Tournament at Emerald Downs.

With 261 teams and 1,044 total players signed up, the two-day basketball tournament – scheduled Saturday and Sunday – is projected to surpass all expectations. Bob Fraser, the event coordinator and vice president of operations at Emerald Downs, said he’s impressed with the final numbers.

“I’m ecstatic with how it’s all come together,” Fraser said. “With so many participants, I expect the tournament to strike gold in its very first try. The community response has been equally wonderful.”

The event has locked in 36 local sponsors.

Doxon Toyota, one of the event’s leading sponsors, has already committed to donate $10,000 to the Auburn YMCA. Furthermore, the YMCA receives all entry fees – at $5 apiece – from participants in the featured Three-Point Shootout. Anyone is eligible for the contest, which consists of 20 shots in one minute, from five shooting locations. The winner gets a leather basketball and champion’s medal.

Aaron Brooks, a guard for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, will be on hand Saturday and Sunday to represent the Aaron Brooks Foundation. A nonprofit organization designed to provide support to Seattle youth in high-risk poverty areas, the Aaron Brooks Foundation has been designated the namesake of Saturday’s third race – a.k.a. The Aaron Brooks Foundation Purse. Lorenzo Romar, University of Washington coach, is also expected to attend Sunday.

The tournament will take place on the track’s parking lot blacktop just northwest of the grandstand. There are 29 lined-up courts, where 22 divisions of players – from second grade to 40 and older – will compete.

Arriving teams will be coming in from as far North as Mount Vernon, as far south as Portland, as far west as Aberdeen and as far east as Yakima.

Notable vendors include: Monster, Vita Coco, Strideline, Ben & Jerry’s, Philly This, Catfish Corner and more.

The Auburn Rotary Club will serve all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs and bacon from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday for only $5.

For more information about the tournament including a breakdown of each bracket please visit: www.emd3on3.com.