High school basketball players from both New Providence and Grand Bahama will be afforded the opportunity of a lifetime this weekend when they get a chance to perform in front of, currently, the biggest name in Bahamian basketball.
The inaugural Buddy Hield Invitational is being put on by MAD Events and is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.
Hield, who was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth overall pick in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft in June, was recently awarded the ESPY Award for Best Male College Athlete and is looking to give back to the community on his first trip back home since being drafted.
The 6'4" wingman from Grand Bahama led the Oklahoma Sooners to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four appearance in his senior season. He averaged 25 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, and finished his career as the school's second leading scorer of all-time.
The single-day classic will feature 20 of the nation's top high school basketball players going head-to-head for the chance to be crowned as champions of the historic event. Hield will coach one team while Jay Phillipe, head coach of the Sunland Stingers, will coach the other. There will also be a $10,000 scholarship awarded to the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) by MAD Events.
"We're going to have Team Elite go up against Team Alpha for the chance to be crowned as champions of the first ever Buddy Hield Invitational," said MAD Events Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tamar Pinder. "The kids playing were selected based on statistics and we expect some tough competition on the court. Buddy also said that he's bringing some surprise guests along with him, so we're all looking forward to that."
Along with the all-star game, action on the court also includes the Rev TV three-point shootout and the High Flyer's slam-dunk contest.
"There was a lot of trash-talking going on between me and Buddy these last few days about whose team is going to come out on top," said Phillipe about the invitational. "It's truly an amazing platform. It's a chance for the elite players to be recognized for the work that they put in during the season and also a chance for them to go up against the best of the best."
Ticket prices for the invitational are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Although the invitational is the crown jewel of the weekend, MAD events is also hosting a number of other events to allow Hield to meet some of his fans around the island.
On Thursday July 21, there will be a meet and greet fundraiser at Sapodilla Fine Dining Restaurant that kicks off at 8 p.m. Those looking to RSVP for this are asked to call 327-2161.
On Friday, Hield will sign autographs at the Mall at Marathon beginning at 4 p.m.; and on Saturday night, MAD Events is hosting the MAD House Party with Buddy Hield at Mario's Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace. Tickets will be available as of Tuesday at the Royal Spa, Signature Styles and Airbrush Junkies.
"This is just a celebration for Buddy and all that he's done," Pinder said. "We invite everyone to come out and support someone who loves The Bahamas and represents it everywhere he goes."
Public Relations Coordinator for the event Gandhi Pinder said: "Buddy is extremely humble; he loves his country and is very excited about this opportunity to share his story, talents and passion for the game with our 'future stars'. He will spend four days in Nassau and continue with a clinic in Freeport that runs until the 30th of July. He is looking forward to connecting with his fellow Bahamians."
Those seeking more information on this weekend's event are asked to e-mail Tamar Pinder at tamar@madeventspresents.com, or call 646-0867, 445-5714 or 557-2511, and check out The Buddy Hield Project Bahamas on Facebook.
A number of entities have come on board to sponsor the event including the Ministry of Tourism, Rev TV, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Bank of The Bahamas, Bamboo Shack, Digi Print, CBL Bahamas, SuperClubs Breezes, Bahari, Going Places Travel, Success and Enemies, Royal Spa, Caribbean Bottling Company, KO Productions, J.S. Johnson, Sun All Bahamas Sapodilla Estate, Club One Fitness Center, Gippy's Printing and Captured Ambitions.
Randy Smith, Guardian Sports Reporter
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