Hooplandia’s 2025 Champions to Be Recognized at Basketball Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, March 5 beginning at 4 p.m., the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) will roll out the red carpet at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the most recent class of champions from Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3×3 Tourney + Festival. The names of the tournament’s 2025 championship teams will be engraved into the sport’s history when a shiny new plaque is unveiled at the museum in Springfield.

“I think every kid has NBA dreams,” said Jack Appleby of Hooplandia’s first-ever winning Pro-am team, How to Hoop Forever. “But in what world do any of us even fathom getting our names in the Basketball Hall of Fame? It’s a truly insane honor that I still can’t really believe, and I can’t thank Hooplandia enough for putting on a tournament like this. We all need places to play — adults and kids alike. Our team can’t wait to come back this year, enjoy a weekend of basketball, and, of course, defend our championship title.”

The display represents all that Hooplandia stands for: history, competition, and pride in the game. A plaque mounted on the center of the wall lists the team names of the most recent reigning champions. The plaque is changed year after year as top-ranking teams win their way to the top.

“Hooplandia represents many aspects of Dr. Naismith’s vision — physical fitness, inclusivity, teamwork, and the thrill of competition,” Hooplandia General Manager Drew Dawson said. “It also embodies both the interest and explosive growth of 3×3 basketball globally. This is a great opportunity to be included alongside the game’s greats, and we’re beyond excited to see the next generation of hoopers inspired and honored in such a way.”

Visit hooplandia.com to register a team for this year’s tournament, slated for June 19-21.