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FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational marks important step in developing youth basketball | About FIBA

VILNIUS (Lithuania) – As emphasized by FIBA’s Strategic Objective to Develop Youth Basketball, a series of innovative programs are continuing to provide the young players with precious international experience. Through the collaboration of FIBA’s Regional Offices in Europe and the Americas, a new event took place in June 2025, as FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational […]

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VILNIUS (Lithuania) – As emphasized by FIBA’s Strategic Objective to Develop Youth Basketball, a series of innovative programs are continuing to provide the young players with precious international experience.

Through the collaboration of FIBA’s Regional Offices in Europe and the Americas, a new event took place in June 2025, as FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational saw Rytas Vilnius take on The Grind Session select team in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Rytas Vilnius hosted the event as two-time Youth Basketball Champions League winners, including most recently, in Manisa, Türkiye in April 2025.

That was the third edition of the Youth BCL, with the level of competition growing with each passing year, and some of the players from the first two seasons already getting a taste of action on senior level, in the Basketball Champions League in Europe.

The Grind Session select team was put together with some of the most intriguing prospects from the United States, high school players who spent the season playing The Grind Session circuit, the first-ever winter circuit for elite high school players in the Americas, with nearly 3,000 participants.

The Grind Session is one of the most prestigious programs in the Americas. The list of alumni includes the current NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and global stars such as Jayson Tatum, Jamal Murray, Paolo Banchero and LaMelo Ball.

Getting Rytas Vilnius and the Grind Session on the same court was in line with FIBA’s significant contributions to supporting and organizing youth club competitions, which provide a competitive environment for young players outside of national teams. The aforementioned Youth BCL, which Rytas Vilnius had won in April, is a perfect example of such competition.

At the same time, FIBA’s Youth Development Program in the Americas has a goal to nurture young talent and expand access to basketball across the region, which led to a partnership with the Grind Session circuit.

With those two incentives combined, the birth of the FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational seemed like a logical step in the right direction.

Across two games in Lithuania played on June 4 and June 5, Rytas Vilnius picked up a pair of wins over The Grind Session (107-84; 103-83), adding more silverware to their cabinets dedicated to youth basketball. For more information, click here.

With positive feedback from the players, coaches, and staff members, the first edition of the FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational was a successful one, providing motivation to make this an annual event.

FIBA



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Missouri Lands First Five-Star Basketball Recruit Since Michael Porter Jr.

Missouri landed one of the top college basketball recruits of the Class of 2026 on Friday as Jason Crowe Jr. committed to the Tigers. Crowe is the No. 7 ranked player nationally, according to Rivals. Crowe is Mizzou’s first five-star recruit since bringing in Michael Porter Jr. in 2017. Porter is the highest-ranked player to […]

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Missouri landed one of the top college basketball recruits of the Class of 2026 on Friday as Jason Crowe Jr. committed to the Tigers. Crowe is the No. 7 ranked player nationally, according to Rivals.

Crowe is Mizzou’s first five-star recruit since bringing in Michael Porter Jr. in 2017. Porter is the highest-ranked player to ever play for the program, while Crowe is now the second highest. Crowe is also the first five-star recruit picked up by coach Dennis Gates, who started with the Tigers in 2022.

Crowe’s decision came as a bit of a shock to the college basketball world since he was expected to commit to Kentucky. He also chose Missouri over top basketball programs like USC, UCLA, Texas, Baylor, Alabama and Arkansas, per On3.

The guard plays high school basketball at Inglewood High in California. He’s currently competing at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Peach Jam this week, where he’s put up a 36-point game and a 25-point game in two days.

The Tigers are coming off a 21-10 season that put them in a sixth seed in the NCAA tournament. Mizzou suffered a first-round upset to No. 11 Drake during the tournament.

More College Basketball on Sports Illustrated



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Malcolm Butler Hosts 11th Annual Youth Football Camp; Over 250 Attendees

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — Super Bowl champion and Vicksburg native Malcolm Butler returned to his hometown Saturday to host his 11th annual football camp at Vicksburg High School. Malcolm Butler: Photo by Richard Miller The free camp welcomed athletes from elementary to high school, who participated in drills and received guidance from Butler and several local […]

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VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — Super Bowl champion and Vicksburg native Malcolm Butler returned to his hometown Saturday to host his 11th annual football camp at Vicksburg High School.

Malcolm Butler: Photo by Richard Miller

The free camp welcomed athletes from elementary to high school, who participated in drills and received guidance from Butler and several local coaches.

L-R Christopher Lacey and Malcolm Butler: Photo by Richard Miller

“Home is home, and Vicksburg, Mississippi is my home,” Butler said. “We do this each and every year and we’re going to go hard and learn knowledge out here.”

Before the camp began, participants heard an audio message from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who shared encouraging words for the campers and Butler.

Photo by Richard Miller

While the camp focused on football techniques, Butler emphasized the importance of life beyond sports.

“It’s not all about football. You have to have other skills—you can learn a trade and do anything you want to do,” Butler said. “People say they have a Plan A, but you need to use your Plan A, B, and C.”

He urged participants to think about their future beyond athletics.

“After you take your shoulder pads off, what are you doing?” he said. “Football doesn’t last long, so you need to listen to your parents and teachers.”

Butler even joined in on the action, racing against local high school track stars Adria Burrell and Amiyah Hall—who both edged out the Super Bowl champ.

L-R Adria Burrell, Malcolm Butler, and Amiyah Hall: Photo by Keith Phillips

The Vicksburg community thanks Butler for always pouring back into the youth of his hometown.

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Calendar of Events | News, Sports, Jobs

Saturday, July 19 — Blood Drive at Faith UM Church, Hughes St., Bellefonte, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Hoppy Valley Brewers 2025 Fest offering beer enthusiasts the ultimate tailgate experience on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and from […]

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Saturday, July 19

— Blood Drive at Faith UM Church, Hughes St., Bellefonte, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

— Hoppy Valley Brewers 2025 Fest offering beer enthusiasts the ultimate tailgate experience on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for General Admission. Due to ongoing renovations at Beaver Stadium through 2027, this year’s event moves to a new location, the Porter North Lot with entrance at Medlar Field.

— The Andrew Dill and Etta Confer Reunion will be held at 12 p.m., at Bald Eagle State Park, pavilion #7. Bring a covered dish, Hawaiian themed, and pictures to share.

— Jacksonville Festival to benefit the Jacksonville Cemetery Association. Food booths should be open and ready to serve around 5 p.m. Games, raffles and live music by the Lomison Family and Friends Band.

— At Hyner Run State Park five different on-going programs will be happening between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Join the park naturalist and guest speakers to learn the local history of the area including a CCC program presented for the Lumber Heritage Region. A general history of the area including interesting stories and folklore of the Hyner area will be presented by local historian Lou Bernard. A paper making program will be presented by State Forester Lin Greenaway in pavilion #2. The program will look into the history of paper making and also a demonstration of how to make paper now. Jennifer Haines of the PA Logging Museum will have a presentation on the logging industry in the Hyner area and some of the tools used. A program consisting of branding tree cookies for a memento to take home will be presented by Hyner Run campground hosts. All five of the programs are free. All programs with the exception of the paper making program will be held on the lawn near the amphitheater by the pool. The pool is open for swimming, too! In case of rain, some programs will be moved to pavilion 2.

— Bald Eagle Nature Journaling Club meeting from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Bald Eagle State Park Pavilion #9, at the launch at the end of Mill Street in Howard.

— Castanea Days Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Historic Railroad Complex, 15 Logan Avenue, Castanea. The Historic Railroad Complex activities begin with the Friends of Bald Eagle Valley Trail hosting a 5/10K Run/Walk with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. The Clinton County Historical Society will offer open houses in both cabooses and the Clinton Model Railroad train display will also be open to the public.

Tiny’s Barbecue will offer breakfast and lunch options. Children will enjoy venturing just a few minutes on the Bald Eagle Valley Trail to Castanea Fire Company on McElhattan Avenue for the Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland Show at 10 a.m., followed by a food sale fundraiser at 11 a.m.

Baby Gumper Vending will also be in attendance for children. For additional details on Castanea Days visit www.castaneatownshippa.gov.

— Castanea Days Fireworks Show at 10:15 p.m., at the Robbie Gould Youth Sports Complex, 91 Upper Creek Road, Lock Haven. Parking is allowed at the Castanea Fire Hall Social Club, 300 Hanna St., the Lock Haven Moose, 150 S. Hanna St., and Upper Creek Park (Bald Eagle Creek Boat Launch area). Parking is not allowed on Hanna Street, Lower Creek Road, Upper Creek Road or the Castanea Fireman’s Memorial Bridge. Residents and visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to line Hanna Street or the Castanea Fire Hall Social Club grounds in order to view the fireworks. Fireworks rain date is Sunday, July 20, at 9:45 p.m. For additional details visit www.castaneatownshippa.gov.

— Millbrook Playhouse invites audiences, young and old, to discover the enchanting world of “Tuck Everlasting: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition,” in the Poorman Cabaret. The show will be performed at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Poorman Cabaret. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $9 for students and youth. They are available at www.millbrookplayhouse.org or by calling 570-748-8083. This captivating production, perfect for the entire family, explores the timeless question: What would you do if you could live forever?

Based on Natalie Babbitt’s best-selling children’s classic, “Tuck Everlasting” tells the story of 11-year-old Winnie Foster, who longs for adventure beyond her white picket fence. When she becomes entwined with the mysterious Tuck family, she discovers their secret of immortality and must protect them from those who would do anything for eternal life. Don’t miss this heartwarming tale of family, adventure and the choices that shape our lives. It’s perfect for young audiences and the young at heart!

Sunday, July 20

— Scoop up your friends, grab the family and join others for a sweet, sprinkle covered day of ice cream, laughter and community fun at Wayne Township Park. Activities for the whole family will be available. Join the recreation committee at 2 p.m. for an ice cream social. This event is sponsored by the Wayne Township Landfill and Weis market. The park is open during daytime hours for everyone to enjoy!

— Lamar Lighthouse Camp’s Summer Concert Series featuring The Hyssongs at 6 p.m. The camp is located along Rt. 64 in Lamar. www.lamarlighthousecamp.org or call 570-337-0203.

— Millbrook Playhouse presents “Clue: On Stage” at 2 p.m. Enjoy an evening of murder, mystery and comedy on the Ryan Main Stage. Based on the beloved board game and cult-classic film, “Clue” brings all your favorite colorful suspects to life in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud whodunit. When six strangers arrive at Boddy Manor for a dinner party, murder is on the menu. As the bodies pile up, everyone becomes a suspect and hilarity ensues as they race to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again. Special group rates for 15 or more people can be requested by calling the Box Office at 570-748-8083. Tickets may also be purchased by visiting www.millbrookplayhouse.org. Patrons can enjoy pre-show drinks at the Stage Right Bar for those 21 and up. The house opens 30 minutes prior to showtime.

— My Chemical Bromance performs on the floating stage from 6:30-9 p.m. as part of the Summer Concert Series.

Monday, July 21

— Blood Drive at Milesburg Community Center, 12:30-6 p.m.

— Dunnstown Fire Company offers a Cash Bingo every Monday night at the fire station on 119 Woodward Ave., Lock Haven. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. and all proceeds help to support the fire company’s needs.



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2.5K kids dribbled basketballs in downtown Indianapolis for WNBA All-Star Bounce

Morning traffic down Meridian Street Saturday was not caused by cars, but thousands of kids and basketballs. INDIANAPOLIS — Morning traffic down Meridian Street Saturday was not caused by cars, but thousands of kids and basketballs. “Tipping off All-Star Saturday with 2,500 families is what it is all about,” said Dianna Boyce with the WNBA […]

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Morning traffic down Meridian Street Saturday was not caused by cars, but thousands of kids and basketballs.

INDIANAPOLIS — Morning traffic down Meridian Street Saturday was not caused by cars, but thousands of kids and basketballs.

“Tipping off All-Star Saturday with 2,500 families is what it is all about,” said Dianna Boyce with the WNBA Host Committee.

The kids walked in All-Star Bounce, a free event put on by the WNBA and Pacers Sports & Entertainment where kids got to dribble a ball downtown, no matter their skill level.

“One of the things that is so cool about Indianapolis is we take so many things off the court, we try to find ways to engage different communities,” Boyce said. “When we opened registration for this, in less than 48 hours we were full.”

They didn’t have to go far, only a half mile walk to Indy’s Home Court.

“We have to bounce the basketball all the way to The Circle,” one girl told 13News.

They had cheerleaders, volunteers, a marching band and mascots along the way, and many kids told 13News they were excited to see so many along the route.

While some may call this organized chaos getting over 2,000 kids downtown, Pacers say this is an opportunity to get the next generation of athletes out in the city.

“I got a little emotional because for me this is what makes the difference for Indy in that we engage our wider community, it’s not just about who is going to have a seat at tonight’s game, it’s about what you are seeing here on Monument Circle through All-Star Bounce,” Boyce said.

A community brought together by one sport and one walk.



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‘You can’t tell the story of CTE without Pittsburgh’: 20 years later, concussion testing and conversations have drastically evolved

MENU ACCOUNT SECTIONS OTHER CLASSIFIEDS CONTACT US / FAQ Link 0

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Illinois basketball player Marcus Griffin of Peoria hosts youth camp

Basketball has given so much to Marcus Griffin. Now, the former University of Illinois basketball standout and four-time high school state champion from Peoria Manual is looking to pass along his hoops knowledge. His second annual Skills & Scrimmage Basketball Camp for second to sixth graders begins Aug. 10 at Dunlap Valley Middle School. “We […]

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Basketball has given so much to Marcus Griffin.

Now, the former University of Illinois basketball standout and four-time high school state champion from Peoria Manual is looking to pass along his hoops knowledge. His second annual Skills & Scrimmage Basketball Camp for second to sixth graders begins Aug. 10 at Dunlap Valley Middle School.

“We were blessed to a play sport for a long time, and we have to give back at some point,” Griffin said. “I feel like this is my purpose to help the next generation.”

Last year, Griffin dipped his toes into the camp scene, getting nearly 100 boys and girls to participate. “I’m hoping for the same,” he said. “I think that’s good for what I’m trying to do. I don’t want to be too overwhelmed.”

The camp runs from 5 to 8 p.m. for five Sundays, splitting the three-hour time block into 90-minute segments. The second and third graders are from 5-6:30 p.m. followed by fourth through sixth grade at 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Griffin, who turns 47 on Sept. 3, will take Labor Day weekend off. “I’m relaxing that weekend,” he said with a laugh.

One of the big reasons for Griffin starting his camp was to reteach the basic skills to younger players. He says he stresses proper passing, footwork on layups, boxing out on rebounds and defensive slides. Shooting and dribbling, of course, will also be incorporated.

“It was simple,” Griffin said. “I just saw what was going on with the fundamentals of the game and I was seeing that was not being taught no more. We literally ripped back the tape, peeled layer by layer on that onion and started over.

“It’s just those little things, I think, that can help the kids the most.”

The final Sunday will feature the games as parents will stay to watch their campers compete against each other. Griffin says he envisions one day hosting camps in other locations across central Illinois.

For those interested in sponsoring or signing up for the camp can reach Griffin via email at illiniballer52@gmail.com.

Griffin is a Illinois Basketball Coaches Association hall of famer. He helped Manual to Class AA state titles from 1994-97 and then moved on to Lincoln College, where he was named junior college player of the year. He went on to Illinois, where he was an all-Big Ten Conference pick and helped the Illini to the NCAA Elite Eight as a senior.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.



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