While the long-awaited return of the Gus Macker basketball tournament to the Buffalo area takes place this weekend, another hoops competition will also be happening within the city of Buffalo.
Buff City Hoops was formed earlier this summer by Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and others who say that the Gus Macker's new venue, Grand Island, is out of reach for many city youngsters who might be interested in playing but don't have the means to travel to the suburb.
"I went on Facebook and asked the people, what do you think we should do about filling the void of Gus Macker?" said Grant, acknowledging that the tournament was a popular draw to downtown Buffalo until its final run there in 2013. "They said well, why not have a city (tournament)? We're big enough for a basketball tournament. Let's do it ourselves."
The name Buff City Hoops was the overwhelming choice in a vote, Grant added. Games have already been played throughout the city and on Saturday, August 29, a championship elimination round will be hosted at Masten Park.
BAK USA, the computer tablet company which opened in Buffalo earlier this year, is donating some of its devices to Buff City Hoops as prizes for the winners.
Company chairman JP Bak says the company respects the mission of Buff City Hoops to give young members of the community a safe, productive activity.
"This tournament, the whole summer event actually, Buff City Hoops, tried to address one of the biggest problems we have, violence," said Bak. "Young kids living under bad circumstances in an environment that does not really bring them forward into a bright future. What you are doing here, with this tournament and the whole summer program, is exactly what BAK USA would like to be a part of."
Grant insists that Buff City Hoops was not formed in 'retaliation' for the Gus Macker returning but to the suburbs. She also suggests the simultaneous running of both events is coincidental, with the Gus Macker tournament subject to delays by Grand Island town officials.
The Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday along Grand Island Boulevard between Whitehaven and Baseline Roads. It's the first year in a three-year deal signed with the Gus Macker national office. Buff City Hoops, meanwhile, also plans to return after this inaugural run.
"For our first year I'm proud. I'm proud of the sponsorship we have," she said. "I guarantee you we're going to go forward from here."
