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Recap: AAU 3v3 Basketball in Times Square

AAU 3-on-3 Basketball took over NYC over the weekend at the inaugural AAU 3v3 Basketball tournament in Times Square

Sep 22, 2023

Recap: AAU 3v3 Basketball in Times Square

By: Troy MacNeill
 
AAU 3v3 in Times Square
Dates: September 16 – 17, 2023
Location: Times Square
Results | Photos | Videos
 
TIMES SQUARE, N.Y. (September 22, 2023) – The buzzer has sounded and the final whistle has blown on the first ever AAU 3v3 Basketball tournament held in the heart of Times Square, New York City. The basketball center of the universe played host to one of the best shows on Broadway over the weekend and athletes shared one of the most unique experiences in AAU sports.
 
The lights were shining brighter than normal down on the streets of Times Square this past weekend as 75 teams traveled to the city that never sleeps to compete head-to-head in 3-on-3 basketball. With five courts located in between 46th and 48th street, athletes were given the chance to show off their skills in front of the bustling crowds of New York City.
 

 
AAU 3-on-3 Basketball and the AAU Urban Initiative teamed up with Chief Jeffrey Maddrey and the NYPD’s finest as well as the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sports to host the inaugural AAU Fall 3v3 Basketball tournament in Times Square. The New York Police Department were an integral part of making this dream a reality. NYPD’s Finest Basketball team volunteered their time during the weekend to referee, keep score, and coach some of the teams. The New York Police Department’s dedication to amateur athletics made this event special and safe for the athletes.
 
 
Games were played on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 with champions being crowned each evening. Boys’ teams from 4th grade to 12th grade and girls’ teams from 9th to 12th grade competed and were the best show in the busy city. Parents, teams, tourists, and New York residents alike stopped to watch the non-stop, fast pace of play.
 
New York has forever been known as the center of the basketball universe, with Madison Square Garden, Rucker Park, and some of the greatest streetball and NBA players calling New York home. AAU Basketball can now be added to the list of great basketball that will take place in the Mecca of Basketball. Thid inaugural AAU 3v3 event was a huge success. With skyscrapers and city streets as the background, the amazing competition on the courts took center stage and provided lasting memories for all involved.
 
 
Joining the action on the court was the cerebral teachings of the game of chess. The Metro Chess Challenge took place right next to the 3-on-3 courts. Chess players brought their game and their clocks to support the AAU Urban Initiative and the Urban Chess Collective. AAU basketball players and AAU President got in on the action as well.
 
NY Metropolitan AAU District Governor Jim Fox and AAU Urban Initiative lead Joe Armenio have been hard at work with the NYPD and the AAU National Office and created this once in a lifetime experience for athletes to compete in the middle of Times Square. Not only did we create memorable moments for our athletes, but we are also providing a sense of community and teaching harmony in the city.
 
“With the formal partnership of NYPD, the Urban Initiative will take a giant step forward to bring AAU sports to many more young athletes from underserved areas, helping us continue our mission of ‘Sports for All, Forever’,” said AAU President, Jo Mirza. “What an incredible experience. The dedication of the athletes, the NYPD, and everyone with AAU Basketball made this weekend a special one for every person that got to be a part of it.”
 
This event is another huge moment for the AAU Urban Initiative. The AAU Urban Initiative was created in 2015 to provide participation opportunities in urban environments that were historically underserved. The initiative partners the AAU with local government, law enforcement, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and other groups to bring communities together through sports in service to America’s youth.
 

Thank you to everyone who came out to compete at the inaugural AAU 3v3 Basketball tournament in Times Square. Congratulations to all of our winners throughout the weekend, your hard work was seen by thousands. We are excited to come back to the city and do it all again.
 
Relive all of the action by following us on social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see it all.
 

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Sports For All, Forever

The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 800,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.   

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