The other "Final Four" teams were Designed to Deliver, NBC4 Ballers, and Team Stand-by.

The tournament was a tremendous success! Over 1,500 people came out to 3^rd Street on the National Mall for a day of b-ball, music, food, and fun. We raised over $230,000 to help send deserving inner-city D.C. public high school students on to college. Again, your support through the years and participation in the tournament are truly invaluable and so deeply appreciated.

We have already begun planning HOOP DREAMS 2000 with the 5^th Annual "HOOP DREAMS" 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament slated for June of 2000. Now that sufficient time has passed, many of you will probably be able to provide us with your thoughts on how we can improve actual tournament play. We can tell you about the changes that we are already proposing:

 

• Faster registration and quicker game-play (show up with your team, say you are present, and play ball!)

 

• Games will begin when both teams and the referees are ready to play

 

• "Scouting Report" available on the day of the tournament that would list the registered teams in the tournament with each players’ height and playing experience

 

• 1^st Round Losers Bracket: a consolation tournament for teams that lose in the 1^st Round

 

• More giveaways from our sponsors (like that fabulous AND1^® gear!)

 

• More consistent officiating (including mandatory training session for all volunteer referees)

 

• More entertainment for adults (e.g. celebrities, live music, etc.) and kids (e.g. "moonwalk", face-painting, etc.)

 

• "All-tournament" team comprised of players from various teams who will be awarded prizes and receive recognition

These are just a few of the changes we are considering. We would love to hear from you regarding what you think about these proposed changes as well as how you think the tournament went this year. Please take the time to fill out the accompanying questionnaire and return it to us as soon as possible.

You should receive a mailing within the coming week that will include a "hard-copy" of the questionnaire as well as a tournament breakdown of all the participating teams.

If you would like to volunteer at another Hoop Dreams event, are interested in being a mentor, are interested in donating internships, or are interested in sponsorship possibilities, please call 202-414-0904.

Once again, thank you for participating! We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Sincerely yours,

Susie Kay                                             Steve Boyd

Founder & Executive Director             Co-Director