BASKETBALL FANS in western Jamaica will be in for a special treat on Sunday June 15th, 2008 when the Western Basketball Association (WBA) stages its annual basketball festival dubbed 'WBA HOOPLA' at the Montego Bay Cricket Club court starting at 4:00 p.m.

A league all-stars outfit will provide some much needed game practice for Catherine Hall All-Stars who are currently participating in the 2008 KFC National Basketball League and of course the usual braggin' rights.

This year we set out to continue the additional events we introduced last year. This year, players, coaches, officials will participate in the 2ball, 3-point ShootOut, Slam Dunk and the Skillz Dexterity Challenge contests.

The Skillz Dexterity debuted in the 2007 at the WBA Mid-Season Final. It is a competition for ball-handlers. First, the competitor must do defensive slides half the length of the court. Then, he must make a chest pass through an obstacle. After the pass the player must attempt a layup. He must score so as to advance. Then, he must dribble between four obstacles. Basic ball-handling rules must be observed. At the end of the obstacles, the player shoots a 3 point shot. Next, the player must make free-throws. After all of these tasks are successfully completed the timer is stopped.

Out of seven players, the four with the fastest times proceed to the next round where the same challenge is performed, then two with the fastest times will advance and the winner is determined.

The current champion is Damian Curtis of the Catherine Hall All-Stars. This event provides an opportunity for the players to test their skills, have fun while not forgetting the basic fundamentals of basketball.

WBA Hoopla will be chock-full of excitement and fans will be in for treat along with many giveaways from the league sponsors.

Revisit some of last year's WBA Hoopla >>>>