Kokomo will see the well-regarded Gus Macker basketball tournament back in full force this summer.
After being absent for several years’ professional basketball player Brandon Wood, Mo Boy LLC, and the Brandon Wood Foundation will be hosting the 2019 Gus Macker tournament in downtown Kokomo.
The three-day event will span from July 19 to 21 off the square in downtown. While logistics are still being developed and additional information is to come, Wood said he is eager to see what becomes of the tournament.
Running for more than 45 years, the national tournament was a staple for many youths growing up. Wood, a product of the tournament, said he fondly recalls playing in the two-day tournament with his friends.
“It means a lot to have the chance to bring the Gus Macker Tournament back to the Kokomo community,” said Wood. “Being a kid that traveled around the state of Indiana and playing in as many Gus Macker tournaments as possible, there were a lot of memories created on those weekends. Being able to have the opportunity to bring this back to Kokomo really means a lot to me. Hopefully the kids growing up now will be able to create special memories as well.”
After rolling out several announcements of the tournament’s return on social media, Wood said the response seen so far has been encouraging.
“We’ve had some great feedback, most importantly from some local companies that have gotten involved. They’ll be partnering up with us to bring the event back. To see local businesses interested in helping with the event means a lot to me. Also, just through talking to people online and in person, the excitement I’ve been hearing has been nice,” said Wood.
The three-on-three tournament is open to men and women from ages 7 to 70-plus.
On top of creating an environment for basketball competition, Wood also is hopeful that local artists and entertainers will take part in the spotlight.
“One thing I want to do Friday night is provide a platform to any local artists or entertainers or any local acts that want to perform. I would love to have a concert that evening and, by doing so, give a local artist or performer an opportunity to do so. We’re wanting this to have competitive basketball but also make it a well-rounded community event,” said Wood.
On top of the basketball and live music, Wood hopes local vendors will take part in the tournament. Having recently invested in a catering company, Wood is excited to share with Kokomo the quality of food his company Catering Made Simple can deliver.
For those interested in being a part of the tournament by volunteering or sponsorship, contact Brandon Wood at 480- 439-6160 or his business partner PJ Majors at 765-438-6709.
A portion of ALL event proceeds will benefit The Brandon Wood Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to the promotion and development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, and social potentials. BraMar Marketing is an integrated marketing, event management and social media consulting firm. Mo Boy LLC is a company responsible for the management of a group of vertically integrated operating businesses. Its core capabilities include Youth Mentoring, Sports/Athlete Management, Talent/Event Management and Business Services. For further information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Brandon Wood at 602-439-6160 or visit www.moboyllc.com.