It has been said that tough competition brings out the best in high school athletes. Starting July 18 in Phoenix, Ariz., a group of local basketball players, playing for the Colorado And 1 team, will put that theory to the test when they compete in the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI). While the level of play at the tournament promises to be elite, the close-knit team is confident and excited for what promises to be a rewarding experience for all involved.
Started as part of an initiative to encourage Native American youth to participate in higher education, sports and community building, the NABI tournament is currently one of the premiere basketball competitions in the nation. Playing host to 64 boys’ teams and 64 girls’ teams, games are intense and the stakes are high.
“This truly is an elite tournament,” explained Colorado And 1 Coach Jonathan Dine. “Lots of college recruiters will be at the event and many of the players will one day play college basketball.”
To be eligible for the tournament, a player must be of high school age and a registered member of a Native American tribe.
“In many ways, the NABI basketball tournament is similar to a state tournament,” said Dine. “What makes it more intense, though, is the fact that there are teams from all over the country playing. Players will really have the opportunity to show what they can do.”
Even though competition promises to be intense, the Colorado And 1 team is confident in its roster, which features multiple athletic smooth-shooting big men. Durango center Nick Hamlin figures to be a force inside, while Cortez forwards Bracken Whiteskunk, Jack Watts and Jawuan Dine will look to stretch the floor using athleticism and shooting touch.
At the guard spots, the team also figures to be strong, featuring Cortez residents Taylor Wilson and Antonio Yanito, Shiprock resident Jeron Johnson and Towaoc resident Carlton Jones. Considering that every guard on the roster can shoot from long range, the Colorado And 1 team will likely be able to score in bunches.
“We plan to play an up-tempo style and push the ball,” said Dine. “Everybody on our team is fast and everybody can shoot 3’s. I think we have a good shot at going far.”
“We have a solid team,” echoed Jack Watts. “We have some guys coming in from out of town that can help us. I’m excited.”
Along with presenting on-court opportunities, the NABI tournament offers players a chance to spend time together off the court and grow as individuals.
“There is so much talent here in the Four Corners area, and nobody does anything with it,” said Dine. “Hopefully this trip will allow players to develop their basketball skills and learn some life skills at the same time.”
“I’m just excited to play basketball,” stated Jawuan Dine. “I’m ready to get in the car, drive to Phoenix and see what we can do.”
Fans interested in catching the Colorado And 1 team in action can access a complete schedule for the NABI basketball tournament online at http://www.nabifoundation.org/downloads/2013_PoolPlay.pdf