Press Release For Immediate Release

Native American Basketball Invitational Celebrates its 20th Year with the Annual Tournament Scheduled for July 18-22

 Milwaukee Bucks’ MarJon Beauchamp to present championship trophies​

Phoenix, Arizona – July 11, 2023 – The Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) is celebrating its 20th year and
this year the basketball tournament features 144 teams (boys and girls, ages 14-19) comprised of athletes representing over 120 tribal communities from all over North America and includes a week full of exciting events for all NABI attendees to enjoy.

“NABI is much more than just a basketball tournament,” said GinaMarie Scarpa, president and founding member of NABI. “NABI gives our Native American basketball players an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage and engages them in a week of activities designed to stimulate their minds. We strive to make NABI a meaningful experience for our athletes and look
forward to another 20-plus years of serving our youth.”NABI week officially tips-off on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, and will host 428 basketball games played throughout several Phoenix-area gyms. In addition to the basketball tournament, athletes participate in NABI Educational Youth Summit, powered by Phoenix Indian Center, that includes a college and career fair. This year, NABI also partnered with the Arizona Science Center to give the athletes exclusive admission into the Center to explore the world of science and
imagination.

“The Phoenix Indian Center is excited to be partnering with NABI this year,” said Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, chief executive officer of the Phoenix Indian Center. “The NABI Educational Youth Summit gives the Native youth attending from across the country a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded athletes and collaborate off of the court.”

“We are thrilled to have the NABI athletes come explore the Arizona Science Center and experience great STEM programs that will inspire and educate,” said Guy Labine, Hazel A. Hare President and CEO, Arizona Science Center. “NABI has been fostering Native athletes both physically and mentally for 20 years and we are excited to become a part of its educational
component this year.”

Teams participating in the tournament will be invited to attend Phoenix Mercury Native American Night on July 20. However, tickets are available for purchase on Ticketmaster for friends or family members looking to join their athletes in attendance. NABI week will conclude with the championship games on Sunday, July 23 at Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

This year, MarJon Beauchamp, who is of Native American descent from the Mission Indians and La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, and drafted by the NBA in 2022 to the Milwaukee Bucks, will be attending 2023 NABI Championships games and will participate in handing out the championship trophies to the 2023 NABI Championship teams. MarJon will also be conducting
a private speaking engagement and photo opportunity for all NABI teams, to talk about his journey to the NBA.

“It is an honor to be able to attend the NABI tournament this year and interact with the Native youth who travel from across the country to participate in this unique tournament,” said Marjon Beauchamp (Yakama Nation), current NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks. “Giving these Native athletes their own platform is critical to their success on and off the court. I’m looking forward to connecting with them and sharing my own experiences.”

The following events will be open to the public:

  • NABI Pool Play and Bracket Games: Tuesday-Saturday, July 18-22, at various Phoenix- area gyms
  • Phoenix Mercury Native American Night: Powered by NABI Nation, Thursday, July 20 at Footprint Center
  • NABI Championship Games: Sunday, July 23 at Footprint Center

For more information, game schedules, and gym locations, please visit our official website www.NABINation.com.

"NABI

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Media Contacts

Melissa Kaszuba
Urias Communications
732.865.6687
melissa@uriascommunications.com

Kristina Celik
Arizona Science Center
480.205.2581
celikk@azscience.org