A benchmark anniversary for the Dolphin Basketball Classic has co-founder Bruce Watson all nostalgic these days.
Thinking back 30 tournaments ago, in 1986, the first summer hoopsters could test out their new Air Jordan Ones, Watson is reminded of a time when Richmond was very different and basketball was an after thought at his school, Steveston High.
“We’re amazed and surprised. When we started the tourney it started locally with family and friends and then it grew and grew and took on a life of its own in a very grassroots way,” said Watson.
There were no summer basketball camps and school programs wrapped up after the last whistle of the season. No one gave it any thought to keep playing competitively in the summer, except for Watson and fellow Steveston grads Bira Bindra, Taj Johal, Tony Wong-Hen and Garth Robertson.
“Dolphin Park became a hotbed for basketball,” said Watson, now 49, who will soon enter his fourth decade volunteering to keep the Dolphin Classic alive and well.
The 1990s brought the Vancouver Grizzlies to town and a new lease on life for basketball, especially in Richmond, where high schools produced collegiate stars.
But the failure of the NBA franchise led to some obvious growing pains for the sport locally in the 2000s.
Yet the Dolphin Classic persevered and in 2009 it moved from the one court in Dolphin Park in east Richmond to the Thompson Community Centre where it has two courts and is now able to host a women’s tournament.
“Dolphin Park will always be our home, so we took the name with us,” explained Watson, whose group bills the tournament as a “high flying, rim rattling basketball extravaganza.”
The tournament, consisting of 11 men’s and six women’s teams, is classic street ball; run and gun offense, the unnoticeable absence of a shot clock, a couple understandable elbows and a lot of sweaty hand slaps.
“It’s grown in a nice, organic way for the most part,” said Watson, noting the City of Richmond helped move the tournament to Thompson where there is easier event access and a community centre for indoor games, should it rain.
This week the forecast is for sun and one should expect some quality ball on the undersized courts that lend themselves to the fast-paced four-on-four style.
“It’s the perfect size for the outdoor game,” said Watson.
Plenty of grandstand space is available for the few thousands of fans expected to attend the event. A beer garden, food stands and the popular three-point and slam-dunk contests are an added bonus, which round out the tournament’s entertainment.
“This is a man’s and woman’s tournament. We’ve never had a university team win except for the University of the Fraser Valley cascades (in 2013),” said Watson, noting most teams over the years are capable of beating university championship teams.
Most of the teams in the tournament are grassroots, organized teams that ask players to bring a certain ethos to the court that is passed down from generation to generation.
“There are no ringers and no ball hogs or complainers. Teams respect the tournament and people become friends,” said Watson.
At times the tournament is graced with the presence of professionals and high-level talent such as NCAA players and Olympians. The biggest draws have been Steve Nash and Jamal Crawford, who may come to watch this year, said Watson.
With the X-Falcons back to defend their 2014 title and garner their seventh title in nine years, parity may prove more difficult in the men’s division than in the women’s division where six different teams have advanced to the finals in the last three years.
For the schedule, go to www.dolphinclassic/schedule
Men’s Teams:
Academy – One of the top teams with a handful of guys who’ve played pro.
Athelite – A team with lots of Alberta connections. Watch for a young Sukhjot Bains.
X Falcons – A flagship team with six of the last eight titles. Captain Navi Sekhon puts together a mix of veterans and youth.
Runnin’ Rebels – This is long-time captain Steve Lee’s 20th year playing at Dolphin. He won in 2012, so expect a strong roster.
Athletes in Action – Captained by Malcolm Campbell, the AIA hail from the Fraser Valley with lots of Trinity Western University.
University of the Fraser Valley – A college based team captained by Adam Friesen, with lots of young players supplemented with a few alumni to add leadership. (2014 runners up)
West Coast Warriors - An entertaining team that plays a very fast-break style. This team always keeps the tournament guessing.
Thompson Rivers University – Scott Clark coaches a young team that’s well organized. The question will be, can they surprise the veterans?
(NEW) Capilano College – Coach Jon Acob, a former Richmond Colt, should inspire his team to get some initial Dolphin experience.
(NEW) Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Vlad Nikic coaches this “green” team. They’ll be competitive and looking to gain experience.
(NEW) Timon of Athens – Mark Dabroski and Colin Plumb’s grassroots, free agent-based team come from local men’s leagues. They’re looking to gel and start a new franchise.
Women’s Teams:
Fusion – Katy Germain captains another strong team with some Canadian national level caliber players. They are seeded No. 1.
Pippen Ain’t Easy – Sam Coutts captains an experienced team that was runner up last year and has lots of motivation to dethrone Fusion.
Team Chaos – Chaos players are known for their fun style of play. While younger than most, Chaos can improve on its 2nd in 2013.
Cascades – The University of the Fraser Valley women’s team is the only university-based team to win a Dolphin Classic title (2013).
One Up – Captain Jennifer Ju is admired in the East Vancouver community and played in Europe. Her team is expected to compete for a title.
Team 604 – Douglas College alumni and 604 captain Quincie Onyejekwe has assembled another competitive team.
