On Aug. 7, a select group of pro-level NBA basketball players will be making a stop at the CARSA Gym on the University of Victoria to participate in the Ball Don’t Stop Pro-Am event.
Started in 2016, the Ball Don’t Stop Pro-Am (professional and amateur players) is an annual Canada-wide summer basketball event, showcasing the top professionals from international to local college and high school talent.
This summer marks the first time Vancouver Island has particpated in the showcase.
With top players from all levels including high school, college, up to NBA-level, UVic is bringing its own lineup of talent including Ethan Boag, Shadynn Smid, Griffin Arnatt, and Renoldo Robinson.
The four players recently represented Canada, finishing fourth at the FISU America 3×3 tournament in Brasilia, Brazil.
The mix of talent ranging from high school to NBA-level aims to showcase future talent alongside some inspiring top-level players.
“It’s a glimpse at the next wave of B.C. talent. The second game features senior boys and serves as a Vikes preview of sorts, with incoming UVic recruits Tyler Felt, Toren Franklin, and Justin Hinrichsen set to suit up for the Island side, giving fans a first look at the future of the program,” states a release from UVic.
Fans can expect to see a “fast-paced celebration featuring NBA stars, top collegiate talent, and some of the most electrifying high school prospects in the province,” states UVic.
“The gym is going to be packed and if the past few stops are any indication, you’ll want to keep your phone ready—you never know who might walk through the doors.”
While the complete list of headliners has yet to be released, Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics guard, will be leading the Ball Don’t Stop youth pro camp on Aug. 8.
Pritchard was also deemed 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Last year’s pro-am event featured Canadian and Toronto Raptor player, Chris Boucher, making Toronto’s Ball Don’t Stop Pro-Am a sold out event.
Chris Boucher should have been on Team Canada roster for the Olympics 🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/UyjlTUrUFQ
— Ball Don’t Stop (@balldontstop) August 3, 2024
Other past players include NBA veterans and international stars, such as Scottie Barnes, Jamal Crawford, Chris Boucher, and Shaedon Sharpe.
The event takes place on Aug. 7 with the first of three games tipping off at 4:30 p.m. where a Vancouver Island high school squad will go head-to-head against the Lower Mainland.
The Pro-Am tips at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at balldontstop.com/pro-am
The Aug. 8, Ball Don’t Stop youth pro camp day with Celtics guard, will take place at UVic. More information can be found here.