The Santa Barbara Breakers have been invited to be the sole representative of the United States in the prestigious 58th annual Haarlem Basketball Classic located in Haarlem, Netherlands, just outside of Amsterdam.
Over the years, this international tournament has traditionally drawn thousands of spectators and media from all over the world. This tournament is a highly publicized European event that will be endorsed by ESPN America. The NBA will also be represented throughout the games by sending the Chicago Bull’s mascot, Benny the Bull and their dance team, the Luvables.
This week-long holiday tournament has traditionally drawn top players from around the world, including current NBA superstars Vince Carter, (Orlando Magic), Antawn Jamison (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Omri Casspi (Sacramento Kings). The community of Santa Barbara has historically been well representative as former Don alum, UCSB graduate and Los Angeles Laker Don Ford was named the tournament MVP in 1982 and Dos Pueblos High alum Shantay Legans received tournament honors in 2006.
This years six team tournament includes top-tier opponents: Maccabi Haifa (Israel’s top team), the Dutch national team, Belgium national team, ZZ Leiden (Dutch Division 1 team), and Astana Tigers (Kazakhstan).
“Once again, I have to say, Thank You Breakersbasketball.com Website! Our new promoter from the U.K. noticed our trips to China the past 4 years and contacted me about this wonderful tournament in Amsterdam. Lo and behold, when I coached in Vienna, Austria, this Tournament was the talk of Europe even back then, in the 80’s. We are proud to represent the city of Santa Barbara and in this case, the USA, being the only participant from the red, white and blue.”
Don Ford approached me at the UCSB Gaucho game and said “What’s up with your team?” I told him we had just been invited to the Haarlem Tournament. He said, “Hey, I was the MVP of that Tournament in 1982 and never got my trophy.” I told Don, “OK, I will do my best to bring back two trophies, a team championship trophy and your MVP.”
The Breakers depart on December 26 and return January 3, 2011. They are seeking sponsorships and donations to help assist them with their travel expenses. For more information regarding sponsorships or donations, please call 969-7542 or email [email protected]
