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Hoops In The Sun Roundball Classic @ Orchard beach in the Bronx, New York - where according to the New York Daily News, over 700,000 people will visit the beach during the summer weekends. H.I.T.S. is the only summer-long "beachside" basketball league in the city. Starting June 14, 2008 every Saturday and Sunday check out six action-packed games featuring the top men and youth ball players in the Tri-State Area. Since starting in the year 2000, H.I.T.S. has already earned its spot as one of the premiere Pro-Am runs on the east coast. This year, look out for our young athletes in our developed youth league - and see who will be the next young player to shine. With the recent $5 million in improvements made to Orchard Beach, H.I.T.S. will serve as a complement to the rebuilding efforts and activity expansion within this NYC summer "hot spot". Going strong into the tenth anniversary season (2009), H.I.T.S. will once again bring some of the most competitive New York City basketball to this attractive environment. So wherever you are, get off the block and come to the beach…Check out H.I.T.S. this and every summer…because "It's Time to Shine!" Hoops in the Sun was created by Rufino (Joe) Cruz, Sr. and two sons Joe Jr., and Randy in the Summer of 2000 as an 8-team Pro-Am Men's League for male adults age 18 years and older including current and former college standouts and professional basketball. In 2001, the program was expanded to include a Women's Pro-Am league for female adults age 18 years and older as well as a Youth Clinic in association with the NYC Parks & Recreation for children ages 7-12. Expanding our program has allowed us to increase the overall participation within the community. Mission The mission of H.I.T.S. is to utilize sporting events, specifically basketball, to unite members of diverse communities throughout the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, Conn.) and exhibit positive adult leadership as a constructive model for our youth. About our late Founder/CEO: Rufino "Joe" Cruz, Sr. a.k.a. "Pops" Rufino "Joe" Cruz, Sr. founder of Hoops in the Sun and Bronx native was raised on New York City basketball courts and stumbled upon the idea of beachside basketball while visiting Venice Beach, CA. Cruz described his vision turn reality, "The atmosphere, the competitive basketball…the women, were all part of the experience. You can play a game and take a stroll on the beach afterward. You can bring the family with you and make a day out of it. In the Mecca of basketball (NYC), I'm fortunate to have been able to work with Orchard Beach to create this alternative environment for hoops. When the sun comes out you're guaranteed to have a good time." Rufino "Pops" Cruz had been involved with basketball for over 40 years on the court and as well as on the sidelines. Before starting Hoops in the Sun, Mr. Cruz helped manage such well know basketball tournaments as Earl "The Goat" Manigault - "Walk Away from Drugs" - Basketball Tournament and the Ray Diaz's Roundball Classic League - both held on the upper west side in Manhattan; Mr. Cruz also helped manage one of the top annual Pro-Am Summer basketball League at Hunter College in New York. With an impressive background in basketball organization and event management, Mr. Cruz brought experience, patience, professionalism, and a strong sense of team spirit that is second to none. Cruz Sr. was poised and ready to provide a basketball tournament in association with NYC Parks and Recreation that will always shine giving Orchard Beach, the Bronx and its beach-going patrons something they can always be proud of! Hoops In The Sun Group, Inc. would like to thank its staff, fans, and sponsors in supporting our program for another successful 2008 season and we look forward in being successful in the 2009 season.




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