The Throne: A Unique Basketball Experience for High Schoolers
Danny Green, along with his business partner Darren Duncan and the NBPA, set out to find an exciting venue for a high school basketball tournament aimed at enhancing competitiveness. During my teenage years, only one place seemed fitting: the mall.
American Dream, situated in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is not just a shopping mall. This sprawling 3 million square foot venue features a water park, an indoor ski slope, an NHL-sized ice rink, an aquarium, multiple theme parks, and over 350 retail stores. Beginning in 2023, it will also host an annual basketball tournament, with ambitions to expand further.
Green and Duncan launched Gold Level Sporting Events (GLSE) back in 2014, gaining a reputation for hosting several popular events, like The Battle Series and various basketball camps. These events, while successful, followed a traditional mold—they both craved something fresh.
“We saw an opportunity to craft something comparable to an NCAA tournament for high school players,” Green mentioned during a phone interview.
The plan is ambitious: gather the top 16 public high school teams nationwide for a single-elimination tournament known as “The Throne.” Teams will receive formal invites, with travel and accommodations taken care of, and a generous cash prize awarded to the winning school.
For the inaugural tournament, they chose Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, but are now looking for partnerships to expand the event. Understanding that education was key to their vision, they approached the NBPA for collaboration.
“Four years ago, Danny and his team had this idea to extend the high school season—something they wish had existed during their own childhood,” shared Chris Jean, NBPA’s vice president of elite youth and basketball activation. “Our role at the union is to assess players’ interests and support those initiatives.”
Green attributes his persistent motivation to his father, reflecting on his own experiences: “I grew up lacking resources. Now, as an adult and a parent, I want to create opportunities for kids that we didn’t have.”
This landscape is changing as recruiting criteria for elite athletes become more stringent. Many events exist today aimed at getting young players exposure, often at the cost of a participation fee. It’s all rather troubling, really.
That’s precisely why Green feels it’s crucial to connect with these young athletes, helping them navigate the rough patches they might face. “We’ve been in their shoes. We aim to guide them away from potential pitfalls.”
In order to prepare kids for future endeavors—be it college, professional paths, or overseas opportunities—Green and Duncan will offer off-court classes on topics like financial literacy and mental health. Although similar to the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program, Green insists that financial literacy is the cornerstone of GLSE’s events.
“It’s a subject that’s often overlooked, especially in black and brown communities. Young athletes frequently lack knowledge in saving and investing because their parents might not have had that education either,” he expressed.
Having witnessed the financial missteps of professional athletes, Green knows the stakes are high. But helping high school kids understand these lessons presents a unique challenge, given their youthful invincibility.
“We’re mindful of our audience,” said Jean, addressing concerns about how teenagers would react to The Throne’s educational aspects. “This initiative responds to the players’ desires. They want their kids to be well-prepared early on.”
The educational content comes from players themselves—by sharing real experiences, lessons, and proactive advice on how to sidestep unscrupulous individuals.
Notably, classes are taught by seasoned figures from the NBA and WNBA. This year, Derek Anderson, a former player, led sessions on mental health. Coaches from participating teams will also be part of the classroom discussions, reinforcing lessons with familiar voices.
As the landscape of youth sports evolves, Green and Jean acknowledge the growing pressures on young athletes to act professionally. The fast-paced world of endorsements and scouting has made it challenging for kids to remain, well, kids.
This tournament features all sorts of elements, from a golden throne for photo ops to a lounge provided by 2K, complete with gaming consoles. Among 200 competing teenagers, The Throne aims for joy and accountability in basketball. There’s inherently competitive energy, but the focus lies on enjoying the game.
“It’s one of the last strongholds of innocence in high school sports,” Green said, pointing out that by the time contenders arrive, many already have college plans inked. Yet, some may not want to continue playing at all. The tournament is situated in March, perfectly timed with events like March Madness, serving as a fresh start before the next chapter in their lives.
Given the NBPA’s backing, the tournament transforms into a welcoming environment. A welcome dinner will kick off the event, with professional-grade courts and referees adding to the legitimacy. Plus, there’s a solid cash prize: this year’s donation, combined with Green’s contribution, brings it to $25,000 for the winning school.
These rewards serve as enriching experiences for the students, potentially boosting their paths in sports. Green believes this pressure can be constructive, fostering an environment that isn’t solely focused on competition and recruitment.
“They feel the significance of the moment, as if they’re already at the next level,” Green remarked. The goal is to create an unparalleled experience, paving the way for their futures.
The Championship has just wrapped its fourth year, but Green and his team continuously strive to improve. With summer approaching, they’re planning the next tournament, ensuring it respects basketball season while finding the right collaborators. Notably, initial oversight regarding the absence of women’s teams has been remedied, especially now that the WNBPA is on board. Plus, there are scholarships available for active participants in classroom sessions.
Even after years of organizing tournaments, Green remains amazed by the evolution of the sport and its young athletes. “It’s changed so much since our playing days,” he noted.
GLSE actively seeks feedback for refining everything from tournaments to overall events. While The Throne reflects Green’s pride and commitment to growth, the ultimate goal lies in positively impacting each child’s life.
“Every year, I focus on how to improve,” he concluded.
