CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday released details on the return of its Hoops After Dark League, a program for young men aged 18-26 in partnership with the City of Cleveland to advance Mayor Justin Bibb's violence prevention strategy.
The eight-week league, back for its third year, will begin with tryouts starting June 10 and culminate in the championship game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Aug. 16.
Hoops After Dark aims to connect young men in Cleveland through sports and personal development. The program includes life skills workshops for all players before each game, giving participants resources and learning material about financial literacy, career development and gun violence prevention. This year's season includes a job fair for the players to help them find employment and develop career and life skills.
"Initiatives like this play a crucial role in spearheading efforts for a safer city by addressing the underlying causes of violence and offering a constructive avenue through the universal language of sports, which has the power to bridge diverse backgrounds and bring communities together,” Mayor Bibb said. “Through Hoops After Dark, we have the opportunity to effect tangible change within our community, and we are eager to build on the momentum and achievements of this program."
The Cavaliers and parent company Rock Entertainment Group say the program has helped nearly 200 players and hosted more than 20 life skills workshops in its last two years, with CEO Nic Barlage calling it "extremely successful."
"The program’s unique ability to use basketball to impact our community, provide safe spaces and support individuals in their efforts to become the best version of themselves is something we are deeply passionate about,” Barlage said. "We’re committed to using our platform for driving greater outcomes and are excited to see the positive and lasting impact Hoops After Dark will continue to have on the young people who participate across the greater Northeast Ohio community.”
Young men interested in joining the league can fill out this online questionnaire.
The Cavaliers provided a schedule of the key dates for this year's Hoops After Dark League:
- June 10 – Tryout Session 1 at Zelma George NRRC from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- June 11 – Tryout Session 2 at Glenville NRRC from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- June 12 – Tryout Session 3 at Cudell NRRC from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- June 17 – Team Practices Begin from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- June 24 – July 31: Hoops After Dark Regular Season Play and Personal Development Workshops
- Aug. 7 – Aug. 14: Hoops After Dark Playoffs
- Aug. 16 – Hoops After Dark Championship Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
