The next generation of basketball stars took centre stage at Trafalgar Square today (Friday 6 June) as the curtain came down on the historic Jr. NBA 3v3 tournament.
Pupils from schools across London travelled to the heart of the capital to do battle in the first-ever basketball competition to be hosted at Trafalgar Square.
The space was transformed with three courts providing all-day action, featuring boys’ and girls’ competitions, wheelchair basketball coaching and skills sessions and 3v3 coaching for primary school children.
The tournament also welcomed thousands of spectators and visitors throughout the day, who took their spots on the courtside seating or enjoyed the basketball entertainment and activities.
Jr. NBA 3v3, operated by London Marathon Events (LME), was announced earlier in 2025 as a new collaboration between the NBA and LME, with the ambition to increase participation in basketball across the capital, culminating in the showpiece Finals.
The fight for the title of champions came down to the final 10 teams, with nine London boroughs represented in a show of strength across the capital.
In the boys’ competition, Drayton Manor High School, based in Ealing, came out on top against Beths Grammar School, in Bexley, to be presented with their winners’ rings. Coach Jamie Black said the occasion was one that will live long in the memory.
He added: “I am blown away and am so proud for the boys to make it to the finals, let alone win. When they are my age, they can look back and say, 'Not only did we play at Trafalgar Square, but we won'. It is an amazing story to tell their families.”
On the girls’ side, it was Glenthorne High School, based in Sutton, that triumphed against Lilian Baylis Technology School, in Lambeth, to take home their winning rings.
Coach Dave Castle said of his winning team: “It was an amazing performance by a great bunch of girls. You only have to step foot in the space to know how special it is and I hope some girls watching on were inspired to get involved in the future.”
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “Inspiring more people to be active is at the heart of everything we do at London Marathon Events, and hosting the first-ever basketball tournament in Trafalgar Square was a landmark moment.
"Seeing the square come alive with energy and talent during the Jr. NBA 3v3 Finals was a powerful reminder of basketball’s growing impact in the UK and, through our collaboration with the NBA, this is another big step in giving more children and young people access to the game. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to build on this momentum even further in the years ahead.”
Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London, attended the event, and said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and Trafalgar Square was the perfect location to stage this incredible inaugural Grand Finals of Jr. NBA 3v3.
“The Mayor and I have been proud to support this innovative collaboration between London Marathon Events and the NBA, which we know will inspire more young people to play basketball in schools across the capital.
“The competition builds on the work of the Mayor’s new basketball taskforce that he created to grow the game and create positive opportunities for young people as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”
Michael Kwentoh, Basketball academy lead coach at Lampton School in Hounslow, whose teams were competing in the boys’ and girls’ competitions, said: “It is hard to describe how valuable this is. This is a great showpiece for basketball and young people need to have opportunities like this if they want to grow in the sport and for the sport itself to develop. There is no reason basketball can't continue to grow and be impactful in our schools and beyond. The talent is there and, if the platform is there, the future is bright for basketball in this country.”
The tournament offered an up-close look at basketball’s increasingly popular 3v3 format, in which the quick-fire games are played on courts half the size of a traditional basketball court with just a single hoop and 12-second shot clock.
Ronny Turiaf, NBA champion with the Miami Heat in 2012, awarded the winners of the boys’ and girls’ competitions with their prizes, and took part in autograph sessions, while the Philadelphia 76ers mascot, Franklin the Dog, met with participants and spectators.
The day concluded with some of London’s leading content creators taking part in NBA 3X, with the mixed elite 3v3 competition – which included a dunk show – bringing down the curtain on a memorable day at Trafalgar Square.
The other Jr. NBA 3v3 finalists were:
St Ignatius College, Enfield
The Kingston Academy, Richmond
Overton Grange School, Sutton
Hendon School, Barnet
Brampton Manor Academy, Newham
Lampton School, Hounslow