Stepping into uncharted territory, IImpact Hoop Lab initiated its first franchise tournament draft night, signaling a new era in youth basketball development.
In a dynamic realm where innovation and progress reign supreme, this event, hosted at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand, served as a pivotal moment in the organization’s quest to redefine youth basketball in Sri Lanka.
The excitement was palpable as athletes, parents, coaches, and team owners converged for an unforgettable evening of anticipation and opportunity. IImpact Hoop Lab, known for its commitment to fostering growth, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, spared no effort in ensuring that the draft night was a spectacle to remember.
Prior to the draft, a rigorous draft combine was conducted where 40 athletes were put through a series of drills to assess their standards and grade them into a system. This comprehensive evaluation helped to understand the level of each player, enabling team owners to make informed decisions during the draft.
At IImpact Hoop Lab’s inaugural franchise tournament draft night, the stage was set for an exciting display of talent and strategy as four teams vied for supremacy. Led by dedicated owners and coaches, each team made its first-round pick in anticipation of building a winning roster.
IImpact Eagles, under the ownership of Duke Rajapaksa and guided by head coach Dion Rajapaksa, kicked off the draft by selecting Mateo Collazo, marking a strong start for their lineup.
IImpact Slam City, owned by Prabu Deepan and led by head coach Keyasha Siriwardana, secured Arham Abdul as their first-round pick, aiming to bolster their lineup with his talents.
IImpact Lion Hearts, owned by Ahmed Shafee and coached by Yasara Siriwardana, added Khalifa Sabeeh to their roster as their first-round selection, setting their sights on victory.
IImpact Dribble Elites, with Taher Akbarally at the helm and Rimzy Zayeem as head coach, strategically chose Akitha Hewadikaram as their first-round pick, aiming to make an impact with their selection.
Each pick was met with thunderous applause and excitement from the audience, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead.
Founder of IImpact Hoop Lab, Praneeth Udumalagala, reiterated the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a platform for young athletes to thrive. This tournament, specifically designed for athletes aged 13 and under, signifies, IImpact Hoop Lab’s dedication to cultivating basketball skills and fostering a love for the game from a young age.
As the excitement of draft night settles and the tournament looms on the horizon, there’s a sense of optimism and anticipation among players, coaches, and fans alike. IImpact Hoop Lab’s inaugural franchise tournament represents more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of passion, dedication, and the boundless potential of youth basketball in Sri Lanka.
As the tournament unfolds, one thing is certain: the future of basketball in Sri Lanka is in good hands with IImpact Hoop Lab leading the way.
