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Outdoor spectacular: Macker basketball returns to IM

Courtesy photo The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returns to Iron Mountain this weekend. Special basketball skill contests will kick off the activities at 5 p.m. Friday, with regular court competition to take place Saturday and Sunday.

IRON MOUNTAIN — Gus Macker basketball returns this weekend, bringing hundreds of players and spectators to the streets of Iron Mountain.

This year, 293 teams will participate in the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament Friday and Saturday.

Barb Reisner and Jonathan Ringel, recent Gus Macker Hall of Fame inductees and event co-coordinators, said they were “Fired Up” to get close to their goal of 300 registered teams.

Iron Mountain Gus Macker will again feature several special guests, including Chris Kaman, a former 7-foot Central Michigan University and NBA basketball star, along with other NBA players.

Reisner, who also was a Wisconsin coach for 22 years, calls “‘the Caveman’ our Iron Mountain hero.” “Children look up to the ‘Caveman’ and he loves giving kids autographs,” she said.

Former 7-foot Central Michigan University and NBA basketball star Chris Kaman will return to this year’s Gus Macker event, along with other NBA players. Kaman led CMU to an NCAA Tournament in 2003 and was named an NBA All-Star in 2010.

Players will be required to register onsite from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday or 7 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Court activities kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with three timed contests in the Dream Court area. Contestants can test their skills in the Dribble Weave, Around the World Three-Point Shooting or the “Harder” Hook, which is sponsored by Kim Webb.

Winners will receive a $250 cash prize.

The opening ceremony begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the top men’s court. Games will tip off on each of the 15 courts after the program, about 8:30 a.m.

The YMCA will host a three-point and free throw shooting contests from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at the corner of Carpenter Avenue and Hughitt Street at courts inside the fenced area. Kids ages 9-10 and 8 and younger are invited to compete. Trophies will be awarded for the top three in each specific age category.

The Slam Dunk contest, sponsored by Flavor Blast, will take place at the completion of the games about 4 p.m. in the top men’s court.

The Slam Dunk winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Macker competition resumes Sunday morning, with trophies to be awarded at about 11 a.m. in the gym.

Unique trophies will be awarded for the top four team winners in each bracket, Reisner said.

They will have 10 popular food and beverage vendors set up to serve a variety of menu items throughout the weekend.

“Not only does Gus Macker provide an opportunity for competitive basketball, it also is great for spectators and community economic development,” Reisner said. “It doesn’t matter if you are a part of the event, come by Carpenter Avenue and get some food and support local businesses.”

Another integral aspect of every Gus Macker tournament is the Macker Retail sales of clothing and souvenirs: Threads by Gus. The shop provides a full-line of official Gus Macker hoop-wear for sale, including shorts, sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, custom designed basketballs and more.

The 2025 Iron Mountain Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament recognizes its more than 100 sponsors and eight signature sponsors for their support. This year’s signature sponsors are Novickis Family Foundation, Connor Sports, Pine Mountain Resort, Incredible Bank, Realtor Kim Harder Webb, Novibalance Psychology Services, United Way of Dickinson County and MBM Construction.

Gus Macker is America’s original 3-on-3 basketball competition, Reisner noted.

“These tournaments are successful because of their small-town focus,” she said. “Macker basketball comes to Iron Mountain and the entire community gets involved for a weekend of great memories and excitement.”

The official Gus Macker organization started 51 years ago in Lowell, Mich., with Scott McNeal, “Gus” himself, organizing a small tournament in his parents’ driveway. Now Gus Macker is recognized nationwide.

Reisner noted that every tournament gives back by making a generous donation to the community.

“We love Gus Macker basketball and we promise a safe, fun and thrilling basketball experience this weekend,” she said.  

Starting at $3.50/week.

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