The 18th annual 50 National Basketball Tournament was held recently at Washington and Ogden Parks and the best players from Chicago and around the country put on quite an exhibition, proving once again that a love of the game can overcome, or at least de
The 18th annual 50 National Basketball Tournament was held recently at Washington and Ogden Parks and the best players from Chicago and around the country put on quite an exhibition, proving once again that a love of the game can overcome, or at least delay, the onset of the aging process.
The men in the tournament were all former players on some level, and the games were high energy and competitive.
“They’re still competitive, and they still want to win,” said tournament, and Windy City League organizer Charlie Brown. “They may not possess the quickness, but the skill level is still there.”
Brown, and his brother, Leroy, handle all of the logistics and planning for the games, and it is a labor of love. Making profits isn’t part of the picture at all. The goal is to give the men a chance to stay fit, play the game they’ve always enjoyed, network and bond.
Charlie Brown, left, and his brother Leroy organize the tournament.
Tad Talton
Tad Talton, a 58-year-old player from Oakland, Calif. who travels around the country and internationally playing in various leagues, plans to keep playing and hooking up with his basketball brothers for as long as he can.
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In photo: The Detroit Metro team proved victorious in the 55-year-old age group championship game at Washington Park.
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