Senator Thomas to Host Milton M. Newton Summer Basketball Classic

A previous Milton M. Newton Summer Classic tournament

The Office of Senator Athneil ‘Bobby” Thomas will host the 2019 Milton M. Newton Summer Classic, a co-ed double elimination basketball tournament for youth ages 13-16. It is inviting the Virgin Islands community to come out and support V.I. youth and their efforts.

The Milton M. Newton Summer Classic is intended to showcase the talent of the boys and girls in the community, build teamwork and solidarity among the youth, and provide an additional avenue for young people to be active in outdoor activities.

The tournament games are scheduled from Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Milton M. Newton Recreational Park located in Estate Bordeaux, St. Thomas; they will feature teams from St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. A unity youth parade consisting of organizations, neighborhood clubs and teams will kick off the event at 4:30, Friday, Aug. 9., beginning at the former bus stop at the entrance to Bordeaux.

Milton Newton, the tournament’s namesake, was born on St. Thomas and grew up in the Bordeaux and Savan neighborhoods. He is a retired American professional basketball player and most recently is the assistant general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Newton played college basketball from 1985 to 1989 at the University of Kansas, where he won a national championship in 1988. After college, he played basketball professionally in the Continental Basketball Association and overseas.

Following his playing days, he turned to the business side of basketball and worked as a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers for a few years. Later, he joined the NBA front office as the assistant director of USA Basketball, and he was instrumental in launching the NBA Development League. He joined the Washington Wizards as vice president of player personnel in 2003. In September 2013, he was hired by the Minnesota Timberwolves as their general manager.

Annually, his Emerald Gems Foundation, a local charitable organization, hosts a basketball camp and clinic for youth ages 8-18. The four-day camp also includes coaching seminars and outfitting the campers with gear. The camp is currently in its fifth year.

Sen. Thomas is committed to the territory’s youth and to providing them with initiatives such as this tournament, which allows young, rising basketball players to demonstrate their skills, proficiency and passion for the game.

“The unification of neighborhoods and communities is a driving force for the development of this event, as well as building stronger relations with relatives, families and friends,” the senator said.

For more information about the Milton M. Newton Summer Basketball Tournament, contact the senator’s office at 693-3515 or by email at senatorthomas@legvi.org.