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‘Night of Shooting Stars’ — NBA players return to hoop it up on Maui

By Staff | May 24, 2012

LAHAINA – NBA basketball players are returning to Maui on June 9 for “Night of Shooting Stars” with two feature games at Lahaina Civic Center.

The 5 p.m. novelty warmup contest will spotlight Maui celebrities: Gina Hiraizumi, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Eric Gilliom, Brain Kohne, Trisha Smith, Bruce Anderson, Ian Walsh, Micah Nickens, Derick Sebastian, Tatiana Howard, Jason Donez, Kai Lenny, James “Duke” Aiona, Ricky Ryan and Tyrone Crews.

Their opponents will be the all-stars selected from the “basketballMAUI Summer Camp” program.

Following that game, the pro all-stars will hit the court for a 6 p.m. match-up. It will showcase NBA talent, top college stars and international players.

As of May 15, player rosters and lineups continue to develop, but Corey Maggette (Charlotte Bobcats), Nate Robinson (Golden State Warriors), Isaiah Thomas (Sacramento Kings), Kelenna Azubuike (Dallas Mavericks), Patrick Ewing Jr. (New Orleans Hornets), Anthony Tolliver (Minnesota Timberwolves), Julyan Stone (Denver Nuggets), Greg Monroe (Detroit Pistons), Von Wafer (Orlando Magic) and European pros Derrick Low, Julian Sensley, Bill Amis, Bobby Nash and Kyle Pape are slated to play.

The games are presented annually by basketballMAUI as part of, and in support of, its youth and basketball program development on the island.

Last year’s games drew a capacity crowd at War Memorial Gymnasium.

Organizers are working hard to develop a festive, ‘ohana atmosphere that will include a free pre-game concert featuring highly acclaimed gospel reggae band Christafari, as well as game and post-game entertainment of live music, performers and special guests.

Tickets for the Christafari pre-game concert are $5 in advance and $8 at the gate. Tickets are available at Kihei Christian Bookstore and Kumulani Chapel, Lahaina Baptist Church, Calvary Westside, Lahaina Christian Fellowship, Waipuna Chapel and Faith Family Maui.

Admission to the “Night of Shooting Stars” basketball games is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate for all fans over six years of age; there is no charge for those six and under.

Advance tickets are available at various Maui Clothing Company and Starbucks locations. For information, visit www.nightofshootingstars.com.

Proceeds from the events will support basketballMAUI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the character and basketball fundamentals development of the young people of Maui through the game of basketball.

The organization’s mission is to provide youth the opportunity to prepare for success both on and off the court. Under the title of “Bigger than Basketball,” the organization announced that it is pursuing the eventual goal of constructing a multi purpose gymnasium.