Older man in a grey sports jacket walking away placing an object into his left pocket.

The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1931 at the outset of the Great Depression as an outlet for Greek American youth to 1) Have fun and escape the rigars of the economy, 2) Network with like-minded people from across the nation, and 3) Test their skills at the then-fledgling American sport of basketball, providing a way to assimilate into American culture by adopting one of its up-and-coming favorite pastimes. Through the years, the NHIBT has maintained its core missions, albeit it has somewhat turned full circle to serve as a vehicle for Greek Americans to help keep their ethnic unit intact - opposed to mere American assimilation.


DIVISIONS: Three separate brackets for: Men, Women, Boys High School

TEAMS/PLAYERS: In recent years, the NHIBT has hosted approximately 40 teams annually, with more than 300 players participating. Joining Chicagoans for NHIBT action have been teams from such destinations as Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, East Chicago, Flint, Houston, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and more, including Greece and Toronto on a few occasions, making the NHIBT at times an international competition.

ELIGIBILITY: Participation on teams is open to individuals of ethnic Greek descent - worldwide. NCAA by-laws may prohibit current Division I and II basketball players from participating. Check with your school's athletic director for exact rules.

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