CAMILLUS, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Formerly known as the Elite Basketball Club, the Salt City Pro-Am Tournament isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a revitalization of community spirit and basketball talent in Central New York.
Spearheaded by owner Mike Sugamosto, this event aims to bring together basketball enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds under one roof, celebrating the athletic diversity of Syracuse.
“I think this is a pretty talent-rich city,” said Sugamosto. “Being able to put it all in one room and do it safely, we’ve accomplished the mission of bringing everyone together to play and watch basketball.”
The tournament has drawn attention not only from avid basketball fans but also from local sports figures like Syracuse University running back LeQuint Allen, taking a break from the football field to enjoy the local atmosphere.
“I never usually see basketball,” said Allen. “So I like to see who stands out. I just love watching the game when I get the chance to see it.”
For Sugamosto, the tournament represents more than just sports—it’s about fostering community unity through a shared passion.
“It’s more than just basketball, it’s more than just running a business,”said Sugamosto. “It’s about bringing everyone together who shares the same love and passion for the game.”
To all the basketball enthusiasts who haven’t experienced the Salt City Pro-Am Tournament yet, Sugamosto has a message.
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness these players up close and personal. Come join us and be part of something special,” said Sugamosto.
The tournament will run through Aug. 2 at the St. Joseph’s Church.
Transcript
Kalia Butler NCC News – PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS THE ELITE BASKETBALL CLUB, THE NEW SALT CITY PRO-AM TOUORNAMENT WAS A WAY FOR OWNER, MIKE SUGAMOSTO (SOO-GUH-MOSTO) TO REBRAND THE EVENT, WITH A DEEPER FOCUS ON THE SYRACUSE COMMUNITY.
MIKE SUGAMOSTO SALT CITY PROAM OWNER -I think it’s a pretty talent rich city so being able to put it under one room and do it safetly. We accomplished the mission of just bringing everyone together to play basketball, watch basketball.
Kalia Butler – IN THE CROWD OF FANS EAGER TO WATCH TALENT VARYING FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE LEVEL, WAS A FAMILAR FACE FOR CUSE FANS, RUNNING BACK, LEQUINT ALLEN, WHO WANTED A CHANGE OF PACE FROM THE FOOTBALL FIELD.
SU Football Player LeQuint Allen – I never usually see basketball so I like to see who stands out and stuff like that. So I just like the game of basketball when I get the chance to see it.
Kalia Butler – AND IT’S THAT EXACT REASON THAT SUGAMOSTO WANTED TO GIVE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, A SPACE TO SHARE THAT JOY.
MIKE SUGAMOSTO – It’s more than just basketball, it’s more than just running a business. It’s to bring everyone together. We share the same passion, we share the same love for basketball so I wanted to give people an opportunity to see players up close.
Kalia Butler – AND FOR ALL THE BASKETBALL LOVERS THAT HAVEN’T MADE IT OUT TO THETOURNAMENT, SUGAMOSTTO HAS A MESSAGE FOR YOU.
“REPORTING IN CAMILLUS, KALIA BUTLER NCC News”