NABI debuts anniversary jersey at final Suns ORIGINATIV game

May 5,2023

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

The Phoenix Suns held their final Originativ Night game for the regular season to a sold-out crowd Tuesday, April 4, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.  Governor Stephen Roe Lewis attended the game to support the Originativ programming and half-time recognition for the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI). 

The half-time ceremony included the reveal of their 20th Anniversary Edition uniforms.  The jersey’s color scheme and design align with the Phoenix Suns’ City Edition jerseys that NABI teams competing in this year’s tournament will sport.

NABI president and founding member GinaMarie Scarpa and NABI co-founder and former Phoenix Suns player Mark West were present for the recognition.  

“The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have been great supporters of NABI since 2003, so tonight brings everything full circle as we celebrate our 20 years.  It’s a real special moment for NABI and to have our youth wear them because it represents all 22 tribes across the state,” said GinaMarie Scarpa. 

“The jerseys look great, absolutely amazing,” said West after the half-time reveal.  “We have been partners for 20 years so seeing the Suns [City Edition] jerseys reflected on our tournament is a moment to celebrate for both organizations.” 

According to a NABI press release, Scarpa shared that the Phoenix Suns creative team designed the NABI jerseys under the direction of Sr. Marketing Director Graham Wincott.

This year’s NABI tournament will occur July 17-23 in Phoenix.  One hundred forty-four teams representing over 150 Tribal nations have applied to participate this year, according to a NABI press release.  The culmination of the tournament will take place Sunday, July 23, at the Footprint Center for the girl’s and boy’s championship games.  And once again this year, ESPN+ will return to stream six semi-final games and the tournament’s championship games.