The Richard Willis Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament filled the courts at The College of Staten Island once again, celebrating competition, mentorship, and community tradition.
Youth basketball spirit once again came alive in the dog days of August, as hundreds gathered for the 29th Annual Richard Willis Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament at the College of Staten Island this past weekend.
As Staten Island’s longest running basketball tournament, the event serves as a community tradition – honoring the legacy of Richard Willis, a longtime youth sports advocate who dedicated his life to shaping Staten Island’s basketball and baseball scenes.
Parents seated along the main and auxiliary gym sidelines at the College of Staten Island supporting the players. 
Refreshments were served, including Philly Factory pretzels, and donations go to community organizations and initiatives. 
Tuff Treats Protein Cookies were well represented at the Richard Willis 3-on-3 Basketball tournament this past weekend. 
A family affair! Sylvester Willis II, Sly’s son, was the DJ for the 2025 Richard Willis 3-on-3 Classic. 
Parents lining up as early as 8:30 am ET to register for the 2025 Richard Willis 3-on-3 Basketball tournament at The College of Staten Island.
The two-day event featured fast-paced matchups across multiple age groups, family cheering sections, and a strong sense of community, keeping the tournament thriving for nearly three decades. Organizers emphasized registering for the event is about more than basketball, including Sylvester “Sly” Willis, who remains dedicated to honoring his father’s memory.
Like his father, Sly loves giving back to the youth. The game is simply a bonus.
“My father was a coach and mentor on Staten Island for the youth,” Sly said with a warm, proud smile on his face for making the distinction. “I’m a basketball junkie,” Willis added. “Seeing the kids go at it, play hard, compete. I love to see the kids happy.
Eight-year old boy taking a practice shot prior to the start of the Richard Willis 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at The College of Staten Island this past weekend. 
Boys eight-and-under in-game action. 
Girls 14-and-under in-game action. 
Drive attempt during a boys 14-and-under game at the Richard Willis 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at CSI this past weekend.
The College of Staten Island has been the host for most of the 3-on-3 weekends. Like last year, “The Tank,” home to the CSI Dolphins’ men’s and women’s basketball teams, had every inch of its floors occupied across both the main and auxiliary gyms.
“Most of them [have been] at CSI,” Willis said. “We did it at CSI for years, then they had problems with the floor [leaks]. We had to move away. but then we came back as soon as it was available. It’s perfect gymnasium because it has so many hoops, it has so much space, and the air condition is always pumping.”
Proceeds and donations go toward community programs, ensuring Richard Willis’ commitment to young athletes continues well beyond the final buzzer. For Sly, he takes in the little moments.
“The girls were very competitive; the boys were competitive,” Willis noted. “No injuries. That always makes me happy, nobody’s hurt. Very good.”
Nearly three decades in, the Richard Willis Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament remains a highlight of Staten Island’s sports calendar. Not only celebrating competition, but also the spirit of mentorship, family, and community that Richard Willis embodied.
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