Jim Blackman Hoopla Hall of Fame

In the summer of 2008, Hoopla entered its 10th year as Oregon's largest and most prestigious 3-on-3 Street Basketball Tournament. To commemorate that milestone 10-year anniversary, Hoopla established a Hall of Fame, honoring the founders of the event, longtime sponsors, loyal volunteers, and accomplished participants. An inaugural class of 12 that helped set the foundation for what is one of the most unique and special events you will find anywhere was recognized in 2008, with a plan for inducting additional worthy contributors to the event bi-annually.

The Hall of Fame is named after and dedicated to one of the original sponsors and longtime supporters of Hoopla, Jim Blackman. Jim (or "Bop" to many who knew and loved him) meant so many things to this event. His company, Kilgore-Blackman Building Materials, has been a quiet but important sponsor since day one of the event. In the first eight years of the tournament, Jim never missed one day of the basketball competition. He loved to sit and watch with pride how the streets in front of the Capitol Building would be transformed from a main downtown thoroughfare into a small town dedicated to friends, family, and the game of basketball.

Sadly for all Hoopla aficionados, Jim passed away in the summer of 2007, the day after the 9th Annual Hoopla was completed. It is with great pride and joy that we name the Hoopla Hall of Fame for this great man, and that it will both honor him and serve as a small memory of a truly great person. Hoopla misses you, Bop!

To all of our inductees, THANK YOU! You each have truly made a difference in our community. The contributions that each of you has made, and many continue to make, have been and are outstanding.