Slated for August 12-14 in NYC, the world’s basketball capital is poised to be the sporting world’s center of attention, ushered by Nike and Team USA basketball. “Tradition. Love. Innovation” are the keywords applied to describe the convergence of two other trios — Converse, Jordan Brand and Nike Basketball and Madison Square Garden, The Rucker in Harlem and a custom-built court in Times Square. To a hoops fan, imagining the prospects can almost create a mental overload in excitement.

The World Basketball Festival is set to be a warm-up event for the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship and joining Team USA with be national teams from China, France, Brazil & Puerto Rico. Within the next month the US squad’s lineup should be set. Consider the USA National Team’s current roster with marquee names like Wade, Bosh, Durant, Chris Paul and Carmelo are all members and Nike athletes. Imagine the awe factor if LeBron and/or Kobe signs on to take part.

*Implosion*

Last week and along with all the sneakers & gear showcased, Nike unveiled this concentrated effort to help guide “basketball’s new destiny” as a global sport, the WBF serving as a starting point. A commitment is also in place to revisit the Festival every two years for the next several years, returning each time to coincide with the WBC and the Olympics. Perhaps taking a cue from the success of FIFA and the World Cup, all parties involved understand that basketball is an athletic activity that requires little additional equipment, therefore it’s accessible to nearly everyone. Seeking a grassroots extension, there will be the “United We Rise” project. With the working slogan being “when the court’s alive, communities thrive,” a two-million dollar investment over two years will bring everything from courts, training and basketballs to 25 different communities across the world.

Go ahead and start searching for airfare and hotel lodging now.