The 90s are considered the greatest decade that ever was or ever will be. Part of the spectacle was the pinnacle of basketball culture, led by the greatest athlete of all time – Michael Jordan – who revolutionized the game in countless ways.
And now Jordan’s son, Jeffrey, is following in his footsteps, redefining the fine art of the business of basketball.
It’s Jeffrey co-founder of HEIR, which is hosting an event in Atlanta next month featuring some of the best high school basketball players from around the country. It’s a two-on-two tournament called NFT JAM that takes its cue from the blockbuster hit arcade game NBA Jam and spins it into modern Web 3.0.
Here’s what Jeffrey Jordan had to say about his new project in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY High School Sports.
obviously NBA Jam is an inspiration, but where did the idea for NFT JAM come from?
Jeffrey: Our team wanted to find a unique way to bring basketball culture and Web3 together while educating the next generation about the Web3 space.
NFT JAM is a concept that has never been done before. It’s a two-day experience that will see 18 of the best high school student-athletes descend on Atlanta for both educational Web3 workshops and an innovative, unique and competitive basketball tournament.
As high school students, we will provide them with the Web3 tools they need to own their digital brands and engage with Web3 communities. The NFT JAM tournament is inspired by 90’s and iconic basketball culture NBA JAM video game. We’ve created this unique 2v2 full court format that will showcase future stars in an environment fans have never seen before.
Can you suggest some names of players who will be participating?
Eliot Caddo – #10 nationally ranked class of 2024
Ja’Kobe Walter – #17 nationally ranked class of 2023
Leyden Blocker – #27 nationally ranked class of 2023
Corey Chest – No. 1 in Louisiana, Class of 2023 LSU commit
Tyler McKinley – Top 50 nationally ranked class of 2024
Ryan Forrest – Top 100 nationally ranked class of 2023. More big names to be revealed on our social platforms.
What is the prize for the tournament winners?
Jeffrey: This year, the winning team will be able to claim bragging rights as the first ever NFT JAM Champions. As an annual experience, we will continue to grow and develop the tournament and provide unique and innovative approaches to reward the winning team.
Why did you choose to hold the event in Atlanta?
Jeffrey: Atlanta has a legendary basketball history and continues to be a center for both business and culture. HEIR also has community members based in Atlanta (Anthony Edwards, who is from ATL, recently partnered with HEIR for membership as well).
Can you tell me a little more about Web23 House?
Jeffrey: Web23 House is an extensive day of Web3 programming for all 18 participating student-athletes. Each player partners with HEIR as part of our NIL and Brand Ambassador program. At the Web23 House, Web3 educational resources and workshops will be provided to student-athletes. Players will be part of the NFT Jam experience on the HEIR platform and their membership pass will provide rewards including members-only content, autographed memorabilia, gifts and access to NFT JAM tournament events.