Gus Macker kicks off 50th season with tournament at Central Michigan University

A pickup basketball game in a Lowell, Michigan driveway would abet the Gus Macker phenomenon in 1974.  

Neighbors and friends would join Scott McNeal and his younger brother Mitch for basketball games at their home. When North Carolina State snapped UCLA’s seven-year championship run en route to winning the 1974 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, March Madness hit the McNeal house. Scott wanted to play against other people during spring break, so they invited classmates to enter a tournament. Eighteen of McNeal’s classmates paid the $1 entry fee to play in the first Gus Macker.

When asked about the name, McNeal says, “We didn’t have a name for it, but my name is McNeal and my friends called me ‘Mac,’ a friend threw Gus on the front and it became ‘Gus Macker.’”

McNeal’s mother worked as a secretary at the Amway Corporation; she typed up the first brackets and put that nickname at the top. It’s been Gus Macker ever since. 

McNeal is quick to report that he did not win the inaugural tournament.

“The kid that won was Greg Anderson, he had a nickname, too: Skinny Mulligan. He was 6’3” and dominated our neighborhood.”  

“I’m vertically challenged,” McNeal adds. “So I didn’t play much in high school, but I loved playing in the driveway.” 
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantScott McNeal, president and managing partner of Macker Basketball, discusses event logistics with Central Michigan University recreation students in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantScott McNeal, known as “Gus Macker,” runs onto the court as event staff are introduced in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantPlayers are introduced as they take the court to play 3-on-3 basketball in the Gus Macker tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Today Macker Basketball operates three-on-three tournaments across the United States with as many as 30,000 players participating annually.

The event still honors the spirit of those early days in the driveway; it’s a celebration of basketball, community, and the spirit of competition. And, like that first tournament, anyone can play. 

Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantThe “Dream Court” is center stage at Gus Macker, described as a “Disney-like” experience for 3-on-3 basketball. Dream Court games feature live play-by-play announcing, team introductions, and a colorful playing surface.
The 2024 Gus Macker at Central Michigan University was the 15^th annual. For the past 14 years, the tournament has been planned collaboratively with a Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration class (RPL) taught by professor Tim Otteman. Students enrolled in RPL 333: Production of Festivals and Events, coordinate with Macker Basketball staff to secure facilities, market the event, and manage tournament logistics.  

Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantRecreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration chair and professor Tim Otteman details the rain plan with RPL 333: Production of Festivals and Events students in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantRPL 333: Production of Festivals and Events students arrive at 7 a.m. to prepare basketball courts for play following a night of heavy rain in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantCentral Michigan University student Oliver Gottbreht sings the Star Spangled Banner as the Gus Macker basketball tournament begins in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Central Michigan University Recreation and Event Management student Madison Moore said that because of her experience planning the class, “I have learned to rely on the people around me. We were made to be in a community and work together because we are much stronger together than we are on our own.”

Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantStudent Jacey Hutchins dances at CMU saying, “I’m most excited for the dance our class puts on at the opening ceremony; it has been so fun (and challenging) but it brought our class closer together, and I can't wait to perform it with everyone!”
“It is crazy to see a parking lot turn into a basketball festival,” CMU student Jenna Steeb added. “Besides seeing the players putting their hearts into it, I love seeing the fans gathered around the courts cheering their kids, friends, or parents on. The atmosphere is incredible!”

Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantThe Court Hustlers defeat the Swish Sisters in the opening game of the Gus Macker tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantA referee watches game action inside Finch Fieldhouse during the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantGame play in the female junior division of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantTournament participants visit “Bracketville,” where tournament brackets are updated with games’ scores and the schedule of games.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantGame play in the male junior division of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantJerome (age 10) of Saginaw, MI warms up on the Dream Court prior to the start of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantChris Kaman blocks a shot in the Top Men’s division of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Kaman is a former CMU standout who played 13 seasons in the NBA. Kaman was an NBA All-Star.
Dan Gaken / Epicenter Mt. PleasantTop Men’s division game action between Flight Classic and Team Culver’s inside Finch Fieldhouse in Mt. Pleasant, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
23 tournaments remain on the 2024 Gus Macker World Tour. To learn more, or register a team, visit www.macker.com.