Basketball, unlike Michael Jordan's jump-shot, never fades away. In the years since Dr James Naismith invented the game in 1891, it has become one of the most popular international sports. Some of the world's most famous athletes, MJ included, are basketball players.

Although the game was introduced to China in the mid 1890s, the domestic Chinese Basketball Association remains a mediocre league. But the rise of former Shanghai Sharks star Yao Ming has increased the popularity and credibility of Chinese basketball.

The sport is no longer a bastion of tall, long-limbed players. Every year, street ball competitions sponsored by international sporting brands such as Adidas and Nike, have attracted large numbers of teenagers across the nation. The Competitive Basketball League organised by Basia Group has already drawn more than 100 people and the number is still growing. "We know that foreigners are very active, and they like to compete. What we are doing right now is providing an event where we can bring expats and the local community together in competition," said Reyvo Wuysang, one of the organisers.

The tournament is open to all players. "We have teams of many different nationalities including Americans, Germans and even Tunisians," disclosed Carlo Wuysang, another organizer. "We also have female players who applied for the tournament. We have no gender discrimination, and if we have more females applying we would consider establishing a female league."

Although this is the first time these two young people have run such an event in Shanghai, they have tried their best to make it run smoothly. Two experienced thirtysomething referees will call the shots, and team jerseys will be supplied to the players. Every detail has been covered, including trophies for the winners and a tournament MVP award. So get out there and play hard or don't play at all.

At press time the signup for the tournament has already finished, but an audience and players for future tournaments are still welcome. Competitive Basketball League begins from 11am-3pm every Saturday or Sunday at the indoor court of Nan Yang Model High School, 200 Tian Ping Lu, from November 23 until January 10.