Throughout the summer, many have come to The Point to witness some of Southern California’s best and brightest competing in the Nike Say No Classic. Yet the Cal Poly Pomona division, just 45 minutes east on the 10 freeway, has been developing Inland Empire talent and hosting SNC games with a style all their own.

With help from his son David, league founder Rod Smith opened the Cal Poly Pomona division to give players from the Inland Empire a platform to compete. He explains, “Before we opened the Cal Poly Pomona division, players had to drive all the way into the city. Teams were forfeiting games because they were stuck in traffic.”

Stepping into the gymnasium at Cal Poly Pomona, the differences between the two divisions are immediately apparent. Two five-foot-tall, industrial fans push the hot, humid air across the classic hardwoods. There’s no music. No MC. Only the squeaking of shoes and the shouting of assignments as players hustle backcourt to play defense.

As Rod describes, “The Point is very state-of-the-art. There’s nothing else like it in the country. Coming out to Pomona, you’ve gone from Kobe’s gym to an old-school basketball gym. But it’s perfect for running a summer league.”

The court isn’t the only difference between the two divisions. Whereas the Hollywood league is dominated by D1 players, the Pomona division consists of many D1 drop-downs. D2 players. Athletes from smaller schools. But the love of the game is second to none.

Rod explains, “Up in Hollywood, you get mostly D1 all-star teams. Only two kids per school are allowed on each roster. But the rules allow the D2 schools to enter their teams as a whole. These guys are used to playing together, so you see more teamwork out in Pomona.”

Ultimately, the new Pomona division dips into a completely different geographical pool of talent. And they’ve been ready and waiting. Three of the four teams who made it to the SNC semi’s are out of Pomona.

Look out Hollywood.