Isaiah Thomas’ Zeke-End Bids Farewell After a Decade of Tacoma Hoops History

Isaiah Thomas’ Zeke-End tournament takes its final bow this weekend in Tacoma. The two-day pro-am event will feature NBA talent, live music, giveaways, and a Sunday barbecue—marking the end of a decade-long summer basketball tradition.

The 10th and final Zeke-End tournament at Tacoma Community College will be hosted by Isaiah Thomas, marking the end of an era in Tacoma basketball this weekend. High-level basketball and a celebration of community, music, and local pride have been a summer staple for a decade now.

The two-day pro-am showcase is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3 will feature yet-to-be-announced NBA talent, live music, giveaways, and a Sunday barbecue. Tournament games commence every day at 9 a.m. In TCC’s Titan Gymnasium, it will run until 4 p.m.

Thomas, 36, reported on Instagram earlier this summer that this would be the final Zeke-End.

You don’t wanna miss the energy, the love, the hoop culture (and) bragging rights,” he wrote. “Pull up (and) be part of history.”

It’s going down this weekend #ZekeEnd2025 pic.twitter.com/Zadd0treT1
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 29, 2025

Thomas’ own journey is a significant factor in the roots of the event. Thomas’ height, 5 feet 9 inches, made him a star at Curtis High School in University Place, and he went on to be awarded three All-Pac-10 awards at the University of Washington. Selected with the final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, he defied the odds to become a two-time NBA All-Star and finished fifth in the 2017 MVP voting after averaging 28.9 points for the Boston Celtics.

Although his NBA tenure has included stops in Sacramento, Phoenix, Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Denver, New Orleans, and Charlotte, Thomas has never lost touch with his roots. Zeke-End has become a signature event for the South Sound because of his commitment to hosting it every year, drawing fans, professionals, and aspiring athletes alike.

Thomas is still pursuing the game. He most recently appeared in 14 games with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League during the 2024-25 season.