The Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) was founded in 2003 by GinaMarie Scarpa/former CEO of the AC Green Youth Foundation, Mark West/Phoenix Suns and the late Scott Podleski/Arizona Rattlers with the mission to highlight the talent of Native American student athletes to create opportunities for higher education and collegiate sports.
The “NABI Honorary Co-founders” title was created in 2025 in the memory of the late IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. (1959-2025), to honor those who have been instrumental and dedicated to the success of NABI since our inception in 2003. Their commitment to NABI, and our Native Youth ensures our youth’s future success on and off the courts, and Indian Country will have leaders moving Chairman Steven’s legacy forward for many generations to come.
Thank you for your dedication!
Mark West
NABI Co-Founder
GinaMarie Garcia Scarpa
NABI Co-Founder
(in memoriam)
Scott Podleski
NABI Co-Founder
(in memoriam)
Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr.
Indian Gaming Association (IGA)
Ralph Marchetta
Regional Vice President, Legends Global
Governor Stephen Roe Lewis
Gila River Indian Community
Elaina West
Co-Founder of the South Mountain Education and Basketball Camp
Donnie Nunez
NABI Officiating and Game Operations
Chance Rush
Official NABI Emcee
Jason Coochwytewa
CEO, Urias Communications
Gary Schwartz
NABI Officiating and Game Operations
Steve Kenyon
NABI Team Check-In Coordinator and Official
+1 (480) 446-7052
P.O. Box 25606
Phoenix, AZ
85002