Duncan Robinson Honors Brother With Portsmouth Hoops Event

Eli Robinson Memorial Tournament

Duncan Robinson, a 32‑year‑old, 6‑ft‑7 forward for the Detroit Pistons, returns to his Seacoast roots this July for a weekend of basketball in Portsmouth. The July 18‑19 event at South Mill Pond Playground honors his late brother Eli, whose 2025 suicide after a long battle with schizophrenia and addiction has become a catalyst for mental‑health advocacy. Through the Robinson Family Foundation, the weekend combines competition, youth coaching, and fundraising to boost awareness and support services.

Saturday’s schedule features the Eli Robinson 3v3 Memorial Tournament, open to participants aged 18 and older. Sixteen teams will compete, and each registration and point scored contributes directly to the foundation’s programs. The tournament not only showcases elite play but also raises critical funds for mental‑health initiatives in the region.

Youth Skills Camp

Sunday shifts to the Connie Bean Community Center for the Duncan Robinson Skills Camp. The camp serves grades 5‑12, splitting the day into a morning session for younger athletes (9‑11:30 a.m.) and an afternoon slot for high‑school players (12:30‑3 p.m.). Coaches and players from high school, college, and NBA levels lead hands‑on drills focused on technique and teamwork while reinforcing the importance of mental wellness.

Robinson emphasizes that the event is about more than basketball; it is a tribute to family and a platform for mental‑health dialogue. He notes that his brother’s struggles resonated with countless families, inspiring a collective desire to share experiences and support one another. The foundation’s mission is to turn that shared pain into actionable resources and community connection.

Mental Health Mission and Community Impact

Growing up in nearby New Castle, Robinson spent countless hours at South Mill Pond courts, a foundation that shaped his NBA career now spanning a ninth season in 2026‑27. He describes hosting the event as a chance to give back to the community that supported him throughout his journey. The atmosphere will be designed for fun competition, teamwork, and open conversations about mental health challenges.

For anyone navigating mental‑health challenges, the article points to several local and national tools. The National Alliance on Mental Illness – New Hampshire, the NH Rapid Response Access Point (call/text 1‑833‑710‑6477), and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) are all listed as immediate supports. Attendees of the event will also have access to these resources, ensuring help is nearby when needed. The weekend aims to be both a celebratory sporting weekend and a practical step toward better community wellness.

Resources for Those in Need

The National Alliance on Mental Illness – New Hampshire offers the following resources to those in distress:

• NH Rapid Response Access Point – Call/Text 1-833-710-6477 – If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis, you can call and speak to trained and caring clinical staff. You’ll be served by compassionate providers from mental health centers in your community who can help you access vital resources in an emergency.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 – for 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. (Chat option is also available at 988lifeline.org.)

The event also highlights the lasting impact of Eli Robinson’s story, encouraging attendees to engage with these tools and consider how their support can help others navigate similar challenges.