The Aon under 15 national basketball tournament is taking place at the Trustpower Arena from today, July 17 until Saturday, July 20.

40 boys and girls teams from across the country are in Tauranga in the hopes of taking out the national title.

Tauranga City Basketball Association general manager Mark Rogers says there is plenty of talent in both the boys and girls competition, and it is great for Tauranga to host the national tournament.

'It's great for us to have it locally, our teams get to play in front of their home crowds.

'It's great for the city, there is 1000 people in town for four days spending money, so it's great.”

Mark is hopeful both Tauranga teams finish in the top eight, and he says anything else is a bonus.

Basketball New Zealand senior tournament coordinator Conor O'Fee says Tauranga is a great place to host the under 15 nationals.

'What we try to focus on when placing tournaments is availability of accommodation, ease of access around the city, and just somewhere our whole country can get to easily.

'Tauranga is a huge part of our events calendar.”

The Tauranga under 15 boys in a huddle. Photo: Daniel Hines/SunLive.

The Tauranga City Basketball team were in action today, opening their tournament campaign versus North Harbour.

The home side came out as victors, winning 83-48. The Tauranga under 15 girls' team also started out with a win, beating Southland 63-36.

Tauranga under 15 boys manager Elena Whinney says she is confident in her team.

'We are so lucky to have this home ground advantage.

'The boys are really going to perform, I have a really good feeling.

For more information on the Aon under 15 national basketball tournament, click the link here, where you can find draws, results and team rosters.

A North Harbour player in action. Photo: Daniel Hines/SunLive.