Shrinking sponsorships because of the recession jeopardized the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Pro-Am League this summer, but, after fans got wind the league might fold, thousands of dollars poured in from sponsors and donors to make sure that it would continue for a fourth consecutive year.

The summer league that features players from the city's three Division I teams and other small colleges will begin Monday at the Greentree Sportsplex in Green Tree. Admission is free, and it is an opportunity to see players from Pitt, Duquesne and Robert Morris compete out of season.

The league has grown in popularity yearly, and a small group of fans that attend the games regularly are responsible for keeping the league going.

When word leaked out a couple of weeks ago that league director John Giammarco did not have the financing in place to run the league, donations began to stream in to help defray costs such as rent and payment to officials.

"I'm stunned that a summer basketball league would bring such a call to arms," Giammarco said. "It's been amazing.

"These fans love basketball and didn't want to see it go away. It's been a labor of love for me. It's been so well-received by fans. I didn't want to see it die, either. We wanted to make this work."

Fans can check the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Web site (www.pittsburghbasketballclub.com) for a complete schedule and rosters. Giammarco was hoping to have such information posted by tomorrow.

There is one major change this year. West Virginia's players will not participate. The Mountaineers played in the league the past two seasons, but Devin Ebanks, Darryl Bryant and Da'Sean Butler are playing for USA Basketball, and other players had other commitments. Giammarco hopes the Mountaineers will return next summer.

Pitt will have a full complement of players participating, including incoming freshmen. The only players who might not play are top-rated recruit Dante Taylor and sophomore Ashton Gibbs. They are trying out for the USA under-19 team this week.

If they do not make the team, both will be back in Pittsburgh next week and are expected to play.

The summer league was started four years ago when Pitt coach Jamie Dixon sought a safe and competitive environment for his players over the summer. Giammarco said Dixon, Duquesne coach Ron Everhart and Robert Morris coach Mike Rice are glad the league will continue because the players benefit from the structured competition.

"It gets bigger, better and more popular every year," Giammarco said. "A lot of people pulled together to make it happen."