The three-day Futurestars Basketball Victoria Country Championships has drawn 38 boys and 33 girls teams.

More than 700 players, 210 coaches and about 2300 spectators will be involved.

Matches tip off Saturday morning at Bendigo Stadium, Maiden Gully and Flora Hill.

“This event will be the start of some magnificent basketball careers," said Craig Green, executive manager of sport and competitions at Bendigo Stadium.

"You only need to look at the national teams to grand final teams in the NBL and WNBL to see the proportion of players that come from country areas is massive.

"For most of the players it is their first state championship and this brings family, friends and grandparents to our city."

Green said the Major Events team at the City of Bendigo provided great support for the tournament.

"Being a three-day event brings great financial benefits as well as the active healthy lifestyle that basketball provides being on display."

Large population centres such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton and Wodonga are well represented as are Portland, Stawell, Leongatha and Wallan.

Green said Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong are the hot contenders for the division one boys' titlee.

"In the girls, the Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon teams looked strong at the Bendigo Junior Classic. Swan Hill could cause a few upsets."

Entry is free for spectators. The division one grand finals are at 3pm and 4pm on Monday.