In the 90’s the Berea Courts, on the corner of Joe Slovo and Abel Rd in JHB, were the home ground for the country’s upcoming basketball talent. On 12 August 2017, international 3-on-3 basketball competition Red Bull Reign makes its way to those very courts to restore them to their former glory.
Red Bull Reign is the only basketball tournament with a cumulative scoring system as teams of three play against each other in rounds with the highest scoring team advancing to the next round. This system essentially makes the event an offence-focused tournament where “it ́s all about getting buckets.”
The tournament started in the US two years ago and is now a global sports phenomenon with participation from over 15 countries, including South Africa. The global finals will take place in Washington DC in the USA on the 15th/16th of September at the historic Barry Farms.
The Berea Courts, in the shadow of the iconic Ponte Apartments, will be prepped and primed not only for the event but also as a leave-behind for the basketball community at large. The refurbishment kicks off next week with plans to re-surface, paint and erect new hoops at the courts for the community-at-large to enjoy.
‘I am super excited about the refurbishment of these iconic basketball courts in Berea. Beirut as it was popularly known back then, birthed some of the most legendary Streetball players. It was the battle ground for professionals and amateurs. It was the place to be. This is major for the scene as a whole,’ says former South African team captain, Quintin Denyssen.
Players can register their 3-on-3 team to play at www.redbull.co.za/reign2017 until the 29th July.
EVENT INFORMATION
DATE: Saturday, 12 August 2017
TIME: 10AM- 5PM
PLACE: Ponte Basketball Court (Berea Park, Cnr Abel and Joe Slovo Drive, Johannesburg)
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