Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls
Hype Streetball, one of the biggest streetball events of the year, was
successfully staged yesterday (11AM-5PM, November 4) by StreetballPh at the
Asia Pacific College gym in Magallanes.
In conjunction with members of the Flip Ballaz, Nino Ventura Films, HJ
Photography, Aqua V, AND1 Philippines, and Apgrapix Ph, this multi-faceted hoop
activity was attended by more than a hundred ballers, freestylers and
basketball fans. It was very impressive
to note that streetball is alive and kicking, and AND1 gear was used
extensively by those who attended the event.
As part of the festivities, Hype Streetball started
off with a message from one of the founders of Flip Ballaz - Li’l Wizard. It was then followed immediately by a basketball
clinic participated in mostly by street children that were invited to join the
event. Members of the Flip Ballaz group
acted as coaches and mentored the kids in how to do the streetball tricks that
they use such as the shamgod, crossover, spin moves, tic-tac, and more.
After the streetball clinic, the players were divided into four
groups and open tryouts were conducted
to find out which are the top ballers who will play later that afternoon
in the exhibition game versus the Flip Ballaz squad. After the hour-long tryouts, 10 players were
selected from the 100+ participants and were given Hype Streetball t-shirts to
be worn during the exhibition match.
Right before the exhibition game, one of the playing coaches for the Hype
Streetball Select Team – local celebrity and hip-hop artist Krazy Kyle performed two numbers for
the crowd. Spitting out one electric
verse after another, the mercurial rapper promised a good match before suiting
up for the opposing team.
"When I say Flip, y'all say Ballaz... FLIP - BALLAZ, FLIP - BALLAZ!
When I say Krazy, y'all say Kyle... KRAZY - KYLE, KRAZY - KYLE!"
The exhibition game between the Hype Streetball
Select Team and Flip Ballaz lived up to its billing as the game was tightly
contested for three quarters before the crowd favorites pulled away in the 4th
quarter by employing a man-to-man full-court press. The game ended with a win for Flip
Ballaz in a match filled with multiple lead changes, a ton of streetball tricks
and highlights, and lots of fun and excitement both for the players and the
audience.
Flip Ballaz in a pre-game huddle.
Hype Streetball Select Team with Flip MC (middle), flanked by
Flash (with cap) and Krazy Kyle (in hoodie) who acted as playing coaches.
After the exhibition game ended, medals and
trophies were handed out to the Mythical Five, Sportmanship awardee, and of
course, the Most Valuable Player. One of
the biggest surprises came during that time, as Li’l Wizard was serenaded by
the crowd with a hearty "Happy Birthday" song and a cake was presented to him by his girlfriend and family. Flash of AND1 Philippines also distributed
limited edition AND1 Philippines baller bands to everyone who wore AND1 gear
during the event.
Flip Ballaz pose with the top ballers - Mythical Five, Sportsmanship Award,
and the Most Valuable Player (middle).
Nino "Li'l Wizard" Ventura smiles during his birthday surprise.
Players in AND1 gear sport the limited edition
AND1 Philippines baller bands distributed by Flash.
Hype Streetball ended with an exhibition from top
freestylers who busted out the craziest tricks and combinations of streetball moves
that drew “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” from everyone who watched the skills showcase.
AND1
Philippines would like to thank StreetballPh for inviting us over to cover their event. Visit and “Like” their official
Facebook page by clicking HERE. Check out more images from the event at the AND1 Ph FB photo albums - (redirected to the AND1 Ph FB “Hype Streetball event” photo album).
Don’t
forget to follow us on Twitter (@and1ph)
and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph) for your regular local updates and international AND1 news. And that’s the 411, AND Juan!
