It was an unforgettable night of streetball and entertainment at the Entertainers Basketball Classic’s Inaugural “EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge” at Barclays Center on Sunday, July 27th.
Hip Hop stars LL Cool J, Fabolous, Kendrick Lamar, French Montana, Wale, Big Sean, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Maino, Teyana Taylor, Troy Ave, DJ Clue, Angela Yee, DJ Envy and more turned out as EBC broughtits non-stop action-packed version of streetball from Rucker Park in Harlem to Brooklyn’s own Barclays Center. The EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge featured four celebrity-coached teams by hip hop artists Fabolous, Wale, Kendrick Lamar and French Montana with special appearances by NBA players Jarrett Jack (Brooklyn Nets), Austin Daye (San Antonio Spurs) and Jordan Hamilton (Houston Rockets).
Hosted by Power 105.1’s Breakfast Club & DJ Clue, EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge also featured live performances by Fabolous, Big Sean, Troy Ave, Ooh Way featuring Jadakiss, Bizzy and singer Elle Varner, who performed the national anthem.
EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge 2014 included two semi-final games: French Montana’s Team Montana vs. Kendrick Lamar’s Team LA; and Wale’s Team DMV (DC/ Maryland/ Virginia) vs. Fabolous’ Team Fabolous. The final two teams Wale’s Team DMV vs. French Montana’s Team Montana squared off in the final game, with Wale’s Team DMV taking home the championship trophy.
“As we continue to extend the reach of the streetball movement, it’s events like EBC America Celebrity Challenge at Barclays Center that make it all worth it,” says Greg Marius, EBC Founder and CEO. “When we can bring out families and put smiles on their faces, that is what matters most to our team. We appreciate Barclays Center Arena for believing in our vision, event and sharing our interest for creating programming that keep our young people active and positively enjoying each other’s company.”
The EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge is an extension of the legendary EBC streetball tournament that has existed at Rucker Park in Harlem for over 30 years. The EBC Rucker Park 2014 tournaments began in mid-June and will run through end of August. Some surprise celebrity and NBA All-Star appearances at EBC Rucker Park this summer have included: Khloe Kardashian, French Montana, LL Cool J, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Gilbert Arenas and Dominique Wilkins, among others.
Last year, special appearances included: NBA All-stars Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, David Lee of the Golden State Warriors, Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, Tyreke Evans of the New Orleans Pelicans, Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets and retired NBA players Shaquille O’Neal and Shawn Kemp. Also attending EBC Rucker Park was newly appointed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, a long time tournament supporter. Musical artists and celebrities who made appearances last year and coached basketball teams included Rick Ross, R. Kelly, Yo Gotti, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Waka Flocka, Troy Ave, Vado, Swizz Beatz and Daymond John of ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
For more information, visit www.ebcruckerpark.com, Instagram @ebcruckerpark and #EBCRuckerPark hashtag, Twitter @ebcruckerpark, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EBCruckerpark.
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