Sizzling end to AND1 challenge

The Under-21 men’s team displayed a showdown of skills and stamina as team Talk To Me won by one precious point against team V3 in the grand finals of AND1 3-on-3 Streetball Challenge.

The intense game, held at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, took only five minutes to settle the score between the finalists in which team V3 failed to equalise the score and force the “golden ball” opportunity before the buzzer went off, ending the match with a 2-1 lead in favour of team Talk To Me.

Talk To Me’s defense was difficult to penetrate and it hindered team V3 from getting close enough to the basket, making them rely on shots from afar to gain points.

The champion’s team captain Teng Seng Fu, 20, who teamed up with Chan Shi Hong, 20 and Ong Men Kien, 21, said they worked extra hard to earn the title.

“V3 is a strong opponent and our skills are evenly matched.

Eager beavers show mettle

Players tussling for the ball in a three-on-three streetball
match during the tournament.

KUANTAN: The Kuantan edition of the AND1 Streetball Challenge saw tremendous participation from young cagers eager to prove themselves.

Tournament director Wong Wing Wai said the 120 teams from schools all over Kuantan had shown promising play and talents in streetball.

“Even though we have not held a streetball competition here for quite a while, the young students were all very eager to take up the challenge as evident by the turnout. I am sure their skills and techniques will improve as they pick up and practice the more freestyle type of play in this tournament,” he said.

Wong said the players had little exposure to the streetball style as the last time the tournament hit the east coast was five years ago.

He said the organisers would surely consider holding the tournament in Kuantan again as the players here were really interested in competing in the streetball style.

Slam dunking to the finals

Champions: Winners of the In Search of Streetball competition together

with The Star Publication Johor bureau chief Nelson Benjamin

(standing, middle).

JOHOR BARU: It was an unexpected surprise for a team of basketball buddies to clinch the winning spot during the AND1 3x3 Streetball Challenge here recently.

The team of 18-year-olds were all smiles when their team was announced champion for the Boys’ Under-18 category, which qualified them to participate in the grand finals at Kuala Lumpur next week.

“We are really overwhelmed and excited over the win, as we did not expect to even pass through the quarter finals,” said team member Jasper Tan Jun Jie when met at the competition held at Sutera Mall here recently.

Jasper and his team members Tan Jie Xin and Tee Jie Chean had been practising as a team for over the past three years.

“We love playing basketball and meet up at least once a week to have fun and practice our skills,” he had adding that they usually practised at the Bukit Indah basketball court.

SM Sains Selangor students sending three teams for AND1 competition

Sing Tee giving pointers to the young players during the coaching clinic.

SM Sains Selangor basketball players were inspired after being given pointers by national player Ng Sing Tee during the AND1 3-on-3 streetball coaching clinic recently.

There will be three teams from the school participating in the AND1 Streetball Challenge.

Syed Syamil Syed Ahmad Nizam, the 16-year-old captain for the boys’ team, was ecstatic that his wish to take part in a competition such as AND1 would come true.

“I have only watched the streetball competitions via YouTube and I hope to join the competition to gain experience.

“I enjoy playing basketball as it teaches us discipline and teamwork,” he said.

Nur Syaqilah Ikmal Hisam, 16, the captain for the girls’ team, has been playing basketball since Form One, thanks to her senior who encouraged her to take up the sport.

All geared up for the finale

Raring to go: Ng (left) and Muhd Amirul with the new jersey and ball

at Berjaya Times Square.

ANTICIPATION is running high for the final round of the AND1 Streetball Challenge at Berjaya Times Square on Oct 20.

This year the AND1 Streetball Challenge will celebrate its 10th anniversary and the entries are pouring in with 354 teams already confirming their participation.

Nestle sports marketing manager Ng Ping Loong advised teams to register early to avoid any disappointment.

“The maximum number of participating teams is limited to 420, so for those interested, the deadline for registration is on Oct 13,” he said.

“A new ball featuring graffiti designs will be used to encompass the trendy style of the event and there will also be a new jersey for this year’s tournament,“ he added.

Ng said that the event has grown in stature and that parents are encouraging their children to take part.

Basketball competition comes back to Johor with big prizes

Practice makes perfect: Players going through the ball handling drill 

during a previous AND1 3x3 streetball challenge coaching clinic. - filepic

JOHOR BARU: The AND1 Streetball Challenge is back and this time with more side competitions besides the 3x3 challenge, which should delight basketball enthusiasts.

Its event coordinator Susan Cheong said the winning teams of the 3x3 challenge could walk away with cash prizes of up to RM900 at the event, which is set to be held at Sutera Mall here from 8am to 6pm on Oct 13.

Besides the main highlight, participants can also take part in a series of side activities including the In Search of Streetballer, best shooter and the slam-dunk competitions.

“The winner for the In Search Streetballer competition will be given an opportunity to compete with winners from other legs for a shot to win RM3,000 worth of AND1 merchandise,” she said.

She added that the final round would be held in Kuala Lumpur and the champions will be AND1 ambassadors for next year’s challenge.