There are no impromptu games on the courts of Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are battles to be had and tasks to be completed. Sweat and bad language mar the atmosphere, almost in contrast to the scenic view of Manhattan across the river. But those canopies are key to the work that goes on beneath them. And for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals, it’s the holy mecca of a 3×3 universe.
For its fifth year, Red Bull Half Court brings the World Finals to Brooklyn Bridge Park, featuring 8,000 male and female players from 21 different countries, where qualifiers from countries around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Egypt, India, Japan, Serbia, the Philippines, Italy and the United Arab Emirates, will play for the right to be crowned world champions.
For the USA, the road to the finals begins with the men’s and women’s qualifiers on August 17 in Atlanta and New York City at Happy Warrior Playground. We have assembled our own team for the occasion, with a strong roster of women looking to advance to the US finals on October 18. The winner of the qualifiers in New York City will face the winners from Atlanta, while the US champions will advance to the World Finals on October 19 and 20, where a surprise awaits.
In collaboration with Project Backboard, Red Bull will unveil a new court in Brooklyn Bridge Park as part of its Court Design Contest. From now until September 1, local designers, street art lovers and basketball fans have the opportunity to design the basketball court of their dreams and, with a little luck, bring it to life at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in October. The winning court will be chosen by a panel of New Yorkers and basketball trendsetters, including Alex Taylor of Hoop York City, Brian Kortovich of Smokin’ Aces, Project Backboard, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Project Backboard and your very own here at SLAM.
At last year’s Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Belgrade, Serbia, local heroes Team Serbia beat Team Poland in a nail-biting overtime thriller. In the women’s event, Team Egypt claimed its first-ever women’s title after defeating defending champions Team Japan.
This year, the competition will bring a new twist to the sport’s rules. A three-point shot, marked by two three-foot-diameter circles drawn 6.5 feet behind the arc, will add a new level of excitement to the tournament.
“The art of shooting continues to be the most important skill a player has at any level of competition,” says shooting coach Chris Matthews, aka Lethal Shooter, who trains numerous NBA players. “With the new three-point shot being introduced to Red Bull Half Court, every team from every country will need to perfect this shot to earn a spot at the World Finals in Brooklyn Bridge Park.” As Team SLAM prepares to get things done this weekend, all eyes are on the City of Dreams. And there are still a few spots left, so if you fancy some new hardware or want to show off the city, sign up now.
Photos via Red Bull.
