This past Saturday, the national finals for the third annual Red Bull Reign 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament were held at Chicago’s Seward Park. The finals were the culmination of regional contests that took place in New Orleans, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis and Chicago earlier this summer. The top teams from each region made up the bracket of 16 competing for the right to be crowned champion.
Hosted by Chicago’s own Hustle Simmons and Young Wayne for the second straight summer, the tournament drew hundreds of spectators who turned out to enjoy highly competitive games that tested teamwork and endurance amidst the outdoor elements. After the first round of play, The eight remaining teams moved from the asphalt to a hardwood court.
New Orleans Pelicans’ All-Star power forward Anthony Davis arrived and joined Simmons and Young Wayne on the mic to help judge the dunk contest. Chicago native Bill Davis took home the crown after impressive back-to-back dunks that had every spectator in awe.
“This tournament gets bigger and better every year,” Davis said. “Every year more fans come out. We’re looking to make it even bigger and better next year and I’m really excited for it.”
While the teams have changed each year, it hasn’t mattered for Chicago’s Solid Gold. Solid Gold was able to hold off White Iversons in the final round, capping off an impressive three-year reign at the tournament.
Bound by a brotherhood and chemistry forged since their high school years of competing with and against each other, Solid Gold–a team made up of Al Stewart, Jamarcus Ellis, Emmanuel Little and Chris Singletary–was able to frustrate with physicality on the defensive end, and tactically pick apart their opponent on the offensive end.
“The competition is getting a lot better,” said Little. “Guys are really coming hard at us because we’re now the three-time champs. We’re not going to back down because of the expectations that are placed on us. We’re just Solid Gold.”
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Photos via Ryan Taylor/Red Bull Content Pool
