Red Bull Half Court National Finals: From the Philippines to New York: Full Swing!
MANILA, Philippines - Following the most recent regional match held in Manila on April 27 at the Bonifacio Shrine, the Philippines has confirmed that its representatives will compete at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 in New York City, USA.
Teams from across the country have shown amazing sportsmanship, ability, and determination on the court, making the journey to this point nothing short of remarkable and entertaining. The Red Bull Half Court series this year has been intense, featuring everything from thrilling buzzer-beaters to jaw-dropping dunks. However, only the top twenty-four teams—eight men's qualifying teams, eight men's wildcard teams, four women's qualifying teams, and four wildcard teams—remain to compete in the Red Bull Half Court 2024 National Finals.
The qualifying teams who wished to compete in New York last April 27 met off in the court. Gerald Anderson, an actor and basketball fanatic, attended with his squad, 3rd Floor. They made it to the Quarterfinals after going through the Pool Phase and playing four other teams. They made a great attempt, but TNT Tropang Giga defeated them with a score of 12-11.
“It was recommended to me. I was looking for a basketball event to compete in and Red Bull Half Court was perfect,” Gerald Anderson said, explaining how he came to know about the event. “Red Bull Half Court is intense,” he commented. “(It’s) very hot due to the intense heat, but overall the concept is great for everyone.”
In the end, Sam Harada, Kaye Pingol, Eunique Chan, and Afril Bernardino of Uratex Dream and Almond Vosotros, Levin Flores, Chester Saldua, and Matt Salem of TNT Tropang Giga earned the precious chance to represent the Philippines in the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals. Their diligence and commitment have paid off, and these qualities have advanced them toward their ultimate objective.
"Red Bull provided a lot of opportunities for the basketball community in the Philippines, from Cebu, (to) Davao, and here in Manila. It really is a great help for all of the players and we hope that Red Bull will continue this event (Red Bull Half Court) every year or even better if possible twice or thrice a year for everyone to play and participate " exclaimed Almond Vosotros from TNT Tropang Giga.
Kaye Pingol from Uratex Dream expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm to Red Bull for providing women an opportunity to be seen in a bigger stage, “Red Bull Half Court is a big win for our team, especially (since) women’s basketball isn’t often seen or given a bigger platform here in the Philippines.”
The Philippine All Stars, Pricetagg, Zae, and DJ Razikyle performed at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 National Finals in addition to the exciting on-court matches. Their electrifying routines added a new level of enjoyment to the event by showcasing the Philippines' vibrant cultural scene in addition to their amazing agility.
Additionally, in between the basketball games and artistic presentations, guests were treated to a Raco Ruiz art exhibition. His distinct artistic vision gave the occasion a dash of uniqueness and flair. To better assist the local community in Manila, Red Bull, Raco Ruiz, and the Manila Local Government (LGU) restored a basketball court that was chosen, painting a mural on the floor and hoop backstops. Live art exhibits on the hoop backstops enhanced the spectacle and brought attention to the nation's artistic and athletic talent.
With their heads held high, the winning teams, TNT Tropang Giga and Uratex Dream, the winning teams, are preparing to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals, where they're going to take on strong teams from different regions.
“This is a really big opportunity, not only for us but women’s basketball in general, to have an opportunity to showcase our talent, and we are extremely happy that we won and will be representing the Philippines in New York,” said Kaye Pingol of Uratex Dream.
The world's top street basketball players will compete in a memorable series of competitions at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals, which will take place in New York this October. Every squad brings the aspirations and hopes of a country bound by a shared passion for the game with them as they gear up for the next challenge.
For more information and updates regarding the World Finals of Red Bull Half Court, visit the Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok)
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