In the midst of the hoopla over Super Bowl XLVIII and fan hopes of a revival, there is an inspiring sports development that should not be overlooked, especially by local basketball fans.
Recently, a team from Indianapolis brought home bragging rights after winning the Red Bull Midnight Run competition, an increasingly popular street ball tournament that aims to find out which city in the United States has the best ball players.
After several months of friendly but intense games around the nation, the Indianapolis team reached the Final Four segment at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., winning a 43-41 victory in the breathlessly close championship match against New York.
“There was a sense that the stakes were definitely higher in the final game, but we worked together and pulled it off,” said Devin Williams, a guard with the Indianapolis team.
The Midnight Run began back in July, when teams from several cities arrived in Philadelphia to qualify for the tournament. Cities that ended qualifying included Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Most of the teams, each having eight players, were composed primarily of recent college standouts, street ballers and players who have been part of minor league and overseas teams.
Participating players were not enticed by money, because the tournament was not a paid opportunity. Instead, the motivation was representing their city, and legitimately being able to carry the title of Most Talented Basketball City.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to go out there and try to put their city on the map,” said star street point guard John Wall, who served as one of the organizers and scouts for this year’s competition. “You play it like regular basketball. Some guys may try tricks and those things, but the main thing is you don’t get a prize or any money or anything like that – you’re basically just putting your pride up for it. There’s a lot of respect for guys who advance. If you really care about and love your city, you try and put your city on the map as much as possible.”
Indianapolis guard John Harp said it was an honor to prove to the rest of the country that “The Circle City” has the most skilled players.
“This is the ultimate stage,” Harp said. “Representing your hometown and winning at this venue and in this setting is the way it’s supposed to be.”
For more information about the Red Bull Midnight Run and to see highlights of the championship game, visit redbull.com or nationalsrewards.fanscore.com.
