Red Bull making it Reign through 3x3 basketball
CONTINUING with its thrust of promoting sports through its “new generation” and “new breed” way, energy drink Red Bull recently held another edition of the “Red Bull Reign.”
A high-endurance, offense-driven 3x3 basketball tournament with a twist, Red Bull Reign saw 16 finalists battle it out at Taft Food by the Court in Pasay City on June 30, with Phenom emerging as the winner and earning the right to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Reign World Finals in Washington D.C. later this year.
“As a tournament, Red Bull Reign is very much representative of what Red Bull is as a brand,” said Al Delos Reyes, Red Bull sports consultant, in an interview with sports media.
“Red Bull is an energy drink and we want to push it in conjunction with our vision of promoting sports in a new-generation and new-breed way,” he added, referring to the to the rules of the tournament which adhere to those of FIBA’s but given a twist with the team that scores the most overall points in each round progressing leading to the finals.
The final 16 teams consisted of LGU, PACITA, SOULDIER, Kervy, LA, Team Kate, Better Basketball PH, VVEstrada, Sy Men, HumKins, Phenom, King of Hoops, Evogen, Tough Gear C, Tough Gear A and 7 Eleven.
Over the course of the day, each team collided in a series of round-robin style matches.
Red Bull Reign progressed into the semifinals, which saw three rounds of competitive back-to-back contests.
Despite delays due to the rainy weather throughout the day, Phenom and LGU advanced to the finals, tallying scores of 46 and 50.
The teams collided on the court for the finals with Phenom standing triumphant in the end as the champion with a score of 10-7.
The winning team was composed of team captain Carl Kenneth Sumalacan, Jarrold Flores, John Rom Alvarado, and John Jordan Sta. Ana.
Following another successful staging of the Red Bull Reign, tournament organizers touted the event and said it something the brand is looking at doing long-term.
“What’s good about Red Bull Reign is that it opens another door for amateurs who, even though haven’t been part of any basketball professional leagues, get the chance to represent the Philippines,” said Mr. Delos Reyes.
“We plan to make it long-term and have it part of the brand’s sports development thrust,” he added.
For Philippine Basketball Association legend Vince Hizon, who for the second year served as tournament director, he is satisfied with how Red Bull Reign is evolving.
“We’re really trying to get bigger and better every year. And I think we’re definitely doing that,” said Mr. Hizon in a separate interview at the conclusion of the tournament.
“Red Bull truly made a big presence here and what’s nice is the homegrown presence. I think 3-on-3 is fit for the Filipinos and we hope to continue pushing for it in the coming years,” he added. —