Mountain Dew and GMC Thursdays 

Mountain Dew Code Red Thursday kicked off at the EBC summer tournament as Hot 97’s DJ Enough spun his 5 o’clock free ride from the park. The first contest was “a game of basketball without dribbling,” Al Cash announced. The idea was created by fellow announcer Booby Smooth. Two out of towners from Albany and Georgia took to center court to see who could make it first to 10 without dribbling the ball. Each of them represented a side of the stands and everyone sitting on the winners side would receive a mountain dew code red soda. “We wanna see some moves without dribbling – get the crowd hyped!” Al Cash yelled as Albany and Georgia spun around and faked left and right as they ran to the basket. In the end Albany was first to make 10 baskets and took home the Sony radio courtesy of Mountain Dew. His side cheered as they were handed ice cold mountain dew sodas to enjoy. 
Game one had DC team Electro-lite taking on So So Def. Both teams were stacked with players, which made from some extremely exciting basketball. Electro-lite featured EBC legends “G-money,” “And Some,” and “Bes.” So So Def had St. John’s player Jermaine Maybanks a.k.a. “The Humble One,” as well as EBC vets Peter Mulligan and “Maniac.” Another player on So So Def has recently been given a nickname. He has been dubbed “The Game Busta,” after So So Def’s first match against Black Wall Street two weeks ago. “If your wondering why he is called ‘The Game Busta,” Al Cash told the crowd, “Ask The Game.” Even though Black Wall Street defeated three time champions Terror Squad last week, the jokes still on them. After the team’s owner, who goes by “Loose Cannon,” was made a fool of on the EBC court, that’s pretty much all that Black Wall Street will be remembered for, no matter who they beat. 
Between games there was a music performance that had the crowd going crazy. Chris Brown took center court to perform his new single “Run It” featuring Juelz Santana that you have probably heard on Hot 97. He had the fans loving his dance moves that were so hot they left the court smoking. If you weren’t in the stands you definitely missed out cause it won’t be long till this boy is wowing the crowds center stage at the Garden.
The second contest of the day was GMC’s 0 to 60, which has been going on for the last three weeks. A GMC Yukon truck is up for grabs to anyone who can make a shot from three-quarters of the court. Royal Hubberd of Jamaica, Queens now makes three people who have taken the shot and fallen short. Come through next Thursday and take the shot yourself if you think you got what it takes. 
Game two had Ruff Ryder’s Full Surface up against D-Band. Ruff Ryders featured “Africa” and “Anti-freeze,” who really know how to get the crowd hyped. D-Band wasn’t short on talent themselves with EBC legends “Ali-Moe” and “The Re-Animator” suited up to show the fans a good time. Both teams were full of players who always bring it every time they step on to the court. From the second the clock started ticking the crowd was hardly sitting down. The game was fast-paced with loads of energy, crazy dunks, sick crossovers, deep threes and everything else that makes EBC the best in street basketball.
Three weeks of the EBC tournament are now completed and trust me it’s only going to get better. The games are heating up, with EBC legends doing everything in their power to prove why it is they are called legends. New comers are working hard to be given the honor of an EBC nickname. And you never know who might be sitting in the stands. Musical performances are set to happen at least once a week and don’t forget about the amazing giveaways thanks to our sponsors, GMC, RBK, and Mountain Dew. I don’t think I have to tell you anymore – now get you’re a*% to the park! 

--Sarah Parker