Under the watchful gaze of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, Italy and Japan were crowned world champions in the men and women’s Red Bull Half Court Finals in Cairo.
It was truly a sight to behold, with a surreal court placed directly in front of one of the seven wonders of the world. The Italian team - Not x Bolo by Night - emerged triumphant as they saw off Spain (Be Goat) and Germany (Rock On & Namaste) before topping Japan (Beefman) in a tightly contested final.
Truth be told, the rebounding of the Italians was what clinched the title. Their hustle, passion and dedicated commitment to contesting - and ultimately claiming - possession after each deflection off the rim was admirable.
Perhaps even the Great Sphinx were impressed by Italy, and frankly their rebounding ability should be immortalised as the eighth wonder of the world. The Italians also boasted a tremendous comeback against Germany, coming from 7-0 to run out victorious following a scoring run of 12-1.
In the women’s bracket, it is difficult to emphasise how worthy champions the Japanese were. The team - named G-Flow - came, saw and conquered some 5,949 miles from home.
It seems cliche but their four players left it all out on the court and did so with a refreshing smile on their faces. Their faces should not takeaway from their gritty determination though, as they battled hard for each and every loose ball, grazing knees and splitting their own eyebrows and lips as they romped towards a thoroughly deserved title.
These finals were the culmination of a global tournament that saw the best street ballers from all over the world travel to Egypt in the second Red Bull Half Court finals. Teams from over 20 countries contested qualifiers and national finals before tipping off in front of the Ancient World wonders in an incredible climax.
Among those in attendance in the iconic Egyptian heartland was viral basketball star and coach Chris Matthews, whose alias is Lethal Shooter. He surged to fame with a number of stunning clips while also hosting clinics around the world with the best NBA stars seeking his services out to refine their shooting form and scoring ability.
Even for someone so close to the pinnacle of the sport, Matthews was awestruck watching teams from around the world compete for the title. He was undoubtedly amazed by the iconic scenery, but he was ultimately impressed by the level on show in the Half Court finals.
“When I was watching the guys and girls I was very inspired,” Matthews, who picked NBA stars Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving to play alongside himself in a dream 3x3 team ‘Lethal Shooters’, told Mirror Sport . “I saw people diving on the concrete, getting hurt but getting back up because they want to win.
“I think we’re seeing the best of the best. These aren’t just great basketball players - their IQ is very high as well. I feel like this type of basketball should be played in grassroots to educate kids to cut. You shouldn’t just stand with the basketball - you need to set screens, go backdoor, talk.
“I love everything about 3x3 basketball. These players want to win for their country, and to see this live in Egypt? It’s a dream come true.”
Matthews has worked with the likes of Anthony Davis, Candace Parker, and rapper Drake yet finds himself in a position where he wonders if 3x3 is truly the future of basketball. He chiefly pointed to the necessity of a well-rounded game as a factor that has resonated with him as well as the admirable determination of each and every player.
As a result, Matthews - who possesses over 2.2 million followers on Instagram - heaped praise on the format, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo last summer as it continues to become more visible. Matthews added: “When I first heard of it, I wasn’t a fan because I thought five-on-five should be an Olympic sport.
“Back in the US, it’s considered more like a playground game - but when you watch 3x3, it’s more difficult than the standard game because players have nowhere to hide. It’s rugged, aggressive and you have to give everything you have. I consider it to be harder than five-on-five basketball.
“They’re playing on concrete, [scorching hot] weather, and uncomfortable situations but still knocking down jump shots. I was inspired.”
It seemed fitting that the Red Bull Half Court World Finals took place in Cairo and Giza, one of the truly immortal global sites adorned in fascinating lore, mesmerising architecture and ancient history. This format of basketball, as referred to by Lethal Shooter, could well be the future of the sport.
At the meeting point of the past and the future, the Finals provided a reminder that there is no time like the present as 3x3 basketball continues to develop. Congratulations to Italy and Japan, worthy champions - the world will see you next year in Belgrade.
Keep up with the action on @redbullhalfcourt on Instagram.
