Philly’s top ballers invade Girard College

Some of Philly’s top basketball players — and NBA hopefuls — showcased their skills Saturday at Girard College.
Credit: Steven Counts/Red Bull Content Pool

Some of the area’s finest basketball players showcased their skills on the hardwood Saturday at the “Red Bull Midnight Run” hoping to represent Philadelphia in the 2nd Annual Red Bull Basketball Tournament to decide which city in America breeds the finest basketball players.

It’s all part of Red Bull and Dime Magazine’s goal of organizing nine teams consisting of eight players from cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Houston, Atlanta and New Orleans.

“We are pretty much hitting the major cities,” said Dime’s marketing manager Brandon Smith. “It’s all about the experience and telling a story. We try to be different from the Nike Tournaments that give money, everybody can do a money tournament.”

One Philly streetball legend who made an appearance was former West Virginia star Jarrett Kearse. The 6-foot-5 guard played two seasons for the Mountaineers and was a member of the 1998 Sweet 16 squad.

“I’m looking to provide some veteran leadership and have a good time, and get some wins for the City of Philadelphia,” Kearse said. “I had a couple of [NBA] tryouts. I tried out for the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and I worked out for the Chicago Bulls when I came out of [college]; it just didn’t work out, but I was very close.”

Several players stated they like Philly’s chances in the tourney’s championship game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but none exhibited the confidence like 31-year old West Philadelphia native —and Overbrook High alum — David “Buhzz” Taylor, Sr.

“No, I think we can get down with any city, because Philly has ballers [basketball players] as well,” Taylor, Sr. said. “I love our chances of winning. I actually think we can take the whole thing home with no losses to be honest with you.”