LA DUB Show Recap

Sunday, March 22nd was the first official launch of the 2009 Ball Up tour, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Ball Up teamed up with the Dub Show for a 12-city tour. Even before the doors opened to the public, a long line outside the building was beginning to form as eager fans waited to see the hottest custom cars, models, music performances and celebrities.

To start the Ball Up tour off with a memorable experience, the Ball Up streetball players played an exhibition game against the E-League team, which was composed of celebrities including boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao, actor Donald Faison (Scrubs), recording artist Tank and actor Columbus Short (Stomp The Yard). The charity exhibition game was the host of over two hundred foster children from the Children Uniting Nations and youth the Boys and Girls club. As the players began warming up, the bleachers were full of people and onlookers were crowding around the court, ready to see an exciting basketball game. Also in attendance was former NBA player Tracy Murray and NBA legend Jamal Wilkes. Before tip-off, recording artist and music producer, Tank, walked onto the center of the court to sing the National Anthem. Actor/Recording artist Tyrese then introduced all the players from the two competing teams.

Although you may think the Ball Up players schooled the celebrities, that was not exactly the case and it became a very close game. The celebrities did not back down at any time during the game, they played to win. When the Ball Up team scored with a windmill dunk on one end, the celebrities came back on the other end with an answer. The celebrities definitely showed that they could play ball. But at the end of an entertaining game, it was the Ball Up team with their high-flying dunks that came up with the victory, 101 – 98.

Win or lose, the morale was high with positive spirits after the game. The Ball Up players and celebrities showed their genuine appreciation by staying after the 4th quarter to interact with their fans. Many were able to get autographs and take photos with all their favorite superstars.