Ball Up’s Million Dollar Summer Challenge Runs In Los Angeles. Ball Up (www.ballupmdsc.com), the leading streetball brand in the world and home to some of the most talented athletes to play the game, has reached an agreement with ESPN to televise their first-ever “Million Dollar Summer Challenge,” a summer long basketball competition that gives six U.S. cities the opportunity to compete for $1M and bragging rights as the preeminent summer basketball team in the nation (airing on ESPN2 beginning in September). On Sunday, May 31st the Million Dollar Summer Challenge will be headed to Los Angeles to showcase the best basketball talent the city has to offer with their launch event at East Valley High School (5525 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601) starting at 2:00pm PST with games running through 6:30pm PST.
The regular season will feature a six weekends of regular play, where the top local basketball talent will go head to head at East Valley High School. Games are free of charge and open to the public of all ages.
From there, the top six teams will go on to the local playoffs beginning on July 10th, where they will enter single elimination pool play. The crowned champion from L.A. will then get to defend their home court title going on to compete in the national championship playoffs in L.A. on Sunday, August 2nd.
The Los Angeles launch event will be attended by Ball Up CEO Demetrius Spencer, Ball Up All-Star players along with celebrity guest appearances. From there, it’s straight to the courts. A few of the teams you can look forward playing head to head every weekend at East Valley High School include:
- Swag Champs – Owned by L.A. Lakers star Nick Young and coached by his father Charles Young and Adrian Pascascio.
- Kings Of L.A. – Owned by Portland Trail Blazers Forward and L.A. native, Dorell Wright and coached by Reggie Morris Jr. who is regarded as one of the best High School coaches in the nation. Featured talent include one of Reggie’s talented disciples Jerry Evans who has made a career for himself overseas.
- Cheaters – Coached by native L.A. basketball legend and Drew league veteran Casper Ware, whose son Casper Ware Jr. has made his own stance as a professional player in the NBA and overseas will be a dominant player on the squad.
- Future Legends – Owned by L.A. Clippers Jamal Crawford and coached by Lamond Murray, a former NBA Vet playing his best years while on the Los Angeles Clippers. The team will be sponsored by Crawford’s endorsed apparel line Brandblack and will feature top talent such as Kieth Closs who is also a former Los Angeles Clipper.
The competition director running the show in L.A. is Chris Young, a man with very deep roots in the city. Some of Chris’ accomplishments include being an assistant coach to the very successful Leuzinger High School basketball team, working with Michael Jordan’s basketball camp for 10 plus years, and currently coaching an 18-25 youth and adult league for the Clippers’ Hoops program. Over the years Chris has become an integral part of the Drew League family and was one of the original Slam Ball players. Chris’ eye for talent and pedigree in coaching can not be questioned, as he has coached mentored many professionals and players moving into the NBA level.
Los Angeles Regular Game Schedule:
Sunday May 31, 2pm-8pm
Saturday June 6, 2pm-8pm
Saturday June 13, 2pm-8pm
Saturday June 21, 2pm-8pm
Saturday June 27, 2pm-8pm
Tuesday June 30, 6pm-9pm
Wednesday July 1, 6pm-9pm
Los Angeles Playoff Schedule:
Friday July 10, 6pm-9pm
Saturday July 11, 4pm-7pm
Sunday July 12, 4pm-7pm
All games are free and open to the public for all ages! For further information on the Los Angeles Ball Up Million Dollar Summer Challenge and full tournament schedule visit www.ballupmdsc.com or follow us on Twitter (@BallUp) and Instagram (@BallUpstreetball) with hashtags #BallUpMDSC , #LosAngeles and #LA.
