Balls to the Wall

Street ballers who think they can slam-dunk like Shaq, dribble like D-Wade, or wrap-around like Kobe now have the chance to take to the courts and show the pros who’s boss. Red Bull’s King of the Rock competition is bringing its qualifier to the Magic City, giving 64 lucky local players the opportunity to compete for $20,000 and serious street cred at the finals in San Francisco. This basketball contest pits player against player, one-on-one, for the chance to be dubbed the “2012 Red Bull King of the Rock.” The first official sporting event ever to be held on the infamous Alcatraz Island (AKA “the Rock”), this competition boasts qualifiers from 27 countries, and 33 U.S. cities were chosen as the top basketball markets, Miami included. The 305’s top baller will receive a $1,000 prize, along with a free trip to San Fran to do basketball battle on Alcatraz itself. Miami’s contest kicks off at José Martí Park (351 SW Fourth St., Miami) Saturday — first come, first served. Only 64 players will be allowed to compete. Registration opens at 5 p.m., and competition begins at 6. Good luck, big ballers!
Sat., July 21, 5 p.m., 2012