The acclaimed Entertainer’s Basketball Classic (EBC) will begin its 2009 installment next Monday (June 15) in Harlem, New York.
The Rucker street ball tournament began in 1980, and has grown internationally due to performances over the years from Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Pee Wee Kirkland, Earl “The Goat” Manigault, Vince Carter, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Rafer Alston, Carmelo Anthony, and Nate Archibald.
The centerpiece of this year’s event is 19-year old Brandon Jennings, who is expected to be a viable NBA Draft pick on June 25.
The young player opted to play overseas in the Italian Lega A while waiting to reach the eligible draft age (19).
As usual, the 29th annual tournament will feature a host of celebrity teams all vying for a year’s worth of bragging rights and highlight reels.
Confirmed participants include Ron Artest (Tru Warriors), Maino (Hustle Hard), Angie Martinez (Angie Martinez All-Stars), Chris Brown (Chris Brown All-Stars), Jadakiss (Team 914), Cam’Ron (Team Cam’Ron), and Ron Brownz (Ether Boy Records).
Hot 97’s DJ Enuff will handle music duties on air starting next week.
Additionally, New York’s MSG (Madison Square Garden) Network will host the four day tournament to 10 million homes nationwide.
A total of thirteen episodes will air from July 2-September 24 at 7PM (EST) every Thursday.
The game schedule for the 2009 Rucker Entertainer’s Basketball Classic (EBC) is as follows:
Rucker Park 2861 8th Ave (Corner of 155th St.) New York, NY Monday, June 15th (Opening Day) 8PM - Angie Martinez All-stars vs. Chris Brown All-stars
Tuesday, June 16th 8PM - Prime Time vs. Team Cam'Ron
Wednesday, June 17th (MSG Film Day) 6PM – Maino’s Hustle Hard vs. Jadakiss’ Team 914 8PM
Sean Bell All-Stars (Last Year’s Champions) vs. Ron Artest’s Tru War
Thursday, June 18th 8PM - Evil Training vs. Danny All-stars
