“Bring your game, not your name” , a simple statement printed on dozen of tees, summarizing well the philosophy that was reigning around the 7th edition of the Quai 54. Still sponsored by Jordan Brand and Foot Locker, the biggest intertionnal streetball competition came back this year gathering more than 5000 people on two days with the usual mix of strong basketball, Hip Hop entertainment and some unexpected surprises.

Rising Suns, Japan

The tournament started on Saturday morning with some exciting battles between the regular tough teams and the fresh ones like Italy and Japan. No matter if you are an amateur or a pro, just bring a strong game and play with your heart. Unfortunately Matteo’s Bruni Summer Coffee League played against one of the favorite team, Shest Hustlers with the most dominative player of the Quai 54 “The Boss” and one of New York’s best ball-handler, Von Damian “Mugsy” Green, Italy didn’t reached the 2nd round, neither Japan and Switzerland who felt against La Relève and Hood Mix.

The Boss vs. Summer Coffee League (Italy)

Germany, USA and UK reached the quarter finals. Team Jon’s Session came up stronger this year adding some good players like Andrej, Sean Bell All Stars brought 10 players this year including Kareem ” best kept secret” Reid, and a new coach. Finally Nhamo’s Shire Midnight Madness came with more physical and athletic team than the previous years.

Mugsy Vs. Andrej

On Sunday the Quarter finals started with Team Jon’s Session against Shest Hustlers, the german ballers went short by 9, The boss protected his paint perfectly and send his squad to the semi-finals. Midnight Madness played La Relève, a quick team, really aggressive offensively and defensively, too much pressure for Nhamo’s men who lost by 10, next year maybe, persistence will pay one day for the UK ballers. La Fusion, the 2008 winners won quite easily towards R.A.F , plus 14 at the buzzer and a ticket to the conference finals. Sean Bell All Stars played versus Hood Mix, a young and skilled team, the New York multi-champions took time to heat up their sneakers, Kareem Reid woke up the audience with crazy spins and assists, talking to the crowd while posting up his opponents, a real showman who really deserves his status of streetball legend. Sean Bell won the game by 14pts for the re-match against Shest Hustlers.

Kareem " Best Kept Secret" Reid, Sean Bell All Stars

After some dunk demonstration by Golden Child and Mile High, the semi-finals started in front of many vip’s and a sleepy over-crowded arena. The former champions La Fusion composed of 10 experienced pro players like Amara Sy, Sacha Giffa and last year’s MVP Steed Tchicamboud, crushed La Relève without much difficulties. The good energy emanating from Mamadou “Black Mamba” Drame wasn’t enough to beat the favorite team who reached the finals for the third time in three years.

Steed Tchicamboud, La Fusion

More than a tournament, the Quai 54 is also a Block Party, french Hip Hop artists are supporting the event in lots of different ways but this year the big surprise was the live performance of Ludacris and unexpected guest Usher who put the event upside down in a couple of minutes. French rapper Sefyu added his signature track on Ludacris’s live who apparently enjoyed the french resonance.

Angelo Tsagarakis, Shest Hustlers

After useless Foot Locker style contest and poor live show, the last semi-finals started. The crowd and players were fallin’ asleep, it was time to get some action. Half French/Greek Angelo Tsagarakis (former Oregon State player) from Shest Hustlers showed off his long distance accuracy and quick dribbles on Sean Bell All Stars. Unfortunately the U.S squad was too experienced and crossed the Atlantic for the unique opportunity of getting their revenge on La Fusion.

Kareem Reid, posting up Marc Antoine Pellin

The long awaited final came up, Sean Bell All Stars and La Fusion entered in the arena at 9:20 pm, it was the night, the spots were lighting up the court and the crowd ready. Kareem Reid took the first half on his own, posting up the two opposing guards, feeding his squad with incredible assists and waiving the crowd. Sean Bell was up 3 at the half-time. The game restarted and the french players dropped some long range buckets and took important rebounds. The Euro-style game played by La Fusion (with an incredible accuracy) helped the French squad to take a 24 lead at the end of the game. Final Score : 74 -50.

Despite a boring “illegal defense” FIBA rule that always interrupted games and that has nothing to do on a streetball court the show was on top as usual. The atmosphere on this 7th edition of the Quai 54 was perfect, a good vibe was reigning on and outside the court.

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