March 19, 2016 (MANILA, Philippines) – On its sixth season, Red Bull King of the Rock made history in the Philippines as it officially crowned its first local champion at the National Finals last Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Baluarte de Dilao within the ancient walls of Intramuros, Manila.
A total of 28 players comprised from three previous Qualifiers (Cebu, Manila A, Manila B) as well as a last chance Qualifier held on the day of the finals made up the 32-slot final bracket:
Cebu Qualifier – March 5, 2016
NAME
|
AGE
|
CITY
|
NOTES
|
Mac Mac Tallo*
|
22
|
Cebu
|
South Western University player (former DLSU player)
|
John Lloyd Luz
|
21
|
Cebu
|
South Western University player (former FEU player)
|
Joevince Cañizares
|
32
|
Cebu
|
Real Estate Agent (Property Specialist)
|
Dominic Adlawan
|
24
|
Cebu
|
Student
|
Jon Love
|
23
|
Mabolo
|
Barbershop Owner
|
Flether Galvez
|
19
|
Cebu
|
Student
|
Karl De Pio
|
25
|
Cebu
|
Marketing Sales Executive
|
Brian Gabasa
|
27
|
Cebu
|
Businessman
|
Manila A Qualifier – March 12, 2016
NAME
|
AGE
|
CITY
|
REMARKS
|
Felixson Sulapas*
|
21
|
Malabon
|
Hotel Staff at Executive Plaza hotel
|
Jason Vilagracia
|
20
|
Quezon City
|
Student
|
Obinna Ezeike
|
22
|
Manila
|
Philippine Christian University varsity
|
Karl Bautista
|
23
|
Caloocan
|
Student
|
Victor Sayao
|
23
|
Laguna
|
Jersey Country Sportwear Partner
|
Jonathan Egea
|
33
|
Marikina
|
Former TV / Sports personality (MTV Bolahan)
|
Frian Sulapas
|
18
|
Malabon
|
Student
|
Sunie Tibayan
|
24
|
Cavite
|
Student
|
Manila B Qualifier – March 18, 2016
NAME
|
AGE
|
CITY
|
REMARKS
|
Jose Felix Cleopas*
|
29
|
Cebu
|
San Beda assistant coach
|
Julius Aldeon
|
30
|
Dasmarinas, Cavite
|
FEU Sportfest
|
Anton Villavicencio
|
21
|
Quezon City
|
DLSU student
|
John Ceddric Toledo
|
16
|
Bulacan
|
Student
|
Ivan Paul Jaralve
|
22
|
Quezon City
|
PCCR basketball team member
|
Martin Rebanal
|
17
|
Marikina
|
UE Student
|
Danceresty Morfe
|
26
|
Makati City
|
Freelance Artist
|
Patricky Dy
|
30
|
San Mateo Rizal
|
Butler
|
Last Chance Qualifier – March 19, 2016
NAME
|
AGE
|
CITY
|
REMARKS
|
Jerramy King*
|
25
|
Taguig
|
USA NCAA Divion 1 Player and professional ABL
|
Robbie Herndon
|
22
|
Taguig
|
USA NCAA Division 2 basketball player
|
Willie Miller
|
38
|
Olongapo
|
Reitred PBA player and MVP
|
Andrew Belonia
|
22
|
Ateneo Blue Eagle
|
*Qualifier Winner
After a hard fought first three rounds, the final four players to emerge from the group were Robbie Herndon vs Jonathan Egea and Willie Miller vs Jerramy King. Herndon’s shots had trouble falling but he relied on his size and strength to beat Egea to advance into the finals. Miller and King battled hard but the nine-time PBA All-Star stayed calm and pulled out the win thanks to his experience and nifty footwork.
Filipino-American and former San Francisco State University NCAA Division II player Robbie Herndon faced off with PBA MVP alumnus Willie Miller in an epic five-minute final. The two competitors each utilized their strengths to score – Herndon with his long range shooting and Miller with his dribbling and inside post moves. Herndon took a lead halfway through but with four fouls, was forced to relent on defense allowing Miller to score inside at will. But Herndon’s two clutch three pointers in the final minute sealed the deal crowning him the first ever Red Bull King of the Rock National Championships with a score of 21 – 19.
Asked what was going through his mind during the historic game, the 22-year-old said, “I figured I made it this far and that it would suck to lose. [Willie Miller] was a good opponent. And it feels awesome to represent the Philippines like this.”
Looking ahead, Herndon will now be the first-ever Philippine represenative to compete at the Red Bull King of the Rock World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey in August 2016. Herndon will have to bring his A-game if he hopes to beat top players from 60+ other countries at the world’s largest and most prestigious one-on-one basketball competition later this year.
Follow Herndon’s journey from the first rounds of the Philippine Qualifiers, National Finals, and finally to the World Finals on http://win.gs/
A separate slamdunk competition followed the intense 1-on-1 games where Nigeria native Obinna Ezeike reigned supreme with his high-flying skills and crowd-rousing showmanship.
About Red Bull King of the Rock
Red Bull King of the Rock is the world's most prestigious one-on-one street basketball tournament. After a series of qualifying events taking place around the world, the best and toughest finalists (Kings and Queens) face off to crown the new champion. The tournament follows a straightforward concept where players battle head-to-head in raw outdoor basketball, using a single-elimination tournament bracket. Games last five minutes, with 15 second clock and are subject to regulation hoops rules and scoring (two and three pointers). Players have to be tough to make it to the finals, but also have to play smart – five fouls equal an automatic loss. After each game, the loser walks away, and the winner faces his next opponent. Tension and expectations are high. With blood, sweat, tears, and hoops in the mix, the last King and Queen will be honored.
About Red Bull Philippines
The premium Energy Drink known all around the world – Red Bull (Blue & Silver can) – was launched in the Philippines last May 2012. Thanks to its unique formula, Red Bull Energy Drink gives you wings by vitalizing body and mind. For more information on Red Bull, visit our website at www.redbull.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: facebook.com/redbull | twitter.com/redbullph |instagram.com/redbullph
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