MSF
Final Words
First I just wanna say to all the players who played in the
King of the Court tournament, and to all the people who were
there, you're the reason MSF exists. You guys are our motivation.
You're the reason we ran this tournament. We didn't run it
based on recognition, money or personal gain, because at the
end of the day, all of us at MSF worked voluntarily, unpaid.
When you have a group of guys setting up a tournament voluntarily
from 9am, finishing after 6pm, for 11 days straight, either
they're crazy, or they have a love for the game.. in this
case, it was both. But when we see kids smiling, players shaking
hands and crowds screaming, at the end of the day, it makes
everything worth it. Our goal before the tournament was to
run a tournament exactly how we would have liked it to be
if we were playing in it. Fresh ideas like the invite-only
All-Star game, the interactive freestyle comp, the medals
and trophy presentations, and the last day being the finals
for all daily winners to face-off, this tournament was unlike
any other tournament we've ever seen.
Since it was our first major event, there was a lot of pressure
to pull it off, and with the volume of people participating,
we knew we were in for a big 11 days. I think all the guys
who were a part of the MSF crew deserve to be acknowledged,
I know I'm proud of the guys who volunteered to make the event
what it was. I know there were a few small things that could've
been improved to make the tournament even better, but just
wait till King of the Court 2, the bar will be raised yet
again. Also, we all need to pay respect to Nike for sponsoring
the event and putting in a lot of work to make it a memorable
event for years to come. As the speaker for MSF, and on behalf
of the players across Melbourne, I wanna give a big thanks
to Nike, proving they still run the courts, and for working
together in putting on a free event for the community. That's
love for ball.
The tournament feedback has been awesome, so thanks to all
who wrote in their positive comments, it's what keeps us going
and moving on the next goal. Words can't explain the positive
effect King of the Court has had on MSF, but believe me, it's
just the start of bigger and better things to come for basketball
in Australia. We'll see you all at the next event!
Love & respect,
DC & the MSF Team
Above: 13-year-old Zhane takes out the
All-Star MVP!
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Above: MC Matt-W awarding prizes out to the big crowds
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Interview
with Nick Masunda: King of the Court 2004
After 11 days of the King of
the Court tournament, Nick Masunda was the last man standing
for both the 1on1 Mens and the 3on3 Mens, walking away with
the cash and trophies. When you combine a long range shot,
inside game and big hops all together, you're gonna be hard
to stop! We spoke with Nick after he was crowned King of the
Court 2004.
MSF.
After 11 days with more than 80 ballers playing to be crowned,
how does it feel to be the last man standing, being titled
the King of the Court 2004?
Nick: It feels pretty good, 'cause it was
a physically tough comp with some solid ballers and as tired
as I was, I still managed to pull out the last W.
MSF.
Your 3 on 3 team “Vanilla Choc-chip Dip” also
walked away as Kings of the Court 2004, how do you plan to
spend all the $800 you won? Are you gonna hold on to it or
go on a spending spree?
Nick: Well most of it is gonna go in my car
fund cause I dont have a ride but I reckon i'll spend some
of it on clothes, CDs, whatever.
MSF.
What’s your overall thoughts of the whole King of the
Court event, how would you rate it against other tournaments
you’ve played in and what did you like most about the
event?
Nick: Well it's probably the only tournament
like it that I've played in. I think its a great comp, its
a 3 on 3 comp with the dunk and freestyle comps on the side
and good prize money which is insentive for more people to
play. Great atmosphere too with the crowd, MC n' DJ. So it
was a very complete, sought of, event.
MSF.
What did you think about the King of the Court All-Star game,
being coached by Dave Thomas, what was it like to be a part
of it?
Nick: It was an interesting experiencing,
had all the best players from the week playing at the same
time so yeh, it was pretty exciting.
MSF.
You also hold the King of the Court record for the most amount
of points scored in a 1on1 game, (12 minutes) 56 points. What’s
the most points you’ve scored in a real game?
Nick: I dropped 42 when i was a junior so
that'd be the most.
MSF.
Who have you played for, what leagues or tournaments have
you played in?
Nick: I've played in a lot of tournaments
and leagues but at the moment I'm playing for melbourne university
in the VBL and I played rep' ball as a junior for sandringham
and hobart and I also played for the U/20 tasmanian team in
the state champs earlier this year.
MSF
. What did you think about the level of talent and players
in the King of the Court tournament? How would you rate the
level of competition?
Nick: Oh yeh there were some talented dudes
out there, especially around 17 and 18 years old. There was
a few VBL n ABA players in the mix and some solid bodies which
were well suited to the physical play of the competition.
Definitley wasn't a wark in the park.
MSF.
Would you like to see more tournaments like King of the Court
in Melbourne? ..why?
Nick: Yeh I would like to see more, I would
like to compete in more because I really enjoy them. In a
streetball competition you can have anyone playing anyone
irrespective of thier basketball level or history which is
a good thing and these comps can make for some good stories.
MSF
. What’s your thoughts about what MSF has done with
the tournament and what MSF is working towards?
Nick: Well like I said, it was a great tournament.
I fully support MSF and anyone who wants to develope or give
back to basketball in Australia and I especially like the
street angle that MSF is doing it from.
MSF.
And finally, the question everybody is asking... will you
be back to defend your crown at King of the Court 2 - Summer
2005?
Nick: Well if I can, I'll be there, defending
the crown.
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