Other than writing about basketball, the next best thing is actually playing it. And last weekend I was able to do both. Traveling the country always looking for a game, I found myself in Hampton, Virginia for the first annual Red Bull 2on2 Revolution. Held at the legendary Boo Williams Sportsplex off of Armistead Pointe Parkway, our first obstacle was getting in (thanks to a large parade blocking the route). But once we were inside, it was some of the best basketball I’d seen in years.

With 16 teams in attendance, the format was simple: a double-elimination tournament with the championship game being a one game do-or-die match. And with the talent level on hand, and $2000 cash on the line, things got interesting.

But other than your average basketball tournament, the Red Bull 2on2 Revolution had some pretty innovative rules. For example, if you dunk on somebody, it counts for 3 points. The same can be said for pinning someone’s shot against the backboard or crossing someone over so bad they fall. These made for the opportunity to have five-point plays that could swing the balance of power in a matter of seconds. And playing to 31 points, the highlights were nonstop.

Let me breakdown some of the teams, starting with Fair Game. While most 2on2 tournaments have talent from players that never played college ball or have had NBA aspirations, I was super excited to see NYC’s own Lenny Cooke suiting up. Known primarily for being an early entry candidate in the 2002 NBA Draft, Cooke was arguably the No. 1 prep prospect in the country. Although he went undrafted, he went on to play professionally for years.

The other two top teams were Backyard (made up of two brothers) and Ballers. These two teams linked up in the game before entering the finals, both undefeated, and it was amazing. From deep three-pointer after deep three-pointer, these two teams were fierce. Tied 26-26, Marcus Fisher put the ball on the floor and rose up – dunking ON his defender to end the game. Wow.

After being astonished from that, Ballers had to win their next game against the winner of the loser’s bracket to make it to the championship game. Although they were tired, they persevered to get another shot at the champs. But in the end, Backyard, the high-flying brothers from VA were too much.

Altogether the tournament was a resounding success, with Boo Williams himself coming out to present the check to the champs. Can’t wait ’til next year!