Basketball
Rocking out with an NBA star
We follow King of the Rock ambassador Harrison Barnes’ journey to the World Finals in Taiwan.
Embracing Asian culture
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
In its fifth year, Red Bull King of the Rock moved from Alcatraz, USA, to Samasana Island, Taiwan, where it became the first and only global one-on-one street basketball tournament ever to be held in Asia .
The battleground from above
© Sean Yang/Red Bull Content Pool
None of the players had been to the island before, neither had the event ambassador, NBA rising star, Harrison Barnes. We followed him on his journey.
Arriving in Taipei on September 4, Harrison had his biggest fans already waiting at the airport for him; many of them wearing his jersey from the Golden State Warriors. It was a truly warm welcome.
Afterwards the King of the Rock ambassador was ready to take questions from the Taiwanese and international journalists at the media gathering, all the way up on level 38 of the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel's tower in Taipei.
All questions welcome
© Victor Fraile/Red Bull Content Pool
I hope I can try the typical dishes, just like the Taiwanese eat. Well, of course not too special!
The NBA star told the press that this is his first time to Taiwan and it is really interesting for him. He is looking forward to the upcoming trip to Taitung and especially Samasana Island. Harrison explained that seeing fellow NBA player Rajon Rondo as the King of the Rock ambassador in 2012 really had an impact on him and he is very glad to be the representative for this year. Closing the media meeting, he gave insights into his own one-on-one experience and what he feels is key in winning a head-to-head battle.
One-on-one puts a lot of emphasis on the player’s own characteristics. You need to find the best way that fits your own style.
The next day, Harrison made his way to Taitung, where the draw for the world finals took place, followed by the first highlight of the trip: the slam dunk contest.
Slam dunking temple-style
© Victor Fraile/Red Bull Content Pool
The competition took place in front of Taitung's beautiful Tinhau Temple, which made a great setting for the event. A fierce competition ensued, with Chung Hsuan Lan impressing the judges – Harrison being one of them – enough to win.
On September 6, all participants, staff, and fans took the ferry to Samasana Island. During the whole trip, the King of the Rock ambassador interacted with the players and took his time to satisfy all photo wishes with him.
Take a look at Harrison truly enjoying the breeze on his way to the island.
Enjoying the breeze
© Ray Tsui/Red Bull Content Pool
Once on land and checking out the venue, Harrison and the 41 Queens and Kings finalists were treated to a tour through the former prison and were told about the history of the place.
Honouring history
© Victor Fraile/Red Bull Content Pool
Of course, Harrison had to practice in between as well, so he got some shots in on the prison exercise yards, just before the World Finals started.
Staying in shape on Samasana Island
© Victor Fraile/Red Bull Content Pool
During the whole tournament, Harrison stayed close to the participants, hanging out with them in the locker room and following the competition in the prison exercise yards with interest.
Close to the players
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
I definitely saw the effort and the enthusiasm of the players. It took a lot of strength and heart to win.
The NBA star was impressed by the intensity of the head-to-head battles.
The battleground at night
© Victor Fraile/Red Bull Content Pool
After the respective final matches, the King of the Rock ambassador himself crowned the new winners Stanislava Fedotova and Kivanc Dinler.
Crowning a new king
© Victor Fraile/Red Bull Content Pool
The next day, September 7, Harrison had to jump on the plane again. The NBA pre-season prep with the Golden State Warriors was waiting. Soon, he will go head-to-head once again with the best basketball players in the world. Find out everything you need to know about Red Bull King of the Rock here.
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