S.O.X. All-stars Hoops '11 Basketball Tournament

Last Sunday yours, truly me had the opportunity to watch the S.O.X. All-stars Hoops '11 Basketball tournament organized at Bukit Serind...

Last Sunday yours, truly me had the opportunity to watch the S.O.X. All-stars Hoops '11 Basketball tournament organized at Bukit Serindit, Malacca. It was my only rest day of the week, yet I woke up quite early as I was excited about watching my favourite sports. It has been a long time since I last had such compelling feeling. Reached my destination around 9am and just in time to watch the matches. Upon entering the stadium, you will be greeted by the Oranje (organisers who clad in black and orange). Ha :D

I was here. :D

Outside of the stadium you can test your shooting skill at the "Hoop Shot" which I did. I only managed to put 4 into the baskets. What a shame! LOL :D Besides that you can also fly in the air and execute your windmill dunk by playing the XBox console game. :p I wanted to try this but had to give it a bye as more interesting basketball actions awaiting me in the stadium. I found myself a seat and snuggled in comfortably. I was told that the players actually came earlier for the opening ceremony. *gosh* How could I have missed it. :/

The stadium where magic is conjured!

A lot of orange and black huh! :)

It looks easy...but it is actually damn hard. Haha :D

Think you are game for XBox basketball?

I saw quite a number of familiar faces there: the audience, referee and players. Some of the players have actually sparred with me back in my neighbourhood's basketball court. Ha :D Watching these youngster played give me that sense of deja vu. 10 years ago I was like one of them, clad in my jersey dribbling the ball and defended our half as a point guard. Aww...how nostalgic. Time flies. Now I am watching from the stand as a spectator. How I wish I can play in a basketball competition again. :)

Inside of the stadium. Teams are preparing for their respective games.

Yes.You have been warned. Make sure you are 18 and below. :p

Coach giving his charges pointers.

Let the action began.

Speaking of S.O.X. All Stars Hoops '11 Basketball Tournament, it is actually an upgrade from last year's 3-on-3 format.Yupe! This year, Hoops '11 is unleashed as a drama-filled, adrenalin-rushing full court 5-on-5 battle! How I wish I was one of them. Too bad this competition has an age-limit. You have to be 18 and below to step onto this indoor basketball court. How come I didn't hear about this tournament during my time? Not far at all.

Let's see who can reach for the sky. I mean ball.


Players warming the bench before they step into the battlefield. Ha :D

Can you stop me?

You are too late chap.

Who should I pass this to?

I am clear.

Sandwiched: You are not going anywhere.

Ouh no you don't!

I need back up!

I am going to run rings around you guys.

This better gets in!

Let's look at some of the actions that my camera has captured.

Altogether there are 16 different teams fighting for the 4 coveted slots which will bring them to the grand final. The 4 teams will represent Southern Conference for the grand final of Hoops '11 in Kuala Lumpur on the 31st of July. Wow~it sure feels like NBA huh, teams from different conferences meeting each other for the throne! Hopefully I can go all the way to KL to watch the finale. I am sure it is going to be very breathtaking as the matches I witnessed here last Sunday were already so thrilling.

Which 4 teams will represent Southern Conference?

Our 2 tireless charming commentators. :)

16 teams would be drafted into 4 different group. The 4 teams which prevailed in their respective knockout matches will be marching to KL. So did I enjoy the games dished out by them last Sunday? You bet. I was thoroughly entertained from 9am till 4pm. I was really "kam cheong" (nervous) while watching some of the matches as I was rooting for a few of my neigbours. Ha :D You would feel the same too if you were there, watching the matches live.

The 3 Points shooting competition.

Each player will have 15 attempts.

The winner who scored 7 3-points.

I could see a lot of potential players battling it out with their sweat and heart. Although some teams have a few shining, trump cards to rely on; the other teams bank on their team work and top-notch work rate to get the better of their opponents. We had a break at around 2p.m. to make way for a 3-points shooting competition. Representatives from each team will be shooting from downtown to see who can score the highest number of 3-points. In the end the shooter from Pay Fong C team emerged as champion and walked home with goodies bag worth RM1,000. Wow...

The freestylers. :)

Watch how the ball is being toyed. :p

After that, we were entertained by 2 basketball freestylers who showed us what they have got up their sleeves. They toyed with the ball and spun it. Quite interesting and funny if you ask me. Haha :D OK. After the break~the match we all have been waiting for started. It was the final match between Pay Fong High School and Durian Tunggal. Both were the strongest teams in the tournament. So it was a bit of a pity to see them fighting tooth and nails, trying to knock each other out.

The battle between the 2 strongest teams: Pay Fong VS Durian Tunggal.

A gruesome match was about to begin.

Both are equally strong.

Only one team can advance to the grand final in KL.

Watch how one player from Durian Tunggal was literally unstoppable.

It was a very, very close match for both Pay Fong High School and Durian Tunggal. The former was the favourite while the latter was the underdog. However Pay Fong failed to keep their composure and this allowed Durian Tunggal to take control and beat them. Honestly I was hoping that both of them would not be drawn into the same group. Well...this is what we call fair-play right? All in all the whole tournament was very entertaining  :)

Ouh yeah~For those who are staying in Perak, 23 of July will be final tournament to pick the last 4 remaining representatives from the Northern Conference. The competition will be taking place in Bercham. If you and your friend have not registered yet, hurry up and do so ok. It's time to show everyone your basketball skills. This might be your springboard to be noticed and get into the NBA. Ha :D Who knows right? For information, please refer to S.O.X. official website. Remember: S.O.X. All-starts Hoops' 11 might be your ticket to realize your lifelong dream.

S.O.X. All-stars Hoops '11 totally kick ass!