Street ballers take on Zim

who form the And1 African Tour, were in Zimbabwe two years ago and will be making a return.
And1 is a legendary American street basketball group, recognised and celebrated as the embodiment of the basketball culture outside the NBA and has been touring since 2003.
The athletes are famed for their high-energy action with players like Hot Sauce, Spyda, Werm, 50, Amazing, Highrizer, Baby Shaq and Airbama expected to make the tour to Harare. Some of these players have featured in movies like Mountain Dew, the Nike commercials, ESPN Street Ball Series and various streetball video games.
Mona Karingi, the Coca-Cola senior brand manager, believes the coming in of the players will provide a refreshing platform for local basketball fans.
The Harare Basketball Association will this weekend use their matches to identify players who will play against the tourists.
Charmaine Chamboko, the HBA secretary, yesterday were excited about hosting the US basketball stars.
“There is going to be a Slam And One basketball match which will see players from the US in action.
“The guys play street basketball which is less formal and is more entertaining.
“Street basketball has more dunks, more slams, three-pointers and dribbling.
“It’s more entertaining than the conventional game,” said Chamboko.
Chamboko said the US athletes are expected to be at the City Sports Centre around 3pm and will mingle with fans before the main match against the Zimbabwe Select scheduled for 7pm.
“Some of these guys came here two years ago and I think we will get a much bigger crowd this time,” said Chamboko.
Street basketball has its origins over 20 years ago when players began to show their individual skills at a New York City playground called The Rucker Park.
In the US, street ball has opened up opportunities for the players such as entry into the NBA and movie careers.