Philip Champion, a.k.a. “Hot Sauce,” poses for a photo in one of the on-wall graffitis inside the Tenement basketball court in Taguig. PHOTO by Khristian Ibarrola/INQUIRER.net
After getting his hand print immortalized during a tribute mural ceremony in the Tenement basketball court in Taguig on Thursday, one of the godfathers of street basketball bared his secrets on how he comes up with the most creative moves on the court.
READ: ‘Hot Sauce,’ ‘MoreFree,’ Jimmy Alapag honored with mural in Taguig
Philip Champion, popularly known by his monicker “Hot Sauce,” detailed how he manages to pull off an array of ankle-breaking cross-overs that has been imitated by up-and-coming street ballers.
“I practice a lot on kids, that’s my secret,” the 40-year-old street ball legend told INQUIRER.net. “I practice all my moves on little kids so when i play with the older guys, it’s just easier.”
Sauce, who rose to prominence after participating in countless AND1 mixtape tours throughout the globe, added that he has put a lot of work to hone his craft, but also attributed his success to God-given talent.
“When I created them it came natural. I just think about it and I just do it,” he said.
The Atlanta, Georgia, native, along with the rest of the famed American street-ball ensemble Court Kingz, are in town to promote Global Hoops 2016, a mixture of street ball and hip-hop exhibition happening on Aug. 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The “Court Kingz” players answered some questions from the media. (From left) Zig Zag, Jumpin’ Joe, Jumpman, Mr. Viral, Megatron, Mani Love, Master Jeng and event host Mike Swift. Photo by Khristian Ibarrola/INQUIRER.net
Apart from baring the secret to his on-court tricks, Sauce shared with INQUIRER.net how he became as one of the most recognizable names of street basketball.
“To become a legend you have to be a local legend. You can’t just be a legend on the road,” he said. “By playing in the hood every day, do all the stuff yo do every day, people will remember that. Then, once you do it in the big market, now you become a worldwide legend.”
“That’s what it’s all about. I had the street creed before I even got on,” the AND1 veteran added.
Victor Martinez, CEO of Court Kingz, meanwhile, explained further the team’s motivations and what they represent.
“We do this for the streets. We do it for the forgotten courts like this,” he told members of the media while pointing at the multi-story Tenement residents who were looking on from their respective floors.
“We’re here to reach out to these kids in these streets and maybe impact global hoops and do it for the glory of God,” he added.
Martinez also boldy proclaimed their dominance as the top team in street basketball, despite the presence of the Chinese street ball team nearby, led by superstar “More Free.”
China’s streetball squad, Team RZP. Photo by Khristian Ibarrola/INQUIRER.net
“Don’t get it twisted we’re number one,” he declared.
Global Hoops 2016 is made possible by King Bally, a sports events management and production company founded by Allan de los Reyes.
The event will feature the finest representatives from the US, China and the Philippines, as they showcase they their talent in playground basketball.
Apart from jaw dropping on-court performances, attendees will also be treated with several performances from the hottest urban music artists in the country.
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