More than 275 Naval Station Guantanamo Bay residents crowded into the Denich Gym, Nov. 4, to see the professional Ballup basketball players take on a team of active duty and reserve military members.

Ballup is a refashion of the original street ball culture that focuses on professionalizing the game.

The active duty team consisted of service members from different areas of the base.

"Getting to play against my hero as a kid, that was the greatest thing," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Bryant Stone, a member of the active duty team. "Playing in front of a crowd, that was great too. My wife and daughter getting to see me play, that was great too. It was a great experience overall for me."

Stone added that getting to play against someone he watched growing up, like Aaron "AO" Owen was crazy and like living a dream.

Ballup team members said they have the utmost respect for what service members do.

"This is something great for me, these guys are protecting me and protecting the world," said Taurian "The Air Up There" Fontenette, a Ballup team member. "For us to be able to come out here and show them some love for as much love as they show us, it is something great and I have enjoyed every minute of it."

During the visit, the Ballup team conducted a basketball clinic for base residents of all ages to learn from professionals how to become basketball players.

"This is the first time we have done an event like this on a military base," said Darius Jones, Ballup live event producer. "The turnout was great, the kids had a good time, [and] the guys we played against had fun. It has been a great event."

Jones added that the group appreciated Morale, Welfare and Recreation for hosting the event and hoped to see everyone again soon.

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