What Does it Take to Be #1?

For the sake of this post, it really isn’t a question because it is the name of the event Auburndale native and NBA superstar Tracy McGrady started 9 years ago. McGrady will return to his childhood home of Auburndale this weekend where the “What Does it Take to Be #1″ street ball tournament will take place at the gym that is named after him at Auburndale High School. There will be 16 teams from around the country competing for the championship and some of the participants play in the NBA, so that should give you an idea of the level of talent involved. The event is alsways a big hit with spectators and is definitely worth checking out. Some stars from the world of sports who have participated or attended in the past are: Chucky Atkins, Jermaine O’Neil, Nick Anderson, Mike James, Andre Berto, Amare Stoudemire and Daunte Culpepper.

Admission to the games is only $2 per day, with children under 12 admitted for free. The championship game is scheduled for this Sunday (July 13) at 4pm. For more information, call 863.528.0045.

For the sake of answering the question that is the headline of this post…..

Q:What Does it Take to Be #1? (McGrady’s jersey number is #1)

A: You must be one of the top prospects in the country while still playing high school basketball. Then, go on to be drafted as a top 10 pick in the NBA daft. From there, go on to be a 7-time All Star, 2-time NBA scoring champion, have four career 50+ point games, have a career average of 22 points per game, 6 rebounds per game and 4 assists per game and throw in one 60 point game performance.

That’s all it takes. Or, you can win McGrady’s streetball tournament this weekend. Neither route to “#1″ seems easy.