NBA LIVE Challenge Update

January 30, 2009

Welcome to the 2009 NBA Live Challenge bought to you by the folks here at EA SPORTS. This year's NBA Live Challenge returns in search of the best NBA Live gamers around the country.  We will travel to 11 regional stops as one finalist from each city will travel to NBA ALL-STAR weekend in Phoenix, AZ for a chance at $20,000 cash and a $5,000 shopping spree with our official retail sponsor Best Buy. 

The EA SPORTS Live Gossip Wire is also back by request to bring you authentic quotes as Commissioner Mike Brown will bring you Q and A coverage with each regional winner.

Minneapolis Live Wire:

Minneapolis, MN (Mall of America)

Ace-Deuce-King is back to defend his title in Arizona in a few weeks after a stellar performance in Minneapolis.  Ace kicked butt and asked no questions all day in route to his second regional championship in 2 years.  Regarded by many as the most feared NBA Live player on the tournament circuit, Ace redeemed himself after his 1st ever tournament loss to Wakka a day earlier. 



When asked how he felt about his first loss, Ace responded:

"Wakka played an exceptional game first off.  Secondly, I didn't take him as serious as I should have so he jumped out to a huge lead on me, which forced me to have to fight the whole game.  He did a good job on offense, which kept me trailing for most if not the whole game.  I fought back but just couldn't get over the hump to catch him."

My attempts to pull a little trash talk out of Ace failed so I asked him about something I knew he didn't mind talking about...himself!

Q & A

Commish: "Ace, let's talk about last year after you won the $10,000.  How great of a feeling was that and what did you do with your winnings?"

Ace: "Oh Man!  That was a great feeling because I knew I was the best player last year.  The money came in handy too because I needed to pay off a few bills but after that, I splurged a lot. Having extra cash that I could buy things with was a plus."

Commish: "Let's be frank here, America wants to know what Ace did with the cash."

Ace: "Well you know I had to get fly...I bought clothes, shoes, etc and used some to pay for my schooling. I have my own apartment, so some went there and basically it was great in so many ways.  Can't wait to do it again!"

Commish:  "You seem confident that you're going to win the whole thing again, are you willing to guarantee victory?"

Ace: "Not really, or at least not at this point because I'm extremely rusty, but now I have a couple of good solid weeks before NBA ALL-STAR weekend to get my game A++ in preparation for the semi's.  I'm dedicating myself to the game."

Commish: "I've been asking around about this guy that goes by the name, "Tony Bangz," can you give me any intel on this cat?"

Ace: "He isn't anything special to me, he's just an online baller that loves to run his mouth about making it to NBA ALL-STAR Weekend.  So, if he happens to make it...than we will see about it at that point." 

Commish: "Was that a little bit of trash talk there Ace?"

Ace: (laughing) "That's never me Brown, I'm totally focused on winning the 20 g's and that $5,000 Best Buy gift card, which I would like to thank EA SPORTS and Best Buy for raising the prize money from a year ago!"

Commish: "What are you plans this year if you happen to win the whole tournament again?"

Ace:  "You can best bet that I'm going to Best Buy and get all new electronics for my apartment. 

Commish: "NBA Live Boss has stated that he is waiting for you to win a city so that he can get a rematch this year in Arizona.  What do you think about those comments?"

Ace: "Boss is a great competitor, and arguably the greatest of all time on NBA Live.  He has been in the finals every year and I can't take anything away from him.  I can understand why he wants to see me again.  He wants his rematch like any great boxer who gets knocked off the top.  They want an immediate rematch with the new champ and like any true champion, I'm definitely willing to give him that rematch." 

Commish: "Every champion always has something to end on.  Do you have any last words from the champ?"

Ace: "I would simply like to thank EA SPORTS for putting the NBA Live tournament together once again.  This year is a little different because I have real business to take care of.  With that being said, it's going to be a pleasure to take care of business in Phoenix."

Commish: "Spoken like a true champion"

Ace continues to shy away from trash talk but if you read between the lines, I'm sure you can pull something out of it.  In the infamous words spoken by Muhammad Ali...The Champ is here!

It's been a great week of competition, until next time...I'll see you guys in the city of brotherly love.  Commissioner Brown...out!