PlayStation Skills Challenge

The Skills Challenge debuted in the 2003 NBA All-Star Weekend. It is traditionally hosted by PlayStation and is a competition for ball-handlers. First, the competitor shoots a layup. Then, he must dribble between three obstacles. Basic ball-handling rules must be observed. At the end of the obstacles, the player must throw a pass that does not touch the ground into the net, followed by pass into a second net that must touch the ground. After the passes, the player shoots a jumpshot from 20 feet away from the basket. Next, the player must throw a long pass from close to the basket (called an "outlet pass") into a third net. Finally, the player will dribble between a second set of three obstacles and complete the challenge with a layup. After all of these tasks are successfully completed the timer is stopped. Out of four players, the two with the fastest times proceed to the next round where the same challenge is performed and the winner is determined. When the competition debuted to the world, it was originally named the 989 Sports Skills Challenge. In 2005, it the event was renamed the PlayStation Skills Challenge. The current champion is Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz.

Past Winners

*2008: Deron Williams, Utah Jazz in 25.5 seconds.**
*2007: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat in 26.4 seconds.
*2006: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat in 26.1 seconds.
*2005: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns in 25.8 seconds.
*2004: Baron Davis, New Orleans Hornets in 31.6 seconds
*2003: Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets in 35.1 seconds

Event record**

Past Finishes

*2008: Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Dwayne Wade
*2007: Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Chris Paul
*2006: Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Chris Paul, Steve Nash
*2005: Steve Nash, Earl Boykins, Luke Ridnour, Gilbert Arenas
*2004: Baron Davis, Derek Fisher, Earl Boykins, Stephon Marbury
*2003: Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Stephon Marbury, Tony Parker

External links

* [http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/skills_challenge/ 2008 Skills Challenge]
* [http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/skills_challenge/ 2007 Skills Challenge]
* [http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/skills_challenge/ 2006 Skills Challenge]
* [http://www.nba.com/allstar2005/skills_challenge/ 2005 Skills Challenge]
* [http://www.nba.com/allstar2004/skills_challenge/ 2004 Skills Challenge]