Basketball Stars compete in Topspin Charity Ping Pong Tournament at The Palazzo Las Vegas
On Saturday, July 18, Chris Paul hosted the Third Annual TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament presented by IHG Rewards Club at The Palazzo Las Vegas (Pictured: Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving – Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com).
Spectators watch C.J Watson and John Wallace at the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
The event, hosted at Lagasse’s Stadium continues to grow year after year, and this year is no exception with a 24-player bracket.
2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament Group Shot
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Among the players joining Paul and battling it out for ping pong glory were:
- Al-Farouq Aminu
- Alan Anderson
- Trevor Ariza
- Harrison Barnes
- Sam Cassell
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Julius “Dr. J” Erving
- Langston Galloway
- Eric Gordon
- Willie Green
- Bernard James
- Courtney Lee
- Jordan Mickey
- Nerlens Noel
- Paul Pierce
- Shawn Porter
- Jerome Randle
- Steve Smith
- Jerry Stackhouse
- John Wallace
- C.J. Watson
- Jerome Williams
- Mike Woodson
Chris Paul at the TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
The tournament was emceed by actor and comedian Chris Spencer.
Coach Mike Woodson Plays in the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Many wanted to dethrone Chris Paul, who was crowned back-to-back champion the past two years, but it looked like he was poised for a three-peat. He staved off his opponents and ended up facing Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell in the finals. Cassell showed off his ping pong skills and handily eliminated Paul in a best-of-three final.
Eric Gordon signs shirts for kids from the Jump For Joy Foundation
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Guests at the event were treated to samples of Chris Paul’s wine collaboration with ONEHOPE Wine, which launched that night, and participated in a silent auction that included memorabilia signed by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Stephen Curry, John Elway, Clayton Kershaw, Warren Moon, and more. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction will benefit TopSpin, the Chris Paul Family Foundation, and the Jump For Joy Foundation.
Chris Paul presents Sam Cassell with the 2015 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament trophy
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Prior to the kickoff of the ping pong tournament, kids from the Jump For Joy Foundation were treated to a gondola ride through the Grand Canal at The Venetian with some of their favorite athletes.
Willie Green Rides Gondola with kids from Jump For Joy Foundation
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Eric Gordon Rides Gondola with kids from Jump For Joy Foundation
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Al-Farouq Aminu taking selfies with kids from the Jump For Joy Foundation
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Chris Paul with kids from the Jump For Joy Foundation
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Jerome Williams on the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament Red Carpet
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Shawn Porter on the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament Red Carpet
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
C.J. Watson on the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament Red Carpet
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Jerome Randle on the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament Red Carpet
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
Willie Green on the 2015 TopSpin Charity Ping Pong Tournament Red Carpet
Photo credit: © Patrick Gray / www.KabikPhotoGroup.com.
The Chris Paul Family Foundation strives to impact the communities it serves by using its resources and passion for philanthropy to enhance and promote education, health, sports and social responsibility for youth and families. In 2005, Chris established the Chris Paul Family Foundation, in honor of his late grandfather, to provide scholarships for kids to attend Wake Forest University.
Guided by the principle that every child deserves access to a well-rounded, quality education, TopSpin seeks to provide the necessary resources for underserved youth in the United States to succeed. Since inception over six years ago, the organization has hosted events that have raised more than $2 million and have funded 17 nonprofit partners. Find out more at TopSpinCharity.com.