Ray Trained Like It Was the NBA Finals for Pop-A-Palooza in Vegas and Finished in the TOP 10!!
When Raymundo sets his mind on something, he doesn't exactly do it halfway.
After recently coming up short in a basketball tournament in Chicago, Ray headed back to Las Vegas for Pop-A-Palooza, a massive mini-basketball tournament he had been preparing for like it was Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The mission was simple: bring home a championship. The result? An impressive 8th-place finish and another classic Ray adventure.
The Journey Started With a Travel Delay
Ray's trip got off to a slightly rocky start when his flight to Las Vegas was delayed by an hour. Fortunately, it wasn't enough to derail his plans.
After finally landing in Vegas, he checked into Circa and immediately called it a night.
Despite being in one of the most exciting cities in the world, Ray wasn't interested in the nightlife.
"Where the party at? Like, for real though, I'm going to bed."
Because for Ray, the tournament had already begun!!
Why Ray Was Running Through Las Vegas at 5 AM
Most people visiting Vegas are heading back to their hotel room at 5 AM.
Ray was heading out for a run.
The morning of the tournament, he hit the Strip before sunrise for a three-mile workout. Why? Because, according to Ray, that's when the city is safest.
Sharing advice passed down from his dad, Ray explained:
"The bad guys aren't out when you don't want to be out."
Ray's theory? If you're awake and running at 5 AM, everyone else is still asleep, meaning no trouble.
The workout became part of a preparation routine that included basketball practice, staying hydrated, getting some sun, and trying to stay occupied during the 10 hours between waking up and tip-off.
Training for Mini Basketball Like a Professional Athlete
At several points throughout his vlog, Ray compared the event to March Madness and even joked that it felt like the NBA Finals.
He spent part of the day shooting baskets, reviewing his game, and mentally preparing for the competition.
By the time he climbed into an Uber for the tournament, he was feeling confident.
"Not nervous at all. Played basketball, ran, got a tan. What more can you do to prepare for a basketball tournament?"
That's "So Raymundo!"
Reality Hits at Pop-A-Palooza
For weeks, Ray had been talking about the tournament on The Bobby Bones Show and in his vlogs.
Then he arrived.
Suddenly, all the competitors he'd been joking about on the air were standing right in front of him.
"Guys, apparently people listen to the radio show."
According to Ray, several players recognized him from the show and reminded him about some of the things he'd said leading up to the event.
And just like that, the trash talk became real life.
Ray Finishes 8th Overall
While the championship ultimately slipped away, Ray still delivered a strong performance, finishing 8th overall in the tournament.
Afterward, he summed up the experience the way only he can.
"Win or lose, we booze."
Ray added that the celebration was also in memory of Scuba, who couldn't make the trip.
Even without bringing home the trophy, Ray considered it a successful weekend.
A basketball tournament in Vegas, a 5 AM run on the Strip, a mini basketball that somehow earned him respect at the airport, and an eighth-place finish against a packed field?
That's a pretty solid trip!
And if history tells us anything, Ray is probably already training for the next one. 🏀🍻
You can watch Ray's entire Video Blog Here
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