The Rise of the “6-7” Phenomenon
In recent months, LaMelo Ball, the star player for the Charlotte Hornets, has gained skyrocketing popularity, not solely due to his on-court performances or the team’s push for a playoff spot. Instead, it’s largely due to a cultural phenomenon surrounding his height of 6 feet 7 inches—a figure that has become almost legendary among basketball fans. This trend, dubbed the “6-7” phenomenon, has gained immense traction, notably influencing how audiences engage with the game across both professional and collegiate platforms.
Dictionary.com and the Hornets’ Engagement
To capitalize on this excitement, Dictionary.com designated “6-7” as its “Word of the Year” for 2025, cementing its place in pop culture. The Hornets have been particularly proactive in enhancing the fan experience by introducing a “6-7” camera during certain games. This feature, according to the Hornets’ Chief Marketing Officer, Seth Bennett, is a way for the franchise to connect more deeply with its young audience, particularly during special events like kids’ game days.
Fan Engagement and Community Atmosphere
Fans and their families have begun to monitor their teams closely, creating a palpable atmosphere in arenas whenever a team nears—or exceeds—67 points. One example of this was captured during a recent game featuring the Hornets and 76ers, where the excitement among children was palpable. Michael Robinson recalled attending with his son, who learned about the excitement of “6-7” from social media and friends.
“It’s just cool,”
remarked Abel, Robinson’s 6-year-old son, clearly indicating the fun associated with the trend.
The Origin of the Craze
The origin of this unexpected craze can be traced back to the release of Skrilla’s track “Doot Doot (6-7)” in 2024, which became a viral sensation on TikTok, drawing the attention of basketball enthusiasts. Surprisingly, the meaning behind “6-7” remains nebulous, with fans attributing their interpretations to the term. Skrilla himself expressed surprise at its widespread adoption, stating,
“Everybody created their own meaning,”
and appreciating how it’s transformed into a global meme far beyond his intent.
Influence on Basketball Events
Furthermore, the trend’s influence has become so pervasive that basketball-related events are now infused with playful gestures associated with “6-7”, exemplified by Charlotte forward Miles Bridges, who audibly celebrated the moment during a game by mimicking the hand gesture linked to the craze.
As this new form of engagement swept through various levels of basketball, it began to animate arenas nationwide. Take the case of the Oklahoma women’s basketball team, where fans enthusiastically embraced the trend by showcasing signs while celebrating players’ efforts to hit that elusive 67-point mark. In one instance, a buzzer-beater by Aaliyah Chavez ignited wild cheers from the crowd, highlighting how the excitement surrounding “6-7” has fostered a vibrant community environment among fans.
Coaching and Community Connection
This movement has even seeped into the coaching world, with figures such as Maryland’s Brenda Frese and LSU’s Kim Mulkey playfully embracing the catchy trend during games. Coaches have worn jerseys featuring the mystical number or performed the hand gestures on the big screen, creating heartfelt connections with fans that transcend mere competition.
The trend has also prompted memorable game moments where teams specifically targeted the 67-point goal, as illustrated when Maryland narrowly succeeded in reaching it amidst a commanding lead. Observers have noted that the significance of “6-7”—though seemingly arbitrary—has become a part of the ritualistic experiences fans often partake in, deepening their connection to the game.
Conclusion
The impact of the “6-7” phenomenon signifies a shift in how younger audiences interact with basketball, a development that LaMelo Ball has unwittingly helped foster. Bennett points out that the approach has been overwhelmingly positive, noting that there’s no downside to embracing an entertaining trend that has captured the imagination of young fans everywhere.
