28 pick of the 1993 NBA Draft. Know someone who'd like Harlem news in their inbox? There he played on the same team as Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford and Sebastian Telfair. There's a new sheriff in Harlem looking to rejuvenate the Entertainers Basketball Classic at famed Rucker Park Cordell Marius. Its gotten people out of trouble. What can they expect when they go to a game this summer? Monroe was a late-bloomer to the high school game; he started at center his final year at Bartram and averaged 21.7 ppg. Not only do the players want to do well, you want to do your best job so you can grow from it, he said. By COURT-VISION. Its all part of the officiating learning curve. DeWitt Clinton (Bronx, N.Y.) '66 By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of all the cookies. No matter, Monroe developed into one of the game's greatest guards under the tutelage of Clarence "Big House" Gaines at Winston-Salem State and at Philly's famed Baker League. Roberts could not see over the heads of those who stacked the parks sidelines shoulder-to-shoulder. CEO's and brothers Joe Jr., and Randy Cruz host a Pro-Am Men's League with NBA and former college standouts opening day July 3rd. Terms of Use He even had a regular spot on the Globetrotters' 1970s cartoon show. They often do so by playing in as many games that they can, be it pick-up, AAU or park league. We are going to be doing tons of giveaways, and were going to be in the community. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Hammond never really got into the high school game; he was already deep into the street game. Players who never made it to the NBA. Wells is hopeful that the renewed interest in Rucker Park will restore the courts allure. History. Holcombe Rucker expanded to after-school programs during the school year and formed the Pro Division in 1950. Rucker Park will host one of the tournament's early "regional" rounds, between July 16-20, with all games open to the public. Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pa.) '55 It is the first time in TBT's nine-year. The renovations at the Rucker are personal for many NBA players, who have personal histories at the court, as well as for Roberts herself, who said her brothers took her to the park to shoot hoops while she was growing up in the South Bronx. It means even more to me because that's where everything began for me.". Bartram (Philadelphia, Pa.) '62 He said his most memorable experience involved Durant. Although he didn't play high school basketball, Williams did earn his keep at Medgar Evans College in Brooklyn. This is where Bryant and Anthony played, while recent appearances have included NFL stars Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. RUCKER PARK STREETBALL LEAGUE Schedule June 14 - August 29, 2021 NEW YORK, New York Info Schedule Teams Venues Documents Travel/Lodging Download the Tri-State Classic / Jordan Brand App Click on a division below or search for a team to view the schedule. Said to have brought in the greatest crowds ever seen at Rucker Park, Erving earned several nicknames during his time on the court, including "Little Hawk," "The Claw" and "Black Moses." Soon, he invited pros back, enlivening the experience with the addition of bombastic play-by-play callers, booming hip-hop soundtracks and corporate sponsors. Well be telling the history.. A post shared by SLAM HIGH SCHOOL (@slam_hs). 16U, and 15U teams participate in The Circuit League this spring and summer? By The Circuit, 12/06/21, 6:00AM EST. As an official, if theres a lot of jump shots, it makes life easier, he joked. Reggie White Tournament Registration 2023 Theme by SiteOrigin Theme by SiteOrigin June 2, 2015. Nate "The Skate . Pablo Robertson Its not just the renovation, Wells said. Youll see N.B.A. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to lock in these partnerships. Just like the players, summer basketball in the parks is where the good officials become better. From $2.24. Subscribe to get the Referee.com Review every week plus periodic free training and special offers on the sports you officiate. Known as the elite high school basketball players favorite all-star game, the SLAM Summer Classic will again bring together the top boys and girls from across the country to take part in a weekend filled with community,cultureand competition. The Ex-Pats will take on sixth-seeded Big 5, a team comprised of talent from Philadelphia's Big Five . [7] In addition to the basketball court, the park has a baseball field, handball courts, children's playground, bathrooms, and a spray shower.[3]. It was the NBA's loss, however, as the Hawk soared with the Globetrotters, the ABL, the ABA and, of course, on the playground. Privacy Policy A 5-foot-7 showman with a wicked handle, Robertson helped Loyola of Chicago win the 1963 NCAA title. The renovation has meaning for him beyond just the return of celebrities and N.B.A. The Rucker summer league staged throughout Harlem was a proving ground for top college and pro stars by the 1960s, and eventually came to call the courts at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard home. Find Camps & Activities for your Active Kids, Basketball Workouts to Increase Explosiveness. It was also featured in the 2018 film Uncle Drew. But she soaked in the excitement and energy from the crowd, the laughter from the bellies, the yelling from the lungs, in what amounted to one large block party at West 155th Street and what was then known just as Eighth Avenue, with basketball as the eternal soundtrack. A fierce rebounder, Ramsey has impeccable credentials as a Rucker legend -- he is the only player to ever win Rucker MVP honors at the high school, college and pro level. Despite all the success the community experienced through the youth league and summer tournament, Mary Rucker-Thomas does not feel that her husband's legacy . I hate to use that term, but Atlanta is truly the culture from music, to food, and even fashion. These days, Rucker Park is best known as the site of the famous Entertainers Basketball Classic summer league, which features the top streetball talents in New York along with occasional celebrity cameos. Streety has an appropriate last name for a streetball legend and he's another who put in work with the Harlem Globetrotters. Corey "Homicide" Williams While Gilbert said, Basketball is basketball and players play wherever, Morrissey and Mensah said there are some distinct variances when the game is played outside. Like Earl Manigault before him, Scott finished his high school days at Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina before Dean Smith recruited him as UNC's first African-American scholarship athlete. With Rucker Park, I think about History. You have to let them know why you made a certain call. They recognize good players, good coaches and they recognize good referees.. Morrissey said the way he improved from a skills aspect, and gained the respect from players and fans, was officiating games as often as possible. Since 1974, the park has been named after Holcombe Rucker, a local teacher and a playground director for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Julius Erving and the rappers Fat Joe and ASAP Ferg spoke at the parks reopening after renovations. Every game and every person is different. For one, the park features a wooden court as opposed to concrete or asphalt. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Rice (New York, N.Y.) '95 His legacy was in place, though, and it was cemented when the city of New York renamed P.S. [2] The land that the park is on was once the site of the 8th Avenue Railroad Company. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Frank "Shake N' Bake" Streety Teams 12U (8 teams) 14U (7 teams) HIGH SCHOOL (13 teams) MENS UNLIMITED (12 teams) So the rumors of his Rucker Park debut echoed throughout the city's entire summer basketball community. 156 Playground when it opened in 1956, and an influential Harlem teacher named Holcombe Rucker soon saw its potential. Its paved the way for so many people, Williams said. players union, checked in on the progress. Underneath the 155th Street bridge is Rucker Park, quite possibly the most famous playground in basketball. A windy day likely means more drives to the basket. Glen Springs Academy (Lakemont, N.Y.) '72 All rights reserved. Since a Harlem teacher named Holcombe Rucker first formed a summer league at the park in 1950, the court, at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, has helped shape the history of street basketball. Kareen Abdul-Jabbar -Power Memorial (New York, NY) Class of 1965, Rafer Skip To My Lou Alston -Cardozo (Queens, NY), Class of 1994, Nate The Skate Archibald -Dewitt Clinton (Bronx, NY) Class of 1966, Wilt Chamberlin -Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pa) Class of 1955, Julius The Claw Erving commonly known as "Dr. J" -Roosevelt (Roosevelt, NY) Class of 1968, Joe The Destroyer Hammond -Taft (Bronx, NY), Connie The Hawk Hawkins -Boys (Brooklyn, NY) Class of 1960, Jumpin Jackie Jackson -Boys (Brooklyn, NY) Class of 1958, Richard Pee Wee Kirkland -Charles Evan Hughes (New York, NY) Class of 1964, Herman Helicopter Knowlings -Ben Franklin (Harlem, NY), Earl (The Goat) Manigault -Ben Franklin (Harlem, NY) Class of 1964, Conrad Mcnasty Mcrae -Brooklyn Tech (Brooklyn, NY) Class of 1989, Earl The Pearl Monroe -Bartram (Philadelphia, Pa) Class of 1962, Corey Homicide Williams -Rice (New York, NY) Class of 1995, Kareem Best Kept Secret Reid -St. Raymonds (Bronx, NY) Class of 1994, Charlie Scott -Laurinburg Institute (Laurinberg, NC) Class of 1966, James Fly Williams -Glen Springs Academy (Lakemont, NY) Class of 1972, James Speedy Williams -Morris (Bronx, NY) Class of 1987, Larry Bone Collector Williams -Pasadena (Pasadena, Calif). . These days, Rucker Park is best known as the site of the famous Entertainers Basketball Classic summer league, which features the top streetball talents in New York along with occasional celebrity cameos. At any point any coach, player or fan can lose their mind. But it's at Rucker where Erving turned 155th into his own personal playground. Beginning with this summer's slate of games, the Drew League will leave its longtime partner in Nike for a new multiyear partnership with Adidas. He also killed cats at the Rucker when he wasn't at UCLA winning three NCAA titles. NEW YORK -- The B train takes you to the 155th street stop on the north edge of Harlem. One of the premier streetball leagues providing weekly access to some of not only the city's, but also the nation's brightest stars gracing the hardwood is, of course, the Rucker Park Entertainers Basketball Classic. Its almost all one-on-one.. 'Slutty Vegan' Will Open Much Anticipated Harlem Joint Next Week, Espaillat Announces Community Project Funding, Urges Orgs to Apply, Program For Harlem Entrepreneurs Could End With $16K Prize: See How, Unlock Your True Potential- From Feeling Cursed to Confident In 6 Weeks, NYC AI Summer Camp for Middle School Students. Ramsey even spent some time in the League with the hometown Knicks and the Syracuse Nationals, but he's perhaps best remembered for legendary schoolyard battles against Connie Hawkins. 22.6k Followers, 805 Following, 473 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from EBC at Rucker Park (@ebcruckerpark) Rucker Park 50th anniversary. Most fans know "The Dipper" averaged 50.4 points per game in an NBA season and once scored 100. Hollans: The environment is going to be something that people can connect with. Its just us today in the park. Its stressful. You come in that park, and while the tournament is on, you might be able to see any star, said Gus Wells, the chief executive of Entertainers 155, which operates the street ball tournament. After all, this is entertainment for a lot of these fans, Gilbert remarked. Basketball players at every level use the summer months to improve their skills on the court. And, more specifically, for the great players who have competed on that court. Hollans: Sure! On this list, you'll find NBA icons, streetball legends and -- in some cases -- both. He once scored 100 points in a Police Athletic League game where his team scored 102. Invite them to subscribe to Harlem Patch. His goal was to provide leadership and a leg up for thousands of boys and girls. Holcombe Rucker, a playground director, established a youth basketball league and summer tournament nearly 70 years ago to keep children away from temptation even as others warned him to disregard a sport designed for the winter. You kind of learn about the players through the course of the game. You have to be strong, you have to communicate and you have to be good. The goal of the players union is to restore the park as a community asset and attract N.B.A. Holcombe Rucker, a Harlem school teacher, staged the first summer Rucker tournament in 1946. MackenzieMgbako, Gill St. Bernard School (Gladstone, NJ), Robert Dillingham,DondaAcademy (Simi Valley, CA), SimeonWilcher, Roselle Catholic HS (Roselle, NJ), Jared McCain, Centennial HS (Corona, CA), Judea Watkins, Sierra Canyon HS (Los Angeles, CA), Jadyn Donovan, Sidwell Friends School (Washington DC), Hannah Hidalgo, Paul VI HS (Haddonfield, NJ). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In August, the players union announced it had joined with the citys Department of Parks and Recreation, among others, to give the court a substantial face-lift that would cost $520,000 and to create a recreation position for Rucker Park and the nearby Jackie Robinson Recreation Center. Cookie Settings. The work will a new court surface, high-quality backboards and hoops, new bleachers, benches and park gates, and a new scoreboard that will be easier for community members to program. In the Rucker Park League there are no set plays. You see a lot of plays, and if it happens again, you have an idea how to call it.. Veterans: Wilt Chamberlain, Julius "The Doctor" Erving, Connie Hawkins, Joe "Destroyer" Hammond, Tiny Archibald . What's even more amazing, though, is that Rucker Park has its own list of legends. He didn't play big-time college ball, but Wilson was a big-time scorer and playmaker at John Jay College in the early 1980s. This place is very legendary in the urban community. for the reopening, which was attended by Erving, Kirkland, Nate Archibald and a number of others who had forged their reputations on the court. At NYU, Ramsey earned All-American honors and teamed up with future Boston Celtics legend Thomas "Satch" Sanders to form one of the greatest playground frontcourts in history. The climb began on the lower levels before eventually culminating with 10 years in NCAA Division I basketball in several different conferences as well as Spain. That led the National Basketball Players Association the union representing the league's players to approach the city, offering to fund $360,000 in renovations that are set to begin this summer. We dont come there giving you roses, one player said. In recent years, Wells said, some summer tournaments that used to come to the Harlem court have started to go elsewhere. Fly was so good offensively it was frightening -- both literally and figuratively. The park was established in 1956 next to PS 156; the school closed in 1981. Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) founder Greg Marius can only recall one player he wishes would've graced the famed court within Rucker Park: Michael Jordan. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Back home, however, the lefty point is better known for leading rapper Fat Joe's Terror Squad to three consecutive EBC titles in 2002-04, including the final one in which he led his team past a group featuring Cali standouts Baron Davis and Gilbert Arenas. All in the family: how three generations of Jaquezes have ruled West Coast basketball, Alonso says Aston 'living a dream,' eyes podium, Top moments from Brady, Manning, Jordan and other athletes hosting 'Saturday Night Live'. Established as a proving ground for amateurs and pros, as well as a portal to the neighborhood's own basketball dreamscape, Rucker Park Streetball League has endured and evolved with the game, showcasing basketball's best to step between the lines. Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond North (Riverside, Calif.) summer league team in 1993 before returning to New York and creating history at the Rucker. He is looking forward to sharpening his game on a functional court. The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? custom baskets donated by Spalding. But on the playgrounds, Archibald was known as "The Skate," the man who returned to Rucker every summer even after he made it to the big-time. For the first time, the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. Richard "Pee Wee" Kirkland players. Officiating In Perspective with Barry Mano, let some of the stars get away with a violation or two, Next Level Softball Umpiring Free Email Series. The game didnt get started at Rucker until 11 p.m. If somebody asked me to go, I went, he said. For over 50 years the Each One Teach One summer league, also founded by McCullough and Crawford, has called Rucker Park home. Morris (Bronx, N.Y.) '87 His goal was to provide leadership and a leg up for thousands of boys and girls. A McDonald's All-American at Brooklyn Tech, McCrae was the No. Rucker Park is something that just about everybody knows, and people understand the history and the heritage of playing basketball outside. From Bria Janelle hosting and bringing the energy that she does, to the band, to the playersIts almost a little overwhelming. There was an error submitting your subscription. And the biggest thing is its for free. Rucker Park, in her estimation, looked decrepit, with the blacktop cracked and uneven and the bleachers in disarray. All rights reserved. Hip-hop luminaries like Fat Joe and Diddy backed teams. This is where Bryant and Anthony played, while recent appearances have included NFL stars Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. This annual summer youth league has been instrumental in developing young players, and cultivating academic growth and community building. The 2022 grassroots basketball season is inching closer - and the upcoming circuit should finally see some return to normalcy - as all three shoe brands (Nike, adidas, Under Armour) expect to field full schedules during the live-recruiting periods. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Larry "Bone Collector" Williams Its odd how I got started, said the 40-year-old Mensah. The court itself will also be adorned with a painting done by a local artist, according to Parks Department officials. Careers That's how much his game was revered and he did most of his serious work teaming up with Hawkins and floor leader Ed "Czar" Simmons in legendary schoolyard battles with names such as Satch Sanders, Cal Ramsey, Tony Jackson, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain and countless others. You got to earn it. Charles Evan Hughes (New York, N.Y.) '64 LeBron played for Jay-Z's team S. Carter in 2003 at Rucker Park. NYC Weekend Events: What's Going On March 4-5, NYC Rent Drops For 5th Straight Month, Study Finds, NYC Restaurants Ordered Closed Feb. 24 - March 3, 125th Street Could See Another Apartment Tower As Lot Goes Up For Sale. Erving played in the Rucker Park League back in the 1970s before the days of the nickname "Dr. J" and set the bar for many of the young, up-and-coming players. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Since the '50s, Rucker Park in Harlem hosted summer tournaments that brought names as big as Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins to the blacktop to play a version of the game where style was as essential as the . Worthen even played two years in the NBA, but his real calling was on the playgrounds. players had mostly stopped playing at Rucker Park out of fear of risking their increasingly lucrative contracts. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Ex-Pats, the first team to highlight Patriot League men's basketball talent in the long-running summer event, have been selected as the No. It encouraged me to work even harder.. Its all the relationships that will hopefully come back and support the brands thats out there and the tournaments thats out there, and that will help bring back the mystique of what it was and what it is. He's also been putting in work at the Rucker ever since, earning the moniker as the most dangerous player in the EBC. The AEBL is all about culture and community. Gilbert not only helps train officials but also assigns them to leagues throughout the New York metro area, including the Rucker Park League, where many of the top-flight high school, college and professional players display their talents. In the past, it's been stars like Joe Hammond, who scored 74 points in a game at Rucker in the 1970s.
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