2023 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. Partnering with SLAM to put on the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. Its no secret its across the street from one of the most dangerous housing projects in New York City, the Polo Grounds. From $19.84. [1][4] The players in the Rucker Tournament featured slam dunks, crossover dribbles, and bravado that excited the crowd, a playing style then foreign to the National Basketball Association (NBA). Such as:He got game, Above The Rim,Hallowed Ground. Michele Roberts, below, the executive director of the N.B.A. Admission is free, and each night there is potential to watch professional, college and high school players hone their skills. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? 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. Charles Evan Hughes (New York, N.Y.) '64 Rucker Park is located in a neighborhood (Harlem) that has long been an African American cultural hub in New York as well as the flashpoint for multiple race riots that elucidated the simmering discontent of black New Yorkers tired of being treated as second class citizens. Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pa.) '55 Roosevelt (Roosevelt, N.Y.) '68 The crowd was on him. But only true basketball heads know he ran with the J.W. Theyre older, theyre faster, theyre bigger and theyre stronger, said Will Mensah, another Rucker League referee who now officiates in the G League as well as small-college basketball. Bartram (Philadelphia, Pa.) '62 Board members reacted warmly to the project during the May 12 presentation, though some worried that attention to the court would fade after the three-year staff position ends. The EBC has a men . Rucker Park - Harlem, New York. 35 was retired by Austin Peay State University -- a long overdue gesture after twice leading APSU to the NCAA tournament and putting Clarksville, Tenn., on the map. "When I was in 9th grade, I saw the Helicopter, with my own two eyes, pick a quarter off the top of the backboard to win a bet, and I was in complete shock," said former NBA all-star Bernard King. Many players came to that park and got booed. For us this means family. I was nervous. He compared it to a junior varsity basketball player who wants to improve by playing against the varsity players. As his tournament gained in popularity and the Rucker League transformed into a summer pro-am, Rucker managed his connections to secure hundreds of college scholarships for the teenagers he viewed as students before athletes. You learn quickly how to deal with emotions and people. Rules, interpretations, mechanics, philosophies and other information may or may not be correct for the current year. The players are different, the games are different. Greg Marius Court at Holcombe Rucker Park is a basketball court in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, just east of the former Polo Grounds site. Rafer "Skip To My Lou" Alston For us, Drew League, Rucker Park, and AEBL were no-brainers because they are legendary summer basketball leagues. By doing this we want to foster a harmonious atmosphere (at the games).. 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. Officiating at Rucker Park has allowed Gilbert, Morrissey and Mensah the chance to work alongside and learn from current NBA referees. EBC at Rucker Park (@ebcruckerpark) Instagram photos and videos Decades ago those names included the likes of basketball Hall of Famers Julius (Dr. J) Erving, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Earl Monroe and Wilt Chamberlain. Basketball junkies would have beef if we ranked the 124 best players to come through the famed park in Harlem. Commerce (New York, N.Y.) '55 We also want to offer the fans an insight into basketball officiating. And we have to be grateful to those (NBA) guys for coming here.. 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. Over the last twenty years the event has . For more Harlem news, subscribe to the email newsletter from Harlem Patch. Greg Marius, a former hip-hop artist, revitalized the atmosphere by starting the Entertainers Basketball Classic in 1982. A lot of these (fans) dont have the chance or the means to go to the (Madison Square) Garden (to see top-flight basketball)., The crowd is interesting because you often have fans there who are not biased to one team, like when you do a college game, Mensah said. Rucker mentored children, building a program from scratch, always keeping his busy schedule in his pocket. 16U, and 15U teams participate in The Circuit League this spring and summer? As Kevin Durant's Legendary Night At Rucker Park Turns 10, Brooklyn Nets Could Use 66 Points In Game 5 More From Forbes Jan 29, 2023,08:45pm EST As John Tavares Hits 1,000 Games, His Toronto. It was also featured in the 2018 film Uncle Drew. On this list, you'll find NBA icons, streetball legends and -- in some cases -- both. 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 . Its odd how I got started, said the 40-year-old Mensah. NBA 2K19 Summer Circuit #8 - Kobe vs Cortez @ RUCKER PARK! In celebration of the official partnerships, adidas Basketball athletes James Harden, Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell will debut each leagues partnership jersey ahead of this years summer league season. Rucker Park Entertainers Basketball Classic Founder Talks This Year's 5 dunker of all-time, behind guys named Doc, Dominique, Jordan and Vince Carter. You get the idea what kind of mood the player is in. The March Madness-like tournament was founded by Jonathan Mugar, TBT's CEO and a film . As a freshman, Fly pumped in 29.4 ppg his first season and 27.5 in his second season before turning pro. This is where Bryant and Anthony played, while recent appearances have included NFL stars Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. Jamar Jones, whose nickname is Papa, was anticipating playing on the renovated court after its reopening Saturday. Its something that needs to be preserved, Williams said. 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. Scott won a NBA title with the Boston Celtics and an Olympic Gold Medal in '68, but some of his most memorable battles took place against playground legends such as Joe Hammond. Hammond, the Harlem legend, was known as "The Destroyer" for his game-changing scoring outbursts. Nominate your program for the 2022 season. For Jones, a 16-year-old resident of Harlem, its still just his home park, the one he has played at ever since he can remember. As Kevin Durant's Legendary Night At Rucker Park Turns 10 - Forbes Another member suggested that the union also fund renovations to Rucker Park's playground and landscaping, which are also in disrepair. The park leagues provide officials with the opportunity to referee players more mature than the high schoolers they officiate during the school season. A star at Boys when a frail 10th-grader named Connie Hawkins toiled on the bench, Jackson went on to success at Virginia Union and with the Harlem Globetrotters. Officiating summer park-league games, like those held at legendary Holcombe Rucker Park in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, gives referees invaluable experiences, according to veteran official Terry Gilbert, director of the Pro-Am Referee Training and Development Program. Hip-hop luminaries like Fat Joe and Diddy backed teams. Chris Rucker, Holcombe Ruckers grandson, said that the park is a symbol and reference point to what my grandfather did and what he accomplished over the years, so without a basketball court in good working order, the legacy wouldnt be complete., He added, Rucker Park is as much a part of the Harlem community as the Apollo Theater.. Recently, it's players like Corey "Homicide" Williams, who made a huge name for himself during the early 2000s and later went on to play professionally overseas. Theres no set way to deal with people. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. RUCKER PARK STREETBALL LEAGUE Schedule - Exposure Basketball Events The JR Circuit will be debuting in January 2022. . Sign In. Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Las Vegas prepared to give A's 'better opportunity', Richardson sets QB mark for vertical, broad jump, Curry, Iguodala probable to return vs. Lakers, Sources: Suns hiring Pistons' Bartelstein as CEO, Mbappe breaks PSG's all-time scoring record, Bruins stroll past Kane, Rangers, win 10th in row, Horns' Robinson: Versatility worthy of early pick, UFC 285 live results and analysis: Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Gilbert said that several current major college and NBA officials come back to Rucker Park in the summer to referee a few league games in order to work on their craft. Were so excited to bring it to the legendary Rucker Park and give these athletes an authentic NYC hoops experience, says Les Green, CEO of SLAM Media Inc. SLAM is all about celebrating the game of basketball as well as the culture surrounding the game. The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? trademarks of Slam Media Inc. All rights reserved. You would think this was video for a movie, because every time he came down, they made sure he got the ball, and he was just firing it from way beyond the 3-point line, Wells said. Kevin Durant Rucker Park mixtape: Best parts 8 years later (video Rucker Park, a Basketball Mecca, Gets New Life - Continuitynews Nate "The Skate . Its real success has been building a community. Nobody drew a crowd like the Doctor and he was the player all playground legends were judged against. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Pasadena (Pasadena, Calif.) Holcombe Rucker, a Harlem school teacher, staged the first summer Rucker tournament in 1946. If you think about it, a basketball player first starts playing outside most of the time. By Jay Pixel. Frank "Shake N' Bake" Streety So fans can expect a great environment for sure. I stopped playing ball and I wanted to stay in shape but I didnt have the discipline to just go out and run by myself. NYCHoops - 2021 NYC Summer Ball Circuit - Rivals Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. It encouraged me to work even harder.. legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Julius Erving, who went by the nickname the Claw at the park long before he was known as Dr. J. NBA icons of yesteryear frequently played at Rucker, names like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Official Facebook Site for the EBC (Entertainers Basketball Classic) street basketball league held at. players. 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. 4 Returns on August 20 at Rucker Park The SLAM Summer Classic is BACK. Mcrae was drafted in the first round of 1993 draft but decided to play in Europe. Rucker Park is well-known for building the game of basketball, and some of the games most storied careers. He's so revered the playground at 99th and Amsterdam in New York is named Goat Park. Well be telling the history.. But only true basketball heads know he ran with the J.W. Well give all the young men and women a weekend to remember, full of energy,competitionand fun. Rucker Park, a Basketball Mecca, Gets New Life - New York Times Central Park 2 - Hours Private Pedicab Guided Tour 29 Recommended Private and Luxury from $99.00 per adult Guided Pedicab Tour of Central Park 24 Recommended Pedicab Tours from $48.00 per adult Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours 218 Recommended City Tours from $50.00 per adult New York Hip-Hop Tour 235 Recommended Bus Tours from $79.99 per adult Worthen earned preseason All-American acclaim from Street & Smith's at Lane, was named a JUCO All-American in Texas and earned All-American acclaim at Marquette. Ben Franklin (Harlem, N.Y.) '64 The NBA legend didn't suit up . From June 30-July 2, Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, New York will play host to a 16-team, invitation-only 17U bracket. Bryant, the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar who died last year, earned both cheers and jeers from a lively crowd during his 2002 appearance. players. Holcombe Rucker expanded to after-school programs during the school year and formed the Pro Division in 1950. All of which causes Morrissey to say, If you can survive the summer pro-am circuit in New York City, you can survive any league in the world.. Privacy Settings HARLEM, NY The basketball court in Harlem's Rucker Park, where generations of players honed their skills but which has fallen into disrepair in recent years, will undergo a major refurbishment thanks to an intervention by the NBA players' union. Archibald returned to Rucker Park every summer, even after he had made it to stardom. The Rucker represented a platform for players not only from New York City, but all over the tri-state area and beyond, to flex their blacktop skills. NBA players' union to help renovate court at Rucker Park - ESPN HOLCOMBE RUCKER PARK - 36 Photos & 13 Reviews - Yelp ABOUT - The Rucker All rights reserved. Wilson held the EBC single-game scoring record for 21 years. His goal was to provide leadership and a leg up for thousands of boys and girls. Crime stopped for four hours, four days a week in that area. It needs to have the support that we used to have.. All these guys came down there because it was basically mano a mano, he said, with you against somebody, not being told how to run a set, but your best skill against my best skill, and your knowledge against my knowledge, on this even playing field where the crowd can become an opponent too., He added, You was pushed into a different level of playing because you didnt want to fail in front of all of these people, and you want them to see you perform, because it gave you so much more energy and more life, and then your legend grew., Wells recalled the time Carter, who recently retired after a 22-year N.B.A. Dr. J producing TV series based on Rucker Park book 'Asphalt Gods' "Rucker Park, to me, is pretty much like Madison Square Garden to NBA players," Williams said. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Reggie White Tournament Registration 2023 Theme by SiteOrigin Theme by SiteOrigin Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. That summer he also played in the Rucker League, played at the Rucker Park in New York City, and was the second leading scorer, averaging 23 points along with 12 rebounds per game; during the competition he faced professional players like Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Zach Randolph and Omar Cook. EBC Rucker Park | New York NY - Facebook It needs the relationships and the connections with other brands and the support. Jeffrey "Hannibal" Banks is hard to miss as he strolls onto the court every summer wearing his trademark round, oversized sunglasses and flowing robe. This is where Bryant and Anthony played, while recent appearances have included NFL stars Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. With the AEBL, I think about culture. The joining of forces between adidas Basketball and the hallowed leagues will further illustrate their shared commitment to providing mentorship, resources and opportunities to underrepresented and aspiring players while adding unique access to the adidas brand. career, matched against Adrian Walton, better known as Whole Lotta Game. McCrae had a history of arrythmia and died while running wind sprints on the first day of practice for the Orlando Magic's summer league team in 2000 at age 29. I hate to use that term, but Atlanta is truly the culture from music, to food, and even fashion. The court itself will also be adorned with a painting done by a local artist, according to Parks Department officials. At one time, only Earl Manigault was a bigger name. The EBC has a men's division which headlines the league, but it also has a high school league, and U15, U12 and U10 divisions. NBA Players Association Officially Begin Renovation of Rucker Park's 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. He didn't play in the League, but earned his nickname at the Entertainer's Basketball Classic up at Rucker. When it comes to fans, the crowds at Rucker Park are notorious for their zest for basketball and the players. Careers Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The AEBL is all about culture and community. or Rucker Park to host The Circuit's inaugural Blacktop Series event College coaches will need to pick up a basketball map at the airport when arriving in New . Is refereeing a game outdoors different than one thats played in a gym or stadium? Teams 12U (8 teams) 14U (7 teams) HIGH SCHOOL (13 teams) MENS UNLIMITED (12 teams) Holcombe Rucker Park (New York City) - Tripadvisor And thats similar to how Mensah and Morrissey got their starts. Do Not Sell My Personal Information Elite 24: Rucker Park legends - ESPN How To Watch: The Basketball Tournament 2022 Day One - Anonymous Eagle We dont care who you are, he said. The 1960 ESPNHS Mr. Basketball USA would have been a cinch All-American at the University of Iowa, but a gambling scandal cost the Hawk eight years of his prime. Nation; . Teams play at Rucker Park during the summer before renovations. The article is made available for educational use by individuals. A post shared by SLAM HIGH SCHOOL (@slam_hs). players had mostly stopped playing at Rucker Park out of fear of risking their increasingly lucrative contracts. A 5-foot-7 showman with a wicked handle, Robertson helped Loyola of Chicago win the 1963 NCAA title. Its stressful. Downtown, the United Nations headquarters had gone dark. Anyone can read what you share. The goal of the players union is to restore the park as a community asset and attract N.B.A. subscribe to the email newsletter from Harlem Patch. He once scored 100 points in a Police Athletic League game where his team scored 102. Slam Magazine even named Jackson the No. Scott is one of the most accomplished players ever to roll through the Rucker. Thanks to NBA's original documentary 'The Doctor', aired in 2013, we were able to get a glimpse of Julius Erving playing at the famed Rucker Park.. Julius put on a show for the crowd. 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. NEW YORK -- The B train takes you to the 155th street stop on the north edge of Harlem. players union, checked in on the progress. Roberts could not see over the heads of those who stacked the parks sidelines shoulder-to-shoulder. The New York City native took it to heart and began his journey in officiating. Here I am now refereeing with an NBA official, Morrissey said. Read More. Herman "Helicopter" Knowlings It was kind of tough, because one side of the court was uneven, so if you would run downhill, one side would be deeper than the other, Jones said. Winners will advance to the quarterfinals at the University of Dayton . Eastern District (Brooklyn, N.Y.) '65 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. He even had a regular spot on the Globetrotters' 1970s cartoon show. There is a reason one of the squads for the Boost Mobile Elite 24 is named in his honor: "The Goat" is arguably the most well known streetball legend of all-time. The joining of forces between adidas Basketball and the hallowed leagues will further illustrate their shared commitment to providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to underrepresented and aspiring players while adding unique access to the adidas brand. Finally, it also frequently will have a number of current and former NBA stars show up to play. It does not store any personal data. Of course, like any game anywhere, they also think they can officiate, too. 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. Holcombe Rucker for the Basketball Hall of Fame - ABC News His lasting legacy is actually coaching kids throughout New York through his work with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. All told, the work will "reestablish the court as a state-of-the-art basketball venue," the city said in its presentation. Everybody wanted it.. Cookie Settings. Remembering Holcombe Rucker, the black humanitarian honored - TheGrio Although many professional basketball players have played at the court after gaining prominence, many others developed their basketball skills at Rucker prior to becoming notable in the sport, including: Other amateur players who made a name for themselves at Rucker but never played in the ABA or NBA included Earl Manigault, Joe Hammond and Pee Wee Kirkland. With thousands of fans in attendance and thousands of dollars on the line, the teams arrived at Rucker Park with the city experiencing its biggest blackout since 1977. Williams earned his nickname at his first EBC game and copped MVP honors in 2002. [5], In June 2017, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio dedicated the court to Greg Marius, founder of the Entertainer's Basketball Classic streetball tournament held at the park. For more information about the SLAM Summer Classic and real-time coverage of the event later this month, follow@SLAM,@SLAM_HSand@WSLAMon all social media platforms. He spent some time in the CBA, and with the Globetrotters, before adding to his legend by winning Last Man Standing -- a street ball competition for charity -- at MSG in 2007. After all, this is entertainment for a lot of these fans, Gilbert remarked. After high school, Streety went upstate to play at Broome Community College and was selected to the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 1992. Wells recalled that in 2011, Kevin Durant made an appearance at Rucker Park during the N.B.A.s lockout and amassed 66 points in a memorable performance. For the first time, the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. It had to be moved because the court was slippery from the humidity, increasing the risk of injury. Manigault had offers from all over the country, but it never worked out for him. Rucker Park, 280 West 155th Street, NYC. Conrad "McNasty" McCrae 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. Now check your email to confirm your subscription to the Referee.com Review. [18][19], Rucker Park in 2008, with Frederick Douglass Boulevard at left, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 02:43, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, "Holcombe Rucker Playground Highlights - Greg Marius Court: NYC Parks", "A Street Basketball Mecca Gets a Face-Lift", "How The Basketball Tournament Landed Harlem's Famed Rucker Park As Its First Outdoor Venue", "Empty Garden: Why did New York stop growing basketball stars? Kevin Durant Is Victorious In Rucker Park Return - VIBE.com In order to limit the Rucker ruckus, we left the players unranked. All-Star Baron Davis made sure to get some shots up on the court the evening before he played at Rucker Park, Gittens said. Secondly, its one of the only outdoor venues where a league has three officials, shot clocks and NBA rules. Some legends have a big reputation, but there is no doubt Hammond's game was legit. When you talk about the greatest forwards in high school history, you begin with The Hawk. However, that summer eventually became the. Please try again. Rucker Park 50th anniversary. It was automatic.. Nate "The Skate" Archibald The team was one of the best to ever play at . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. KD did not take the game lightly. You may not be able to say one thing to one person that you could to another., Gilbert developed a slogan that he uses to promote the Pro-Am program. In 1946 -- several months before the National Basketball Association played its first game -- Rucker started his first summer youth league through Saint Phillips, with games played at the park on 138th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. You see a lot of plays, and if it happens again, you have an idea how to call it.. 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.