. 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. That leaves roughly 14 open weekends during the dead period . Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. You have to let them know why you made a certain call. Hollans: The environment is going to be something that people can connect with. 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). 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. 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. And, more specifically, for the great players who have competed on that court. NHL trade deadline: Winners and losers, including the Bruins, Devils and Bruce Boudreau? [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). The game began, but afternoon showers postponed it for 4 hours making it the first rain delay in TBT history. 5 dunker of all-time, behind guys named Doc, Dominique, Jordan and Vince Carter. You get to talk with the other officials, whether its halftime or after the game, Mensah said. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to lock in these partnerships. Rucker Park in Harlem has been a proving ground for amateurs and professionals for generations. The SLAM Summer Classic is unlike any other high school basketball game! But it's at Rucker where Erving turned 155th into his own personal playground. Support & Feedback Charles Evan Hughes (New York, N.Y.) '64 [1] Many who have played at the park in the Entertainer's Basketball Classic (also known as the Rucker Tournament) achieved a level of fame for their abilities, and several have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His lasting legacy is actually coaching kids throughout New York through his work with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. A basketball paradise is just a block away. A lot of these guys, all they want to do is take it to the rack where you have to make the decision foul or no foul? Cordell is the nephew of the late Greg Marius, who ran Rucker . Crime stopped for four hours, four days a week in that area. Fridays: The Rucker Park (not EBC) has afternoon and evening games. 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. 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. or 22.6k Followers, 805 Following, 473 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from EBC at Rucker Park (@ebcruckerpark) We also want to offer the fans an insight into basketball officiating. 2023 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. I soon realized it could definitely become a career.. Known as the elite high school basketball players' favorite all-star game, the SLAM Summer. They may ask you about a certain play and suggest that you take a better angle the next time.. Everything we send is officiating specific because that's all we do. The park was established in 1956 next to PS 156; the school closed in 1981. and/or its affiliates and licensors. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Some occasional girls/juniors games start around 4pm. The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? Yall ready for this? Holcombe Rucker, a Harlem school teacher, staged the first summer Rucker tournament in 1946. ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. Some of the guys who come through here to play are amazing Kevin Durant, James Harden, Vince Carter, Kobe (Bryant), said Gilbert, who witnessed Durant in one game hit seven straight 3-pointers, some from just a step inside the half-court line. Rucker Park ribbon cutting Credit: Bill Moore photo This past Saturday at Rucker Park, located at 155th Street and Eighth Avenue in Harlem, an official celebration of its renovation and reopening . The Ex-Pats will take on sixth-seeded Big 5, a team comprised of talent from Philadelphia's Big Five . 16U, and 15U teams participate in The Circuit League this spring and summer? It has also played host to legendary face-offs between amateurs from the neighborhood and stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Julius Irving. Sure, Skip has California connections, helping Ventura College win a state chip in '95 before moving on to Fresno City College and Fresno State, where he played for noted playground recruiter Jerry Tarkanian. He made his name and became famous, however, at the Rucker. So the rumors of his Rucker Park debut echoed throughout the city's entire summer basketball community. He's so revered the playground at 99th and Amsterdam in New York is named Goat Park. He had to tie his sneakers a little tighter.. "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 . The Rucker Park weekend schedule is: Anyone around, show up and play. The EBC has a men . Although probably bad moves, he didn't make any bad moves when he dropped 50 on Dr. J in a double-overtime loss in what veteran observers call the greatest streetball game ever played in 1970. Often, Rucker would let grade cards influence who could play in the tournament. He's also been putting in work at the Rucker ever since, earning the moniker as the most dangerous player in the EBC. On this list, you'll find NBA icons, streetball legends and -- in some cases -- both. Separate from the renovations, the players' association will also fund a new three-year staff position based jointly at the Rucker and at Jackie Robinson Recreation Center, charged with running youth programs. 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. Its paved the way for so many people, Williams said. Nominate your program for the 2022 season. Thats why that park is special. Beginning in 1947, Rucker organized a tournament around Harlem for area players as a way to bond the community and give local kids an extracurricular activity. Street ball, a basketball Sticker. The game began shortly after 2 p.m. at Rucker Park and wrapped up indoors with the Big 5 team winning, 74-67, at Gauchos Gym in the Bronx, home of the New York-based AAU program. Eastern District (Brooklyn, N.Y.) '65 You kind of learn about the players through the course of the game. Winners will advance to the quarterfinals at the University of Dayton . Manigault had offers from all over the country, but it never worked out for him. Rucker Park 50th anniversary. You treat Rucker Park like you treat Central Park, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty. Herman "Helicopter" Knowlings I was nervous. Is refereeing a game outdoors different than one thats played in a gym or stadium? 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. 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. It would be hard to shoot if you would go to the corner.. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. Well give all the young men and women a weekend to remember, full of energy,competitionand fun. The Vacant Lots team was undefeated that summer, headlined by Charles Jones, who'd led the . Basketball junkies would have beef if we ranked the 124 best players to come through the famed park in Harlem. Sitemap May 31, 2022 A year before its 50th anniversary season, one of the most recognized summer basketball pro-am associations, Los Angeles' Drew League, is switching its key brand partner. Rucker Park via YouTube Located at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, N.Y., Holcombe Rucker Park is famous for churning out some of the greatest basketball talents in. The organizers slyly suggest that the game on these Harlem. Jamar Jones, whose nickname is Papa, was anticipating playing on the renovated court after its reopening Saturday. Archibald returned to Rucker Park every summer, even after he had made it to stardom. He is looking forward to sharpening his game on a functional court. 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 article is made available for educational use by individuals. Trust me. When you talk about the greatest forwards in high school history, you begin with The Hawk. 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. Find out about free street basketball in NYC, including locations and schedules for streetball at West 4th, Rucker Park, Dyckman Park, and Orchard Beach. Commerce (New York, N.Y.) '55 There was an error submitting your subscription. Larry "Bone Collector" Williams The summer of 2011 wasn't expected to be a great one for NBA fans as the league was in a lockout that would force a shortened 66-game season. Probably the greatest high school player of all-time (sorry, LeBron), Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, led Power on a 71-game winning streak. By COURT-VISION. The New York City native took it to heart and began his journey in officiating. Roberts visited Rucker Park after moving back to New York when she became the executive director of the players union in 2014. 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. The court itself will also be adorned with a painting done by a local artist, according to Parks Department officials. Bryant, the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar who died last year, earned both cheers and jeers from a lively crowd during his 2002 appearance. 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. It had to be moved because the court was slippery from the humidity, increasing the risk of injury. Franklin K. Lane (Brooklyn, N.Y.) '76 They often do so by playing in as many games that they can, be it pick-up, AAU or park league. As a freshman, Fly pumped in 29.4 ppg his first season and 27.5 in his second season before turning pro. Holcombe Rucker expanded to after-school programs during the school year and formed the Pro Division in 1950. Julius "The Claw" Erving Rucker Park has been featured in lots of movies and television over the years. Reggie White Tournament Registration 2023 Theme by SiteOrigin Theme by SiteOrigin This is where Bryant and Anthony played, while recent appearances have included NFL stars Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. If you think about it, a basketball player first starts playing outside most of the time. Having grown up in the city, Mensah is familiar with NYC park ball, where the games can get physical and tempers often flare. St. Raymond's (Bronx, N.Y.) '94 Note: This article is archival in nature. Holcombe Rucker expanded to after-school programs during the school year and formed the Pro Division in 1950. 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. Its commonly referred to as Rucker Park or just the Rucker. I would not have progressed as quickly in my career if I didnt work at Rucker and some of the other leagues around the city, Morrissey said. At any point any coach, player or fan can lose their mind. Holcombe Rucker, a Harlem school teacher, staged the first summer Rucker tournament in 1946. 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.