Rucker Park has become one of the most well-known courts in the world for its tradition of revealing talents through local basketball tournaments. Born in 1950 in Harlem, through the initiative of Holcombe L. Rucker (professor and Commissioner of New York City Department of Parks) the intention was to come up with a basketball tournament jointly with universities, the goal was to help less fortunate young people stay off the streets, and with it to be a springboard for those who seek a scholarship, want a profession or yet start their career in college basketball and later on aim for the professional league.
Over the years, countless talents have risen at the "sacred ground," some of them, street basketball legends who have never reached the professional level or never had the chance, others, NBA players current and past ones, participated in memorable moments such as tournaments promoted by EBC (Entertainer's Basketball Classic) and And 1.
It would take weeks to list all the legends that played and attended this court and the immortal and endless stories we would have to tell. Names to mention just a few; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius "DR. J" Erving, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Anderson Varejão, Allen Iverson, Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker contributed to the local basketball scene, and the best part, they raised the level of the game to its highest peak!! They’re living examples of a successful project. Here are a few moments captured in the park.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at age 16, was preparing to join UCLA where he studied and played basketball from 1966 to 1969. In 1969 he was the first-round pick for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Draft where he played for six years. Then, the center played for the Los Angeles Lakers until 1989, where he ended his career.
Julius "DR. J" Erving in the late '70s representing the WestSiders. The legend started his career with the Virginia Squires and then played for the New York Nets from 1973 to 1976 and the Philadelphia 76rs from 1976 to 1987.
Kyrie Irving, for the Tournament New York versus New York organized by the league Entertainer's Basketball Classic in 2018.
Kevin Durant, in his 2010 "off season" practice when he scored 66 points at Rucker Park
Kobe Bryant, on the day he receives another nickname for his excellent performance in 2002, "The Lord of The Rings". Later that year, Kobe would receive the MVP title in the NBA All Star Game.
Anderson Varejão, in his Cleveland Cavaliers days during the FIBA World Basketball Festival in 2010.
Allen Iverson comes in Rucker Park with the best of assists, crossovers and dunks at the peak of his performance when playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1998.
Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker during the relaunch game of Reebok Kamikaze II Mid in 2005.
Rucker remains beautiful at the same address over the past 50 years. Unfortunately, all sports activities continue to be suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.