Streetball NYC
Summer in the city and New York’s summer b-ball scene, widely recognized as the worldwide Mecca of basketball is in full effect. In New York City, pick-up basketball is not just a sport. It’s a way of life, with the most loyal players approaching the game as a religion and the playground as their church.
Many have heard the legendary names Earl “The Goat” Manigault – the 6’1” guard who grew up playing in the streets of NY – considered to be one of the best players of all time. Pee Wee Kirkland – another Harlem legend – was a 4th round draft pick for Chicago and eventually turned down the offer because he was making more money in the streets. The street eventually caught up to him and he served time for his “activities”.
America’s most popular and accessible free recreation is basketball and New York streetball games are always rife with excitement and flooded with athletes anxious to live in the moment.
Most recently NY Knicks JR Smith and Tyreke Evans suited up to play at the Dyckman games and put on an awesome show for the crowd. JR had the crowd roaring when he threw the ball off the glass to himself and scored.
Earlier this month Tyshawn Taylor came to check for himself what the streetball hype was about.. “I always heard about it,” the Brooklyn Nets rookie guard said. “Last year the park leagues were big because of the lockout. I knew it would be good competition, a good crowd. It’s something to do while I’m here for the summer, stay in shape, get some work in.”
The 6-foot-3 Taylor, who helped lead Kansas to the national title game last season, has played the last few weeks with R2K, one of streetball’s most established programs, in EBC Rucker Park and Dyckman. His squad was upset by a young Brooklyn Stompers team 57-56 in the opening round of the Dyckman playoffs.
The most popular summer leagues in the city are EBC at Rucker Park in Harlem and Dyckman Games in Washington Heights
Stephanie Edwards:PureSportsNY