The frigid weather in the Big Apple is a not-so-welcoming reminder that the midst of winter is upon us in the Northeast. Cold weather aside, at least for basketball junkies like me, this time of year presents an array of options with high school, college and the pro ranks in full effect.

Although the Hoop de Jour is a plenty, still, nothing warms the heart and the soul like the playground. The summer calls. That’s why, even in the dead of winter, streetball is always on my mind. During the holidays, I was doing some shopping on-line and I finally got to purchasing a classic book that was a longtime coming to my shelf. I picked up Soul of the Game: Images and Voices of Streetball (Workman Publishing Company).

The classic book from ’98 features an intro from NYC legend “Pee Wee” Kirkland, some beautiful photography from the lens of John Huet and some poignant poems – my favorite being the one penned by Markhum Who? titled “Playground Legend.” The book also captures a snapshot (pictured below) of a young Bobbito Garcia long before his days as co-founder and editor at large of Bounce magazine. The pic is complemented by a bio about Bob and reminds me of the days when he was running wild at the One from the courts at Hoops in the Sun in the BX to Tillary Park, Brooklyn, and everywhere in between.

I’m happy to say that I have an autographed copy of that page from Bob that he signed for me seven years ago. He’s always been an inspiration in the street and I’m happy that he’s recruited me to be part of Bounce both on-line and in the mag. This is my first blog entry. My first print article will hit in March. It’s about Nancy Lieberman – the First Lady of the playgrounds – and like the issue, it’s a can’t miss.

The book hasn’t been the only reminder of what promises to be a great summer on the asphalt. Earlier this month, NYC streetball product Torey Thomas, a White Plains resident, squared off against NBA legend Scottie Pippen, who was in Sweden playing one game for the Sundsvall Dragons. Thomas managed to get the better of the 42-year-old former Chicago Bulls All-Star, outscoring him 22-21. The diminutive guard is averaging 24.8 points and 6.8 assists for Akropol BBK.

Thomas isn’t the only streetball guard tearing it up this winter. Andre Barrett, a Rice High School alum, joined the Bakersfield Jam of the NBDL in early December and has been one of the league’s best pure point guards averaging 9.2 assists. The Seton Hall product has already recorded eight double-doubles (points/assists) and is a possible candidate to be recalled to the NBA this season after making Chicago’s playoff roster last year.

Another former Rice product, Kenny “Serious Satellite” Satterfield, the 2007 Nike Player of the Summer, recently signed on for a second stint in Lebanon. Satterfield, like Barrett, is hoping for a return to the L.

Me, I’m just waiting for the summer season, because nothing captures the true essence – the soul of the game – like playground hoops. As Bob says, “The Playground Isn’t the Problem. It’s the Solution.”

Enjoy the March issue.