In the late ’50s when Mr. Holcombe Rucker was still alive and running his tournament on 7th Ave. and 128th St., a young Brooklyn high-jumper named Connie “The Hawk” Hawkins was a main attraction. (Footnote: the original “Hawk” at the Rucker was Cal Ramsey who went on to play for the Knicks.) Connie went on to great heights, making the All-Time ABA Team and being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in ‘92. Unfortunately, he was blackballed out the NBA during his prime, however still an All-NBA First Team selection in ‘69-70 as well as four All-Star Game appearances. Enjoy this clip which includes some of the moves Harlem crowds saw a full decade before anyone else . . .

For a great read, check Connie Hawkins’ biography Foul, published in the early ’70s. One of the best books you’ll ever read on our beloved sport.