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 these clips 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.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
James says:
Great article Bounce- I have always been a huge Hawkins fan- and I have read Foul many times- I thought no one else owned the book or had read it- its good someone else appreciates the art he brought to the game. He was Jordan before Jordan
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
illest says:
Foul is great. Actually Elgin is before Connie or anyone else but I get what you mean. My moms tells me about the Roger Brown (another unforgotten soul) v Connie Hawkins battle many times.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
illest says:
my bad with the pluses and minuses.
September 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
ali says:
young connie had the privilege of watching the amazing jumpin’ jackie jackson, who was a little ahead of him at boys high in BK
September 8th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Dan the Man says:
Connie was the ultimate playa !