In the early ’60s when Mr. Holcombe Rucker was still alive and running his tournament, a young center named Lew Alcindor was a tremendous attraction. Lew was raised in Dyckman Projects, and first coached by Mr. Couch. By the time he entered Power Memorial HS, he was a seven footer and became an All-American. One of his first games at the Rucker was a NY vs. Philly all-star match played at Mt. Morris. Lew showed up to watch, and then was picked from the crowd to play! He went on to UCLA where he led the squad to an unprecedented three consecutive NCAA titles with an 88-2 record. Once he got to the NBA, he changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and finished his career as the league’s all-time leading scorer (a couple of MVPs and championship rings in there, too). Check out this clip of him dominating in college. Harlem crowds witnessed this way before the national audience was aware . . .
Dan the Man sent us this photo of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar playing half court with his buddies back in 1969. Look close and we’re pretty sure it’s Dyckman Park, 204th St. and Nagle, same one that Kenny Stephens uses for his current youth and men’s tournament today!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Kiki says:
sean couch, or bobbito or whomever, maybe the top 20/25 nyc streetball nicknames of all time list should be in order…wut do u think?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
PFTB says:
THE GREATEST basketball player in NYC history.Nuff said.
The most highly recruited, sought after H.S player probably EVER.
Yo Kiki I’m feeling that idea.I’m sure Ali Bobbito,or Sean will get back to you on it.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Dan the Man says:
Check out NYC’s finest SKY-HOOK Ewing starting at 4:24 narrated by Chickie Baby….
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/1988-ny-knicks-lakers-highlights/916940166
September 18th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Dan the Man says:
7′2″ Kareem tries to skyhook Bruce 5′7″
http://lakers.fandome.com/watch/99626/Kareem_AbdulJabbar_in_Long_Lost_Footage_of_Last_Bruce_Lee_Film/
September 18th, 2008 at 9:09 am
kenny Patt says:
Who was the second best? The best I saw in person was Kenny Anderson followed by Jamal Mashburn (Just HS).
September 18th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
PFTB says:
Kenny Patt-
2nd best? WOW.A list of names:Lloyd Daniels,Albert King,Kenny Anderson,Mash,Mullin,Felipe(those Rice/St Rays batles were classic)Marbury,Berry,Springer,Connie Hawkins,Roger Brown,Billy Cunningham,Fly Williams,The Goat,and so many more.Could be a tie between King Albert & L.D.(you gotta know how much write up was done on this kid.)I even remember quotes from people hailing him as the best H,S player since Lew (Kareem).2nd is always up for debate,but 1st is in stone.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Dan the Man says:
The Good Old Days at RUCKER !
http://pass-the-rock.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ruckerjay.jpg
September 18th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
kenny Patt says:
PTFB,
I missed Albert King and the older guys, but i honestly feel that Mash was better in H.S. than Felipe and Steph (Sligtly). I saw Lloyd Daniels in plenty of tournaments and he was better than Mash but remember he was hardly ever eligible. Some guys reps outgrew their games and Mash flew under the radar with so many guys ranked higher in his class (Maybe 20 guys). I saw him get the best of Malik Sealy (RIP and a childhood friend to me), when he was just a soph. He destroyed CTK and Tolentine with all of those future all americans and he was the only D1 prospect on Hayes. He murdered Shawnelle Scott and all Hallows and the list goes on and on. I wasnt even a fan at first as I use to attend all of the Tolentine games to watch another one of my buddies play (Alongside Reese, Red Autry, Lee Green, Anthony Cade etc.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
kenny Patt says:
Forgot to add that Kenny Anderson is still #1 in my book and a sleeper(not tops) that peeps probably forgot was Chris Brooks with those Dominique Wilkins style dunks at Gompers.