The 2010 Nike Tournament of Champions was about one thing – Namesake. I had a convo with Corey “Homicide” Williams a few weeks before the game and he told me two important things about the city game. “It takes a long time to build a name but only a second to lose it,”Homicide said. Makes sense.
Watching a player kill summer after summer only adds to their legacy. It’s why players like the newly retired John “Franchise” Strickland, the master of post finishing for several years in New York City, are so revered in playground basketball – he owned the game in his prime and now in its 4th year, the Nike T.O.C. can bite that rep and now be called “The Franchise” of NYC tournament ball.
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I heard the name stated in Hip-Hop songs as a youth, yet I had no idea at the time who Karlton Hines really was. It was until I did research that I see why his name is an urban legend in the Bronx. It was supposed to be like clockwork; Karlton Hines was expected to be in the NBA. Unfortunate circumstances though left him six feet deep. Read More »
At the Boost Mobile Elite 24, B-More’s 6′1″ Josh Selby took his already skyrocketing name, and game, up another notch. His flush, after faking the behind-the-back, then tapping UNC Tar Heels committ Kendall Marshall on the forehead, put the game on pause for a second as the collective roar of “Ohhhh!” shook the walls at the venerable Gauchos Gym. His numerous aviation attacks on the rim had my man Bobbito and EJ Da Mayor calling him “The Highlight.” Read More »
Nike reps, Bounce familia and the fans of NYC summer ball had waited for this day the way Lil’ Dez does when he sits outside Kobe and LeBron’s apartment– uncontrollably bopping around in excitement, just waiting to see their heroes.
The 1 train, The Village, Hunter College and Harlem World have all been watching and waiting to crown the team of the summer. After months of players getting after it on all surfaces in all locations, the city finally got its wish this weekend. Read More »
The 4th annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 event, and it was an event indeed, was off the hook! First of all, anytime you put the top twenty-four high school ballers in the country on one court you’re bound to witness some quality hoops. But they weren’t gathered on just any court. They were gathered in the mecca: NYC. The hallowed grounds of Rucker Park, no less; however, due to poor weather conditions the game was actually moved to Gaucho’s Gym in the BX – the court that Stephon Marbury, Ed Pinckney, Sebastian Telfair, Rod Strickland and so many others have played on. Read More »
Yes, the Boost Mobile Elite 24 HS All-American Game would’ve been fresher if it didn’t rain and the classic went down outside in Rucker Park. More importantly, it would’ve been liver as Gauchos Gym unfortunately couldn’t accomodate all the family, fans, and friends that showed up to watch. For those who couldn’t get in, or perhaps didn’t make at all, peep the below highlights thanks to www.hoopsmixtape.com, particularly Doron Lamb (who I nicknamed “Smooth Criminal”) to Roscoe Smith (a.k.a. “Sco Da Show) at :55, and then Josh Selby (who EJ Da Mayor was calling “The Highlight”) catchin’ one on Kendall Marshall (who I blessed with “The Wonderful Wizard” although it didn’t stick) at 1:20! You won’t be dissappointed!
Check back with us for a more full post about the game from Jon Lopez real soon.
Recession leaving you tight on cash? Need a vacation? Well if you can ball, or know three people who are smooth with the rock, you can win $2,000 and a trip to Miami . . .
The BK 3 on 3 is back! This year it will be played at Gauchos Gym in the Bronx. Be sure to sign your team up here.
Last year’s New York champs were Darren “Primal Fear” Phillip, James “Speedy” Williams, Junie “Mr. Excitement” Sanders and B.J. “The Beast” McFarlane. Bring your A game.
By 40 Cal
40 Cal plays all over NYC, and once went 15 for 17 from three in a league playoff. Between games, he eats pizza with extra garlic so his breath can be nasty.
