Mookie Thomas connects on a free-throw during the first half.

By Trevor Kapp

“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” was the perfect choice for music during halftime of the game between #4 N.I.K.E. 1 and #1 Dyckman. It was an old song for an old team with lyrics that couldn’t have captured the moment any better.

There really was no stopping the 37-year-old Junie Sanders, or 32-year-old Darren Phillip or 31-year-old Tyrone Grant as the veteran-led N.I.K.E. 1 held an unfathomable 35-point lead at recess, eventually defeating the younger Dyckman, 119-107. Read More »

The X-Men defeated PDG Queensbridge in the first game.

As Gold’s Gym center Gordy Malone turned to his team’s bench and shouted, “He can’t guard me. He too little,” in reference to N.I.K.E. 1’s Darren Phillip, DP just stood there with a big smile on his face. Malone’s words might have rattled a youngster, but Primal Fear is too experienced, too shrewd and far too talented. An hour and a half later, he would have the last laugh.

The former Fairfield star drilled a jumper from the left baseline with one minute remaining to give N.I.K.E. 1 a five-point lead and put the game out of reach.

DP finished with 21 points, and Nick Carter and Rob Lewin combined for 44 as the ’07 champs defeated Gold’s Gym, 131-124. Read More »

Adris “2 Hard 2 Guard” DeLeon scored 21 points to lead the Uptowners.

It was difficult to figure out why Adris “2 Hard 2 Guard” DeLeon had a little smirk on his face as he stepped onto the court at Hunter College Thursday evening. After all, his winless Uptowners were taking on undefeated Gold’s Gym, which suited up former Duke star Jason Williams and former first-team all ACC selection Julius Hodge, in addition to studs Mike “Optimus Prime” Glover and Gary Ervin. Perhaps DeLeon knew something no one else did because two hours later, the smile was still there.

In the biggest upset of the summer, the Uptowners defeated Gold’s Gym, 107-106.

DeLeon led the guys in powder blue with 21 points, and James Roberts added 19 and 11. Read More »

Steve Burtt Jr. scored 29 points to lead Gold’s Gym.

It might’ve been the Q.B. fan screaming, “You ain’t that nice. You gon’ get it tonight,” as loud as he could at NBA guard Mike James. It could’ve been watching brothers Mike and Anthony Glover talk trash as they played on opposite teams. Or maybe it was Keon Lawrence getting a nasty cut above his right eye and returning just moments later.

I don’t know what exactly caused me to get goosebumps at Pro City Thursday night. But the environment during the first half of the match up between unbeatens PDG Queensbridge and Gold’s Gym was as electric as any I’ve experienced in my two years at Bounce.

With the weight of Brooklyn on its shoulders, Gold’s Gym knocked off the defending champs, 113-108. Read More »

Coach John “The Franchise” Strickland instructs some of his Gold’s Gym players.

Yi Jianlian did something Tuesday night that NBA players Marko Jaric, Speedy Claxton and even Michael Beasley couldn’t avoid when they played at Pro City last year. The 6-11 Nets forward managed not to get booed.

But while Yi put up a solid 23 points in limited action for Dyckman, it was Mike “Optimus Prime” Glover and Gary Ervin who were the real stories. Glover dropped 32 points and Ervin added 29 as Gold’s Gym defeated Dyckman, 114-104. Read More »

Steve Burtt. Jr., seen here after a game at Tri State last summer, led Gold’s Gym to victory. Photo: Sean Couch.

After confusion and conflict, uncertainty and unrest, another summer of Nike Pro City began Thursday night at its same location with the same tournament organizers patrolling the sidelines and the same marquee talent getting after it on the court. The rumors of the tournament no longer being sponsored by Nike: false. The speculation that games wouldn’t be played at Hunter College: false. The talk that there would be no league at all: just that. Arguably the best tournament in the city is back, and if Thursday night’s action was any indication of what this season will hold, we’re in for another great summer at 68th and Lexington. Read More »