This morning, Saturday, March 7, 2009, I walked out the crib in some canvas Pro-Keds and a sweatsuit. That’s it. Gone were the scully, gloves, puffy winter coat, etc. What a relief! My girl and I went to study together at Mt. Morris Park, which was a grave mistake. The pick-up there doesn’t normally start until the afternoon, but this fine day brought out all the smack-talkers and young guns on the early get your worm side. I couldn’t concentrate on my Spanish book! I kept looking up at the game of 21, which at point had 11 players. My man Al was screaming to start a full, but I can identify with the delay. I love the challenge that 21 offers with constant double, triple-teams and no chance for little dudes to get rebounds forcing us to guard up top and hope for loose balls or a rip. It’s the essence of Harlem basketball the way I’ve always seen it. One kid slapped boards on four dudes so hard I could tell he felt like he’d just cuffed it on Lebron or something. That is the park reality that runs parallel to fantasy. The playground is ours forever . . .

I’ll make it outside later this afternoon, no doubt, but also have two indoor games tomorrow for those interested in coming out and supporting:

Sunday, March 8, 2009

2:30pm: Pelham Fritz 38 and Over League, IS 201, 127th St. bet. 5th and Madison Ave., 2nd flr. gym. nearest trains: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 to 125th St.

5:30pm: Sunday Basketball League, Park West HS, 50th St. bet. 10th and 11th Ave., 5th flr. gym. nearest trains: C or 1 to 50th St., R, W to 49th St.