|
EBC, Kingdome, Dyckman summer league rankings |
|
|
|
|
Written by Kyle Henry
|
|
Sunday, 10 June 2007 |
After the NBA ‘chip is decided in the next couple weeks, we’ve all got a whole summer in front of us known as the dreaded “offseason.†If you’re lucky enough to live in a hoops hotbed like New York, Chicago, L.A., or B-more, though, there’s a ton of playground ball to give you your b-ball fix. Being based in NYC, the Dime crew is looking at the Top 5 streetball tournaments in the city. If you’re in the area over the next few months, definitely make a point to check them out.
5. West 4th Basketball League (Greenwich Village): Played at the famous “Cage,†West 4th still holds its luster after many years. With an unusually-short court, games tend to be played at a frenetic pace, so don’t blink or you might get flushed on...
4. Hoops in the Sun (Bronx): Where else can you play top-level ball on a Saturday or Sunday, then take a few steps over and go for a dip at the beach? Located right next to Orchard Beach, HITS is known for high-scoring games. Former Rice H.S. teammates Kenny Satterfield and Andre Barrett — both of whom played PG in the League — hold the top two scoring outputs in HITS history with 62 and 57 points, respectively.
3. Entertainers Basketball Classic (Harlem): Held at the world’s most famous playground court, Rucker Park on 155th and 8th Ave, the EBC has been a household name for years. On any given day you can find your favorite rapper, NBA ballplayer, model or actor/actress in the crowd. Celebrities show up on the regular to watch streetball legends like “The Bone Collector†and “The Black Widow†go head-to-head with NBA guys. Bring your “A†game, because when you get a nickname at Rucker, it usually sticks.
2. Dyckman Basketball Tournament (Inwood): With metal backboards and fans hanging on fences to watch the games, Dyckman gives you a true feel of what summer streetball is all about. If you’re playing against the “home team,†Dominican Power (DP), prepare to be heckled to no end with bongo drums, tambourines, catcalls and all.
1. Kingdome (Harlem): Set dead in the middle of the Martin Luther King Jr. Towers (aka the projects), Kingdome is now considered the premier streetball tournament on the NYC scene. Just about anybody who is somebody in the streetball world plays here, and you also get your regular pros coming to get that street cred. Just don’t go without someone who’s familiar with the neighborhood.
DimeMag.com
|