Its iconic. The one thing everybody on this list has in common is that they regularly thrived on the most famous outdoor court in the world. Youll see N.B.A. Scott won a NBA title with the Boston Celtics and an Olympic Gold Medal in '68, but some of his most memorable battles took place against playground legends such as Joe Hammond. Officiating summer park-league games, like those held at legendary Holcombe Rucker Park in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, gives referees invaluable experiences, according to veteran official Terry Gilbert, director of the Pro-Am Referee Training and Development Program. Holcombe Rucker, a Harlem school teacher, staged the first summer Rucker tournament in 1946. It wasnt like he was off. Ben Franklin (Harlem, N.Y.) '64 Trust me. After all, this is entertainment for a lot of these fans, Gilbert remarked. Few streetball players have the style and substance of Kirkland. Rucker does a good job with security, but theres always that element when youre officiating a game.. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". For over 50 years the Each One Teach One summer league, also founded by McCullough and Crawford, has called Rucker Park home. Officiating summer park-league games, like those held at legendary Holcombe Rucker Park in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, gives referees invaluable experiences, according to veteran official Terry Gilbert, director of the Pro-Am Referee Training and Development Program. What's even more amazing, though, is that Rucker Park has its own list of legends. Gilbert admits that refereeing at Rucker when the pros show up is slightly different, so officials may let some of the stars get away with a violation or two. You do the math to figure out how old he was beating guys half his age. James "Pookie" Wilson When it comes to fans, the crowds at Rucker Park are notorious for their zest for basketball and the players. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Ex-Pats, the first team to highlight Patriot League men's basketball talent in the long-running summer event, have been selected as the No. Chris Rucker, Holcombe Ruckers grandson, said that the park is a symbol and reference point to what my grandfather did and what he accomplished over the years, so without a basketball court in good working order, the legacy wouldnt be complete., He added, Rucker Park is as much a part of the Harlem community as the Apollo Theater.. So the rumors of his Rucker Park debut echoed throughout the city's entire summer basketball community. In early 2009, Fly's famous No. Rucker Park is well-known for building the game of basketball, and some of the games most storied careers. Its all the relationships that will hopefully come back and support the brands thats out there and the tournaments thats out there, and that will help bring back the mystique of what it was and what it is. Everybody wanted it.. In the past, it's been stars like Joe Hammond, who scored 74 points in a game at Rucker in the 1970s. They just want to see a good basketball game., The people in New York City know all the facets of good basketball, added Morrissey. One of many streetball stars who attended Ben Franklin, 'Cop was better known for putting in work up at the Rucker. subscribe to the email newsletter from Harlem Patch. Tim Gittens, a Harlem native, earned his nickname Headache at the park and is now an assistant coach for the W.N.B.A.s Dallas Wings. You can feel the energy in the crowd, said Mensah, who has refereed in games that included NBA pros Kemba Walker, Metta World Peace (Ron Artest), Lance Stevenson, Nick Young and Durant. Those local players never received mainstream recognition as NBA talents, but they are still talked about in New York today. [1] Many who have played at the park in the Entertainer's Basketball Classic (also known as the Rucker Tournament) achieved a level of fame for their abilities, and several have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Teams 12U (8 teams) 14U (7 teams) HIGH SCHOOL (13 teams) MENS UNLIMITED (12 teams) As an official, if theres a lot of jump shots, it makes life easier, he joked. By Brewtown Andy @brewtownandy Jul 15, 2022, 11:00am CDT / new If you think about it, a basketball player first starts playing outside most of the time. The article is made available for educational use by individuals. I stopped playing ball and I wanted to stay in shape but I didnt have the discipline to just go out and run by myself. Its all part of the officiating learning curve. He was an overlooked contributor at powerhouse Rice, but earned NJCAA All-American honors at Penn Valley Community College in Missouri. Rucker Park typographic word cloud basketball shape design Sticker. A lot of these guys, all they want to do is take it to the rack where you have to make the decision foul or no foul? Corey "Homicide" Williams Rucker opened the court in order to start up a legendary basketball tournament amongst Harlem's greatest street ballers, nicknamed the "Rucker League", with a generous mission of providing. Kareen Abdul-Jabbar -Power Memorial (New York, NY) Class of 1965, Rafer Skip To My Lou Alston -Cardozo (Queens, NY), Class of 1994, Nate The Skate Archibald -Dewitt Clinton (Bronx, NY) Class of 1966, Wilt Chamberlin -Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pa) Class of 1955, Julius The Claw Erving commonly known as "Dr. J" -Roosevelt (Roosevelt, NY) Class of 1968, Joe The Destroyer Hammond -Taft (Bronx, NY), Connie The Hawk Hawkins -Boys (Brooklyn, NY) Class of 1960, Jumpin Jackie Jackson -Boys (Brooklyn, NY) Class of 1958, Richard Pee Wee Kirkland -Charles Evan Hughes (New York, NY) Class of 1964, Herman Helicopter Knowlings -Ben Franklin (Harlem, NY), Earl (The Goat) Manigault -Ben Franklin (Harlem, NY) Class of 1964, Conrad Mcnasty Mcrae -Brooklyn Tech (Brooklyn, NY) Class of 1989, Earl The Pearl Monroe -Bartram (Philadelphia, Pa) Class of 1962, Corey Homicide Williams -Rice (New York, NY) Class of 1995, Kareem Best Kept Secret Reid -St. Raymonds (Bronx, NY) Class of 1994, Charlie Scott -Laurinburg Institute (Laurinberg, NC) Class of 1966, James Fly Williams -Glen Springs Academy (Lakemont, NY) Class of 1972, James Speedy Williams -Morris (Bronx, NY) Class of 1987, Larry Bone Collector Williams -Pasadena (Pasadena, Calif). Wilson held the EBC single-game scoring record for 21 years. CEO's and brothers Joe Jr., and Randy Cruz host a Pro-Am Men's League with NBA and former college standouts opening day July 3rd. He once scored 100 points in a Police Athletic League game where his team scored 102. Since a Harlem teacher named Holcombe Rucker first formed a summer league at the park in 1950, the court, at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, has helped shape the history of. Nate "The Skate . [2] Since 1974, the park has been named after Holcombe Rucker, a local teacher and a playground director for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. NEW YORK -- The B train takes you to the 155th street stop on the north edge of Harlem. The court formally reopened on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, youth basketball clinics and games. Winners will advance to the quarterfinals at the University of Dayton . There is a reason one of the squads for the Boost Mobile Elite 24 is named in his honor: "The Goat" is arguably the most well known streetball legend of all-time. The Rucker summer league, staged throughout Harlem, was a proving ground for top college and pro stars by the 1960s, and eventually came to call the courts at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard home. software for managing & marketing your events. Archibald went the JUCO route and kept improving his game to the point where he was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996. That June, Mayor Bill de Blasio named Rucker Parks basketball court the Greg Marius Court. The former N.B.A. View. You may not be able to say one thing to one person that you could to another., Gilbert developed a slogan that he uses to promote the Pro-Am program. The park was renamed after him as the Holcombe Rucker Playground in 1974. On this list, you'll find NBA icons, streetball legends and -- in some cases -- both. 5 dunker of all-time, behind guys named Doc, Dominique, Jordan and Vince Carter. by AmNews Staff Reports March 2, 2017. Credit: Bill Moore. Theres no set way to deal with people. Secondly, its one of the only outdoor venues where a league has three officials, shot clocks and NBA rules. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Officiating a park league game can be like a class in conflict resolution. NBA 2K19 Summer Circuit My Career Kobe vs Cortez Rucker ParkStay Updated & Follow Me:Twitter https://twitter.com/HoodieShawnnInstagram https://www.inst. His motto was "Each one, teach one" and the tournament further played into his mission of promoting education. Laurinburg Institute (Laurinberg, N.C.) '66 Terms of Use A post shared by SLAM HIGH SCHOOL (@slam_hs). Holcombe Rucker, a playground director, established a youth basketball league and summer tournament nearly 70 years ago to keep children away from temptation even as others warned him to. It was also featured in the 2018 film Uncle Drew. Bernard King, former all star for the New York Knicks once said, "When I was in 9th grade, I saw the Helicopter, with my own two eyes, pick a quarter off the top of the backboard to win a bet, and I was in complete shock," Knowlings never played professional basketball and was killed in a car accident at the age of 37. The SLAM Summer Classic is unlike any other high school basketball game! The summer of 2011 wasn't expected to be a great one for NBA fans as the league was in a lockout that would force a shortened 66-game season. In celebration of the official partnerships, adidas Basketball athletes James Harden, Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell will debut each leagues partnership jersey ahead of this years summer league season. Although he didn't play high school basketball, Williams did earn his keep at Medgar Evans College in Brooklyn. Roberts could not see over the heads of those who stacked the parks sidelines shoulder-to-shoulder. It is the first time in TBT's nine-year. But she soaked in the excitement and energy from the crowd, the laughter from the bellies, the yelling from the lungs, in what amounted to one large block party at West 155th Street and what was then known just as Eighth Avenue, with basketball as the eternal soundtrack. players playing out there. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. I remember the first game I ever did with Zach Zarba. It has also played host to legendary face-offs between amateurs from the neighborhood and stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Julius Irving. A McDonald's All-American out of St. Ray's, Reid might be best remembered for the ridiculously extra-long shorts he wore at the University of Arkansas. Street ball, a basketball Sticker. He told me, Since you like to talk, why not become an official? Gilbert joked. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. I soon realized it could definitely become a career.. Over generations, the asphalt court honed its reputation as a siren calling and name-making mecca for soon-to-be N.B.A. But only true basketball heads know he ran with the J.W. You cant get that for free basically nowhere else like that.. All of his experience brought Gilbert, now 50, back to where he first learned the game, the parks of New York City. NYC Weekend Events: What's Going On March 4-5, NYC Rent Drops For 5th Straight Month, Study Finds, NYC Restaurants Ordered Closed Feb. 24 - March 3, 125th Street Could See Another Apartment Tower As Lot Goes Up For Sale. Fridays: The Rucker Park (not EBC) has afternoon and evening games. We dont come there giving you roses. Crews worked on the court starting in August, leveling the asphalt and installing black bleachers, a state-of-the-art scoreboard and N.B.A. More than a few previously under-the-radar players have made their mark at the Classic and saw their college and pro stocks rise after the weekend. Support & Feedback He eventually was a NBA Hall of Famer, but some of his most memorable games were played at the Rucker. Although many professional basketball players have played at the court after gaining prominence, many others developed their basketball skills at Rucker prior to becoming notable in the sport, including: Other amateur players who made a name for themselves at Rucker but never played in the ABA or NBA included Earl Manigault, Joe Hammond and Pee Wee Kirkland. A basketball paradise is just a block away. There was an error submitting your subscription. A 5-foot-7 showman with a wicked handle, Robertson helped Loyola of Chicago win the 1963 NCAA title. The renovation has meaning for him beyond just the return of celebrities and N.B.A. Eastern District (Brooklyn, N.Y.) '65 Williams, now a commentator for the Australian National Basketball League, served as the M.C. February 12, 2018 - Soccer. Thats why that park is special. From $2.24. Of course, like any game anywhere, they also think they can officiate, too. And, more specifically, for the great players who have competed on that court. For over 50 years the Each One Teach One summer league, also founded by McCullough and Crawford, has called Rucker Park home. RUCKER PARK STREETBALL LEAGUE Schedule June 14 - August 29, 2021 NEW YORK, New York Info Schedule Teams Venues Documents Travel/Lodging Download the Tri-State Classic / Jordan Brand App Click on a division below or search for a team to view the schedule. Manigault had offers from all over the country, but it never worked out for him. 156 Playground when it opened in 1956, and an influential Harlem teacher named Holcombe Rucker soon saw its potential. As Kevin Durant's Legendary Night At Rucker Park Turns 10, Brooklyn Nets Could Use 66 Points In Game 5 More From Forbes Jan 29, 2023,08:45pm EST As John Tavares Hits 1,000 Games, His Toronto. "Jumpin" Jackie Jackson Another member suggested that the union also fund renovations to Rucker Park's playground and landscaping, which are also in disrepair. As someone who played college ball myself, its been incredible to work with experts in this space. 35 was retired by Austin Peay State University -- a long overdue gesture after twice leading APSU to the NCAA tournament and putting Clarksville, Tenn., on the map. The city's most important sporting event of the summer was suddenly in the balance. Frank "Shake N' Bake" Streety Julius "The Claw" Erving It would be hard to shoot if you would go to the corner.. One of the premier streetball leagues providing weekly access to some of not only the city's, but also the nation's brightest stars gracing the hardwood is, of course, the Rucker Park Entertainers Basketball Classic. He had to tie his sneakers a little tighter.. Since a Harlem teacher named Holcombe Rucker first formed a summer league at the park in 1950, the court, at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, has helped shape the history of street basketball. Underneath the 155th Street bridge is Rucker Park, quite possibly the most famous playground in basketball. . All of which causes Morrissey to say, If you can survive the summer pro-am circuit in New York City, you can survive any league in the world.. Such as:He got game, Above The Rim,Hallowed Ground. Invite them to subscribe to Harlem Patch. He has witnessed players like Bryant, Durant and Klay Thompson performing there. Copyright 2023 SLAM Media Inc. SLAM, SLAMTV, SLAM MEDIA and the SLAM logo are registered The Rucker summer league, staged throughout Harlem, was a proving ground for top college and pro stars by the 1960s, and eventually came to call the courts at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard home. Wells is hopeful that the renewed interest in Rucker Park will restore the courts allure. Its odd how I got started, said the 40-year-old Mensah. Some legends have a big reputation, but there is no doubt Hammond's game was legit. In the spirit of Rucker's legacy, this tournament is always preceded by one amongst amateur players, called the "Each One Teach One" tournament. Wilt Chamberlain The level of competition and intensity is amazing. At any point any coach, player or fan can lose their mind. Official Facebook Site for the EBC (Entertainers Basketball Classic) street basketball league held at. In 2000 he came back to the NBA to play with the Orlando Magic but died after collapsing during the first day of practice with the Magic. But Rucker Park has always been home to true ballers who forge their identities, as Williams said. He's also the NBA's all-time leading scorer. The NBA legend didn't suit up . Ramsey even spent some time in the League with the hometown Knicks and the Syracuse Nationals, but he's perhaps best remembered for legendary schoolyard battles against Connie Hawkins. KD did not take the game lightly. All in the family: how three generations of Jaquezes have ruled West Coast basketball, Alonso says Aston 'living a dream,' eyes podium, Top moments from Brady, Manning, Jordan and other athletes hosting 'Saturday Night Live'. The park was renamed after him as the Holcombe Rucker Playground in 1974. When Roberts asked members of the players' unions executive committee if they had interest in renovating the Greg Marius Court at Rucker Park, the players asked how soon they could begin. These guys are out there playing for a lot, not only pride, but a chance to show their skills and improve their game., Morrissey noted the environment can toughen an official and actually contribute to working on your craft to become the best you can be.. Rucker Park is located in a neighborhood (Harlem) that has long been an African American cultural hub in New York as well as the flashpoint for multiple race riots that elucidated the simmering discontent of black New Yorkers tired of being treated as second class citizens. Back home, however, the lefty point is better known for leading rapper Fat Joe's Terror Squad to three consecutive EBC titles in 2002-04, including the final one in which he led his team past a group featuring Cali standouts Baron Davis and Gilbert Arenas. Its a landmark in New York City. Reggie White Tournament Registration 2023 Theme by SiteOrigin Theme by SiteOrigin Weather can be a factor. He calls it Bringing Unity to the Community., Its all about getting officials, players and coaches on the same page, he remarked. While there are plenty of other parks and leagues around New York City, as well as across the country, the Rucker Park Summer League, which is held from mid-June until about mid-August, is unique in many aspects. We can't wait to bring TBT-style basketball to this historic location and hallowed basketball ground. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Its stressful. Beginning in 1947, Rucker organized a tournament around Harlem for area players as a way to bond the community and give local kids an extracurricular activity. Can you break down what this adidas partnership means to each individual league? Another play about New York Yankees, Bronx Bombers, started on Broadway on February 6, 2018 at the Circle in the. The Ex-Pats will take on sixth-seeded Big 5, a team comprised of talent from Philadelphia's Big Five . This article is the copyright of Referee Enterprises, Inc., and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from Referee. Crews spent about two months renovating. Rucker Park - The true Mecca of basketball - Old school style Sticker. Veterans: Wilt Chamberlain, Julius "The Doctor" Erving, Connie Hawkins, Joe "Destroyer" Hammond, Tiny Archibald . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Yall ready for this? Hollans: This partnership is all about people who love basketball, have played basketball, and are in love with the game. At a shade under 6-foot-5, Jackson was one of the game's first great leapers. He didn't play big-time college ball, but Wilson was a big-time scorer and playmaker at John Jay College in the early 1980s. N.B.A. Holcombe Rucker, a Harlem school teacher, staged the first summer Rucker tournament in 1946. The land that the park is on was once the site of the 8th Avenue Railroad Company. Every play is life or death for these guys.. The game began shortly after 2 p.m. at Rucker Park and wrapped up indoors with the Big 5 team winning, 74-67, at Gauchos Gym in the Bronx, home of the New York-based AAU program. The March Madness-like tournament was founded by Jonathan Mugar, TBT's CEO and a film . The park was established in 1956 next to PS 156; the school closed in 1981. It means even more to me because that's where everything began for me.". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Pasadena (Pasadena, Calif.) He would sometimes roll through Rucker to rep the City of Brotherly Love, often with spectacular results. players had mostly stopped playing at Rucker Park out of fear of risking their increasingly lucrative contracts. But it's at Rucker where Erving turned 155th into his own personal playground. You have to let them know why you made a certain call. He said his most memorable experience involved Durant. The court itself will also be adorned with a painting done by a local artist, according to Parks Department officials. Gilbert said that several current major college and NBA officials come back to Rucker Park in the summer to referee a few league games in order to work on their craft. $ The Basketball Tournament played on the Marius Court at Rucker Park will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis! Zarba, Kane Fitzgerald and Marat Kogut are three recent products of thePro-Am Referee Training and Development Programthat have made it all the way to the NBA. . It was kind of tough, because one side of the court was uneven, so if you would run downhill, one side would be deeper than the other, Jones said. Jamar Jones, whose nickname is Papa, was anticipating playing on the renovated court after its reopening Saturday. Downtown, the United Nations headquarters had gone dark. Thegirlsgame will tip off at 5 p.m. and the boys game will tip off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. Marius died at 59 in 2017. Greg Marius, a former hip-hop artist, revitalized the atmosphere by starting the Entertainers Basketball Classic in 1982. Ben Franklin (Harlem, N.Y.) Entertainers Basketball Classic Rucker Park, Harlem This is the granddaddy of them all, with a lineage that dates back to 1950. 156 to Holcombe Rucker Park in 1975. We dont care who you are, he said. Gilbert not only helps train officials but also assigns them to leagues throughout the New York metro area, including the Rucker Park League, where many of the top-flight high school, college and professional players display their talents. Adding family members helps ACTIVE find events specific to your family's interests. Sports achievements are always in need of reflection. Bartram (Philadelphia, Pa.) '62 DeWitt Clinton (Bronx, N.Y.) '66 Cardozo (Queens, N.Y.) '94 However, that summer eventually became the. Stacey Marius, Gregs sister, said that her brother had this vision of bringing his love for hip-hop and basketball and getting them together and having tournaments, but in a place where it was a high-profile tournament that everybody could enjoy.. 4 Returns on August 20 at Rucker Park The SLAM Summer Classic is BACK. Established as a proving ground for amateurs and pros, as well as a portal to the neighborhood's own basketball dreamscape, Rucker Park Streetball League has endured and evolved with the game, showcasing basketball's best to step between the lines. Charlie Scott The JR Circuit will be debuting in January 2022. With Rucker Park, I think about History. His goal was to provide leadership and a leg up for thousands of boys and girls. Rucker Park in Harlem has been a proving ground for amateurs and professionals for generations. He's so revered the playground at 99th and Amsterdam in New York is named Goat Park. Players from Philadelphia, like a young,. The 1960 ESPNHS Mr. Basketball USA would have been a cinch All-American at the University of Iowa, but a gambling scandal cost the Hawk eight years of his prime. This annual summer youth league has been instrumental in developing young players, and cultivating academic growth and community building. or just love the game who may live in the vicinity of the park and may not fully appreciate its history, and if thats the case, then we hope that this project will revive the history, she said. The players are different, the games are different. Earl "The Pearl" Monroe DeWitt Clinton (Bronx, N.Y.) '61 You could step on someones foot and break your leg if youre not careful, Mensah noted. [2] The land that the park is on was once the site of the 8th Avenue Railroad Company. You kind of learn about the players through the course of the game. [7] In addition to the basketball court, the park has a baseball field, handball courts, children's playground, bathrooms, and a spray shower.[3]. The renovations at the Rucker are personal for many NBA players, who have personal histories at the court, as well as for Roberts herself, who said her brothers took her to the park to shoot hoops while she was growing up in the South Bronx. In 2022, Rucker Park became the first outdoor venue for The Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination winner-take-all tournament with a $1 million prize, acting as one of eight regional venues of the competition.[8]. You learn quickly how to deal with emotions and people. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. With the AEBL, I think about culture. The crowd was on him. St. Raymond's (Bronx, N.Y.) '94 "You can't talk about New York basketball without talking about the Rucker," Michele Roberts, the executive director of the player's union, told Community Board 10. Construction will last about 10 weeks, starting Aug. 16 and running through October. Franklin K. Lane (Brooklyn, N.Y.) '76 Action in this summer's tournament gets started in the Omaha and Rucker Park regionals. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When the pros are involved, the park draws huge crowds and wild responses. Some of the guys who come through here to play are amazing Kevin Durant, James Harden, Vince Carter, Kobe (Bryant), said Gilbert, who witnessed Durant in one game hit seven straight 3-pointers, some from just a step inside the half-court line. Find out about free street basketball in NYC, including locations and schedules for streetball at West 4th, Rucker Park, Dyckman Park, and Orchard Beach. The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? A windy day likely means more drives to the basket. Decades ago those names included the likes of basketball Hall of Famers Julius (Dr. J) Erving, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Earl Monroe and Wilt Chamberlain. So fans can expect a great environment for sure. You come in that park, and while the tournament is on, you might be able to see any star, said Gus Wells, the chief executive of Entertainers 155, which operates the street ball tournament. [18][19], Rucker Park in 2008, with Frederick Douglass Boulevard at left, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 02:43, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, "Holcombe Rucker Playground Highlights - Greg Marius Court: NYC Parks", "A Street Basketball Mecca Gets a Face-Lift", "How The Basketball Tournament Landed Harlem's Famed Rucker Park As Its First Outdoor Venue", "Empty Garden: Why did New York stop growing basketball stars? Soon, he invited pros back, enlivening the experience with the addition of bombastic play-by-play callers, booming hip-hop soundtracks and corporate sponsors. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The EBC has a men's division which headlines the league, but it also has a high school league, and U15, U12 and U10 divisions. [5], In June 2017, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio dedicated the court to Greg Marius, founder of the Entertainer's Basketball Classic streetball tournament held at the park. Read More. In the Rucker Park League there are no set plays. Not since Shaq entered the league in 1992, did we have a first year player dominate the nightly highlights shows with so many memorable dunks. The National Basketball Players Association is donating $360,000 to revitalize Harlem's historic Rucker Park. insights, ACTIVE Works is the race management Following his death, two protgs - Bob McCullough and Fred Crawford (both drafted by NBA teams) - created the Rucker Pro League, a competition among professionals held in the park each summer. Have a team in the 14U-8U age groups? The red tour buses come to Harlem and go to that park. He died of cancer in 1965 before he turned 40.