Rucker Park - Harlem USA
120 Years of NYC Basketball
From The Playground to The Garden
NYC: The Mecca of Basketball
On The Shoulders of Giants
Since the beginning, basketball, has kept pace with the growth and development of the city that surrounds it. The style of play, the flair and creativity of its players and the relentless will to succeed and be the best!.
After Naismith, gave birth to the game, New York wasted no time molding, innovating and creating basketball in its own image. With a powerful, driving desire to reach higher and standout. The "city game" had no choice, but to became a reflection of the vibrant metropolis that is New York City!
Follow the story from wooden hoops to breakaway rims!
The New York City Basketball History Project was created to tell the tale of those who played the game. We also recognize areas on the outskirts of the city such as Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Long Island as part of the metropolitan area.
Lew Alcindor (Kareem Jabbar)
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Dolph Schayes
Recognizing Acheivement At All Levels
Not only the players, coaches and referees who helped New York basketball to shine, but the schools, the outdoor playgrounds indoor community centers and neighborhood tournaments which helped the game and its players to develop. Places that often provided a safe haven for the youth of our city to grow, mature and socialize. Though some were lost along the way we honor them here and and the sacred grounds, that were the foundations for higher education, successful careers for many, and for some, a launching pad to reach their wildest dreams!