# 76 Basketball Game at Rucker Park, Harlem, NY
In 1986, the Rucker Park Tournament became the Entertainers Basketball Classic. The league starts in late June and runs through August. Games are usually held between 6 and 10 p.m. each night of the week.
Significance
In the shadow of Yankee Stadium and right across the street from the Polo Grounds Houses where the famed Polo Grounds Baseball Stadium once stood, consider your search for the best “streetball” in the world over.
The Entertainers Basketball Classic was started in 1946 by Holcombe Rucker and had continued at its current site since 1965. It boasts the highest level of play on the traditional green and red painted court. While the talent level is considered the best in the nation, this is not your traditional basketball game. Make no mistake about it. This is “streetball” at its finest. The coaching style is relaxed as the players focus on what they do best. Basketball stars such as Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, and Julius Irving have played in this annual event. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities such as Denzel Washington, Bill Clinton, David Stern, Fat Joe, Jay Z, and Snoop Dogg, who fields his own team. Basket MC’s provide play-by-play and a bit of trash talking to the players for all to hear. The games sometimes air on MSG Networks and ESPN.
Best way to watch the action:
There is only one way to watch ball at the Rucker. Get to Rucker Park early for a seat in the bleachers.
Best way to get up close:
The only way to get any closer than the bleachers at Rucker is to get in the game. If you really can play, we’re talking hang with the pros and your game has style, then you might have to grab a ball and hoop. It’s been done many times.
Best travel tip:
Insider’s will tell you that to see the best talent, show up on Monday and Thursday nights. Recent years have also seen the establishment of kids’ leagues during the day. This will give you a chance to spot the next Michael Jordan or Lloyd “Sweet Pea” Daniels. Female talent can usually be seen during the late afternoon on Wednesday, prior to the evening festivities.
