It’s summer in New York City, once and still by some, considered the mecca of basketball.  Normally parks would be full with kids and adults alike hitting the courts to play basketball, even if they had to use a crate for a hoop.  But lately street ball is dying, or so says ESPN in a lengthy and detailed article about playground basketball across the nation.  People have turned to video games instead of actual ones to showcase their talent.  As ESPN points out, Rucker Park was THE place to be to watch some of the greatest talent in the world.  From Julius Erving to Kobe Bryant, all the greats hit the blacktop and spectators clamored around the park just for a glimpse.

Well while people may think street ball is dying, EBC wants you to know, they’re alive and well.  Decked out with a swanky hardwood court, Rucker Park is still thriving.

Recently they held a huge event that certainly catapulted the notion of street ball and solidified themselves as the leader in the game. The Entertainers Basketball Classic held it’s Inaugural “EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge” at Barclays Center.

Hip Hop stars LL Cool J, Fabolous, Kendrick Lamar, French Montana, Wale, Big Sean, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Maino, Teyana Taylor, Troy Ave, DJ Clue, Angela Yee, DJ Envy and more turned out as EBC brought its non-stop action-packed version of streetball from Rucker Park in Harlem to Brooklyn’s own Barclays Center. The EBC America Celebrity Basketball Challenge featured four celebrity-coached teams by hip hop artists Fabolous, Wale, Kendrick Lamar and French Montana with special appearances by NBA players Jarrett Jack (Brooklyn Nets), Austin Daye (San Antonio Spurs) and Jordan Hamilton (Houston Rockets).  It also featured live performances by Fabolous, Big Sean, Troy Ave, Ooh Way featuring Jadakiss, Bizzy and singer Elle Varner, who performed the national anthem.

In the end Wale’s Team DMV took home the trophy and a good time was had by all.  More importantly however, it let the world know, street ball is still alive.  There are players who thrive off this sector of basketball and it brings the community together.

The Source’s 360 event in Brooklyn at Barclay’s Center is coming also. Tickets are on sale HERE

– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)