David Lee, Kent Bazemore Show Up at Rucker Park

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Golden State Warrior David Lee tried to windmill this one as he glided past the defense. The dunk attempt rattled out, but was enough to get the crowd out of their seats.  

The Entertainer's Basketball Classic has hosted NBA Hall of Famers and a plethora of legends who built their reputations at Holcombe Rucker Park on 155th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard. From Julius "Doctor J" Erving to Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond, Pee Wee Krikland, and contemporaries like Corey "Homicide" Williams, no court in the world has a history as rich as that of Holcombe Rucker Park. 

Throughout that history several NBA players took their talents to the perennial streetball tournament to see how they stacked up against the competition. Some have fared better than others.  

On Monday, August 6th David Lee and Kent Bazemore of the Golden State Warriors suited up for HIllsong NYC to put on a show for the crowd.  

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Kent Bazemore of the Golden State Warriors showed true grit and passion for the game when he played through a bloody shin at the EBC in Harlem.  

The two combined for at least a dozen dunks, which gave me plenty opportunities to get some high-flying action shots.  

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Multi-platinum recording artist R. Kelly showed up to Holcombe Rucker Park to take in the streetball action.  

Rumors spread like wildfire in NYC when it comes to pros coming to town to play in the various streetball leagues. I heard rumblings of Kevin Durant teaming up with Kyrie Irving at EBC. Naturally, I was excited to create some shots of those stars bringing their game to the streets. 

Instead, I was in for a different surprise as I headed up to Rucker Park to catch the Sean Bell All-Stars take on Black Ink as they continued their undefeated season. Fat Joe and R. Kelly entered the park to take in all of the action.  

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Lee became very familiar with the EBC rims during his visit to the world famous court at 155th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard.  

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Irving "Secret Service" Moses can only watch in amazement as Baze rises for a mean flush, much to the crowd's enjoyment.  

Soon thereafter, David Lee of the Golden State Warriors arrived with teammate Kent Bazemore and suited up for the nightcap game. I was happy to have the opportunity to shoot both games.  

There's something magical about the way legendary announcer Hannibal shares with the crowd that he just received word that a special guest is about to enter the park and Bam! A major recording artist or NBA player enters the park. Out come the smartphones and other cameras to capture a slice of history on the New York City streetball scene.  

I love this game.