When Heroes Return
By JOSHUA BRUSTEIN
Published: August 20, 2010
THE scene around the basketball court at Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem was bordering on chaos.
Two professional football players strutted back and forth, trailed by fans, while a famous hip-hop artist posed for a photograph in a corner. Children galloped around with no discernible destination. A rotund man in yellow sweat pants danced with surprising grace at center court. Two men on inline skates weaved through the crowd, capturing everything on video cameras.
The stereo system roared and the bleachers were beyond capacity as Corey Williams, 10 days into a monthlong basketball bender, pushed his way onto the court for the Entertainers Basketball Classic, a tournament that has become synonymous with street basketball since it began 30 years ago as a grudge match between rival rap groups. It is also where Mr. Williams, who grew up in the Bronx and now plays professionally overseas, made his name — literally.
“The most dangerous player in the E.B.C. — Homicide — has entered the building!” the announcer yelled into the microphone when he saw Mr. Williams, who was grinning and looking giddy as he pounded hands and grabbed shoulders. ...........................
One evening in 2005, a coach with the Toronto Raptors saw Mr. Williams dominate a game at Dyckman Park and brought him in for a tryout. This set off a series of auditions with five other National Basketball Association teams. None resulted in a contract, but Mr. Williams was named the Most Valuable Player in the Australian National Basketball League last season..............
Complete Story Here
Anyone know Who that coach was?
Why didn't the Raptors sign him?
By JOSHUA BRUSTEIN
Published: August 20, 2010
THE scene around the basketball court at Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem was bordering on chaos.
Two professional football players strutted back and forth, trailed by fans, while a famous hip-hop artist posed for a photograph in a corner. Children galloped around with no discernible destination. A rotund man in yellow sweat pants danced with surprising grace at center court. Two men on inline skates weaved through the crowd, capturing everything on video cameras.
The stereo system roared and the bleachers were beyond capacity as Corey Williams, 10 days into a monthlong basketball bender, pushed his way onto the court for the Entertainers Basketball Classic, a tournament that has become synonymous with street basketball since it began 30 years ago as a grudge match between rival rap groups. It is also where Mr. Williams, who grew up in the Bronx and now plays professionally overseas, made his name — literally.
“The most dangerous player in the E.B.C. — Homicide — has entered the building!” the announcer yelled into the microphone when he saw Mr. Williams, who was grinning and looking giddy as he pounded hands and grabbed shoulders. ...........................
One evening in 2005, a coach with the Toronto Raptors saw Mr. Williams dominate a game at Dyckman Park and brought him in for a tryout. This set off a series of auditions with five other National Basketball Association teams. None resulted in a contract, but Mr. Williams was named the Most Valuable Player in the Australian National Basketball League last season..............
Complete Story Here
Anyone know Who that coach was?
Why didn't the Raptors sign him?
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