The Rucker Park in Harlem has played host to countless historic outdoor games and streetball stars, but this week the stage was set for a game that will forever be in the memories of basketball fans in Uptown. ?Nike brought the World Basketball Festival to the city of New York and transformed the legendary outdoor courts with a first ever hardwood court, expanded?bleachers, and even two video trons.
On Friday, two world elite basketball programs from Puerto Rico and Brazil warmed up for the Worlds at the Rucker Park in a scrimmage in front of a packed park. ?NBA stars on court included Puerto Rico’s Carlos Arroyo, JJ Barea, Renaldo Balkman, as well as Brazil’s Leandro Barbosa,?Anderson Varejao (Nene and Tiago Splitter sat out). ?In true Rucker form the game was hosted by an MC on court and none other than streetball legend, DJ extraordinaire, and sneaker?connoisseur, Bobbito Garcia.
While for the players on court the game was a great way to warm up for the World Championships in Turkey later this month, for fans it was the ultimate experience Nike brought to the city of NYC for the World Basketball Festival.
