The Rucker - Blog

NYC Set to Respect Tradition

2012-01-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Globally the most recognized name in basketball is Rucker Park. New York City, Community board 10 is currently working on a proposal for the park to become a landmark.

The park located at Frederick Douglass Blvd and 155th street although not a landmark has been a place where players from all over the country call home “Hallow Ground”.

Many stories and NYC legends grew from this asphalt like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rafer "Skip to my Lou" Alston, Kenny Anderson, Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Connie Hawkins, Jumpin Jackie Jackson, Jamal Mashburn, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Chris Mullin, Ron Artest, Lance Stephenson, Jamaal Tinsley, Satch Sanders and Pee Wee Kirkland to name a few.

Street ball legends grew as well Corey "Homicide" Williams, Philip Champion aka Hot Sauce/Sizzle, Kareem "The Best Kept Secret" Reid, John "The Franchise" Strickland, Troy "Escalade" Jackson, Jamar "The Pharmacist" Davis, and Mike “The Icon” Campbell.

The real story of Rucker Park began with Holcombe Rucker (1925-1965) a playground director for New York City Parks & Recreation. Holcombe started NYC Pro-Am basketball tournament however he made education a part of his program. Totally unfunded Holcombe Rucker would go on to deliver his greatest gift to that game of basketball by helping thousands of players obtain college basketball scholarships.

NYC would reward the humble playground director by renaming P.S. 156 playground to Holcombe Rucker playground honoring all of his hard work. Later, Holcombe Rucker continued to teach but on the professional level after earning a degree in education from City College in 1962. He would teach English at Junior High school 139 until he succumb to cancer in 1965.

Chris Rucker, continues his grandfather dream with co-CEO Dexter Gordon with the Rucker Pro-Am summer tournaments and his clothing line. Sharif Rucker, the elder grandson continues the family legacy with Holcombe L. Rucker School of Community Research (http://goo.gl/rxRIC) in the Bronx, NY. The school is a community that collaborates to produce confident young adults with a commitment to creative learning and academic excellence.

This spring if the park is named a landmark by the city the park’s cultural and historical impact on generations of basketball players and fans of the game will forever be remembered.

“Respect Tradition, Respect the Game”

The 8th Annual Rucker High School Invitational

2012-01-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog
by Stacey Davis

On February 18th, eight NYC High Schools will face off against each other at Wadleigh High School in Harlem, NY. This year will mark the eighth year Rucker Basketball has sponsored the event. Holcombe Rucker a NYC pioneer started the first summer basketball tournament in 1946. He was the first one to use basketball and education together which sent thosands of young people to college.

The event held at Wadleigh High School in Harlem, NY will feature a battle of the boros.

Wadleigh HS Harlem, NY vs. Forest Hills HS Queens, NY @ 11:30am

John F. Kennedy HS Bronx, NY vs. Bayside HS Queens, NY @ 1:15pm

Xaverian HS Brooklyn, NY vs. Jefferson HS Brooklyn, NY 3:00pm

Curtis HS Staten Island, NY vs. All Hallows HS Bronx, NY @ 4:45pm

When asked about the significance of the Showcase, Gordon responded, “In addition to continuing the legacy of Rucker Basketball, our Showcase is right after the PSAL regular season, during the two week break before the playoffs begin. It gives the teams who are probably going to be in the playoffs, a preview of what it will be like in a game situation.”

Rucker 7th Annual invitational

2011-02-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

2nd Annual Rucker Philadelphia

2011-01-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

The Second Annual Rucker Philadelphia
“RESPECT THE GAME"

Boys High School Invitational
SATURDAY JANUARY 15, 2011
The City of Brotherly Love is bring the best boys high school teams teams to earn their bragging rights in

Rucker’s “Respect the Game" Invitational@ Southern High School Located at Broad Street & Snyder

GAME 1: World Comm vs. Bodine High @11am
GAME 2: Strawberry Masion vs. Frankford @12:30pm
GAME 3: Prep Charter vs. Constitution @2pm
GAME 4: Southern vs. Latin Boys 3:30pm

We Are Our Own Ballers

2010-11-29T04:07:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

JOCK DOCS: PLAYGROUND BASKETBALL

2010-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog
BOBBITO PRESENTS
JOCK DOCS: PLAYGROUND BASKETBALL
FOR THE JOCK DOCS FILM SERIES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30TH

DJ Bobbito Garcia, co-director of the upcoming documentary Doin' It In The Park: Pick-up Basketball, NYC (360 Creative Films), has contributed to the Jock Doc film series at Harlem's Maysles Cinema by organizing and hosting Playground Basketball this October 27th -30th, 2010.

Playground ball is not just a training ground for college and the NBA, but rather a site of culture where the sport is treated as important as life itself. Bobbito, a veteran product of this environment, has selected films from the late seventies to the present that document this history in great detail, but it is in the discussions that follow the screenings that these histories are fully brought to the audience.

Taking advantage of the Cinema's location in Harlem, considered b-ball's mecca, many experts on the subject will be in attendance, including current/former players, coaches, tournament organizers, "unofficial" historians of the game as well as the filmmakers. Kool Bob Love will play a role he knows well as point guard and courtside MC, keeping the conversation moving and entertaining, passing the mic to every one who has something to add. Who knows, if your questions are good enough, you might even earn a nickname!
Jock Docs, curated by Laura Coxson, is a monthly series at the Maysles Cinema showcasing films on sports. This month's guest organizer is DJ Bobbito Garcia.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 7:30pm
International Night
LE TOURNOI DU QUAI 54
Dir. Thibault de Longeville, 2006, 53 min.
In Paris, Le Tournoi du Quai is the world's biggest weekend outdoor tournament, attracting teams from Japan, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The very best playground and pro players of France participate in the annual event while thousands spectate, including NBA players like Ronnie Turiaf, Boris Diaw, and Tony Parker.
HOOP HOP TOUR JAPAN
Dir. John Jay, 1996, 25 min.
In 1995, four players in Japan won a 3-on-3 tournament there, qualifying for a ten city tour of America's top courts from Los Angeles' Venice Beach to Indiana barnhouses to Harlem's Rucker Park. The Hoop Hop Tour follows their journey in this short film, which has never before been screened outside of Asia.
MY GAME
Dir. Carlos Ledesma, 2007, 64 min.
My Game is about basketball in the Philippines and their most talented and respected players. Director Carlos Ledesma spent a month with six of them to find out more about where they are in their lives, where they are going and the immense culture of b-ball in the Philippines.
After the Screening: Kool Bob Love (Moderator), Speakers TBA
_____________________________________________________________
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 7:30pm
EBC @ Rucker Park
MTV'S HARLEM HOOPS
Prod. Jac Benson, 2003, 43 min.
The Entertainers Basketball Classic is the most famous tournament in the world. It's where NBA stars such as Shawn Marion, Baron Davis and Kobe Byrant can unleash moves that have never been seen in an NBA arena and play with streetball legends such as Adrian "A Whole Lotta Game" Walton and Steve "All Day" Burtt. Hip Hop moguls such as Fat Joe, Ja Rule, and Irv Gotti all have teams and will do anything to make their team better every year no matter the cost.
ONE LOVE
Dir. Leon Gast, 2003, 10 min.
A short excerpt about Pro Rucker legend Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond, considered by many to be the best scorer New York City has ever produced, even after turning down an NBA contract from the 1971-'72 Los Angeles Lakers (who went on to break the league record for most regular season wins and won the championship).
ON HALLOWED GROUND: STREETBALL CHAMPIONS OF RUCKER PARK
Dir. Kip & Korn, 2000, 90 min.
On Hallowed Ground follows the reigning champions of the Entertainers Basketball Classic, held at Rucker Park, sponsored by Bad Boys Records. While the film focuses on this team of amateurs filled with dazzling showmen such as "The Future", "Half-Man Half-Amazing", "Up North", and "The Main Event", it also goes deeper into the history of Rucker Park and the NBA stars and legends who have played there before such as Wilt Chamberlain, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
After the Screening: Discussion with Anthony Heyward Jr. (aka Biz, aka OG 1/2 Man 1/2 Amazin')
____________________________________________________________
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 7:30pm
NYC Playground
AMERICAN GAME
Dir. Anthony Jones, 1979, 89 min.
The American Game is a 1979 documentary directed by Jay Freund and David Wolf contrasting the experiences of two high-school seniors from remarkably different backgrounds. Brian Walker is taken from his close-knit Indiana family, living in a small town. In contrast, Stretch Graham has practically no family support, and looks to his Brooklyn team and his warm-hearted coach for support. This film is extremely rare and is unknown even in the most diehard b-ball junkie circles!
HEART AND SOUL OF NEW YORK CITY
Dir. Kevin Couliau, 2010, 5 min.
French director Kevin Couliau spent the summer of 2009 in New York City so that he could capture what playground basketball is all about. With amazing visuals, this short, featuring music by producer Pete Rock, shows NYC at its best and will doubtlessly inspire many a viewer to suit up and play afterwards!
ASPHALT PHENOMS OF NEW YORK CITY-THE LOST YEARS
Dir. Dorian Graham, 2007, 45 min.
Directed by ex-playground star, Dorian Graham, Asphalt Phenoms of New York City-The Lost Years tells the story of the game prior to the AND 1 Mixtape phenomenon. This film goes deep into the culture of the late '80s and shows what hot summers were all about before it became a worldwide craze. Interviews from two-time NBA champion Kenny "The Jet" Smith, legends "Speedy" Williams, "The Terminator" and more.
After the screening: Filmmaker Dorian "Black Stallion" Graham & former players, Kool Bob Love (moderator)
_____________________________________________________________
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30th, 7:30pm
Sneaker Night
THE MYSTERY OF FLYING KICKS
Dir. Matthew Bate, 2009, 14 min.
The Mystery of Flying Kicks tries to solve the mystery of why it is hard to avoid seeing sneakers on power lines in almost all urban areas. Made completely from donated photographs, video, phoned in theories, artwork and animation. The Mystery of Flying Kicks tries to find the truth of why shoes always end up on telephone wires.
AIR FORCE ONE: ANATOMY OF AN URBAN MYTH
Dir. Thibault de Longeville, 2010, 75 min
Before the 1980s basketball shoes were so uncomfortable that players had to wear more than one pair of socks for cushioning. Then the Nike Air Force One came out and started a new era in ballin' and sneaker culture. This documentary tells the story of how one pair of shoes swept the nation and went from being a shoe worn only on courts to an iconic item that people collect and wear every single day.
After the screening: Anthony Gilbert, Kool Bob Love (moderator), more speakers TBA
_____________________________________________________________
Maysles Cinema
343 Lenox Ave
(127th and 128th streets)
New York, NY 10027

Please direct press inquiries, including requests for complimentary tickets to cinema@mayslesinstitute.org, or contact the Cinema at 212.582.6050 ext 221
www.mayslesinstitute.org

JOHN STRICKLAND PASSES

2010-10-07T09:39:00.001-07:00

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

John Strickland, a/k/a "Big Strick", recently passed away. Unfortunately, I don't have many details except to say that he passed peacefully in his sleep.

Big Strick was a mainstay on the New York City summer circuit for years...a true beast in the paint. Also, he was one of the funniest players on any given court.

I offer my condolences to his family and requiescat in pace Big Strick.

Iron Man Tournanment Oct 16th

2010-10-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

Iron Man Tournanment
Oct 16th 2010
Lost Battalion Hall
92-39 Queens Blvd.
Cash Prize $3,0000.00

Team Entry Fee $350.00(plus ref fee)

For more info: Chris (646)331-0456
Nittie (718) 926-7903

2010-09-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Pro City 2010

2010-06-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

Pro City is where the Maniac can’t be controlled and the Amityville Horror proves he isn’t afraid of heights. This is where standing room only is the best seat in the house and “The Franchise” John Strickland became legendary. Where Nik “E” One and Gold’s Gym add to the noise of Midtown. Where whether you’ve made it or not, everyone’s a pro.

The summer is here.
The city is watching.

At 68th and Lexington, the only thing that matters is the summer months, and the tournament that is Pro City. With the likes of the best of the best from the league and the collegiate ranks, basketball season is never out in NYC. On Tuesday and Thursday you will witness games and plays that you wouldn’t believe if you didn’t see them. Pro City brings the pro game and pro players without the ticket prices…admission is free, because the game is priceless.

Thu June 14th
(Tip Off Classic)
Gold’s Gym vs. PDG Queensbridge @ 6:30pm
Nike “E” One vs. Dyckman @ 8:30pm

Tue June 19th
Nike “E” One vs. PDG Queensbridge @ 6:30pm
X-Men vs. United Brooklyn @ 8:30pm

Thu June 21st
Dyckman vs. Uptowners @ 6:30pm
Gold’s Gym vs. Prime Time @ 8:30pm

Tue June 26th
Prime Time vs. PDG Queensbridge @ 6:30 pm
Gold’s Gym vs. Dyckman @ 8:30 pm

Thu June 28th
United Brooklyn vs. Uptowners @ 6:30 pm
X-Men vs. Nike “E” One @ 8:30 pm

Tue July 3th
PDG Queensbridge vs. United Brooklyn @ 6:30pm
Prime Time vs. Dyckman @ 8:30pm

Thu July 5th
Uptowners vs. Nike “E” One @ 6:30pm
X-Men vs. Gold’s Gym @ 8:30pm

Tue July 10th
Nike “E” One vs. Prime Time @ 6:30pm
United Brooklyn vs. Gold’s Gym @ 8:30pm

Thu July 12th
Dyckman vs. X-Men @ 6:30pm
PDG Queensbridge vs. Uptowners @ 8:30pm

Tue July 17th
X-Men vs. Uptowners @ 6:30pm
Dyckman vs. Nike “E” One @ 8:30pm

Thu July 19th
Prime Time vs. United Brooklyn @ 6:30pm
Gold’s Gym vs. PDG Queensbridge @ 8:30pm

Tue July 24th
Prime Time vs. X-Men @ 6:30pm
United Brooklyn vs. Nike “E” One @ 8:30pm

Thu July 26th
Uptowners vs. Gold’s Gym @ 6:30pm
PDG Queensbridge vs. Dyckman @ 8:30pm

Tue July 31st
PDG Queensbridge vs. X-Men @ 6:30pm
Gold’s Gym vs. Nike “E” One @ 8:30pm

Thu August 2nd
Uptowners vs. Prime Time @ 6:30pm
Dyckman vs. United Brooklyn @ 8:30pm

Tue August 7th
Playoffs
3rd Place vs. 2nd Place @ 6:30pm
1st Place vs. 4th Place @ 8:30pm

Thu August 9th
Championship Game @ 7:00pm

NBA, Sprite and Lebron James are hosting a Slam Dunk Showdown in NYC on June 19

2010-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

The NBA, Sprite & Lebron James are Looking for the Best Dunkers in New York City

NBA, Sprite and Lebron James are hosting a Slam Dunk Showdown in New York City on June 19 at the South Street Seaport. The Showdown is all about finding the best amateur dunkers in the area and taking them to compete against other non-pro, non-collegiate dunkers across the country.

Fans can compete in the Showdown by submitting videos online of themselves dunking and/or vote for their favorite dunkers on NBA.com/dunk. A cool twist is fan votes will help select the winners at each event as well as the top user submitted dunk videos online. Top dunkers will win cash prizes and have a chance to compete at NBA All-Star weekend in 2011.

You can find more details about the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown, upcoming events and how to register for a competition on our Facebook page, Twitter account or at NBA.com/dunk.

RUCKER SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE

2010-04-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

WHO: Rucker and St. John's Rec

WHAT: "Get That Respect" Summer High School League

WHERE: 1251 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY

WHY: Why not?

WHEN: Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays

Hassanah Oliver: Defying The Odds

2010-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

By Billy Diamond

"It's the decisions we make that shape our life.

As we begin the 2nd week of March Madness, if 2006 Hillside High School graduate Hassanah Oliver was a team in the Division I Men’s NCAA basketball tournament, she would probably be an 8th seed. Even the most knowledgeable gambler or college basketball fan wouldn’t pick an 8th seed to win the entire tournament, even though that’s the lowest seed to ever win it. The odds are just so high that nobody in their right ever picks an 8th seed to be that successful.

That’s basically the odds that Hassanah (aka “Hass” aka “Sanny”) has faced her whole entire life growing up in the streets of Newark, NJ. Despite having to consistently overcome numerous obstacles and hurdles beginning at the age of three, it's never deterred Hassanah from staying focused and consistently making the right decisions. Also, she’s never made excuses or felt sorry for herself for not having a mother and father growing up; not living with her brother and sister; not being rich and having all of the material things that some of her friends had. So how in the world has she been able to be one of the greatest success stories to ever come out of Newark, NJ/Hillside (NJ) High School? Allow me to explain.

Sharon Oliver passed away when her children Hassanah was three years old, her sister Khadijah was 10 years old and her brother Muhammad was 7 years old. While Ms Oliver was sick, it was pre-determined that if and/or when she dies, custody of Hassanah was to go to her Godmother, Diane Curry, while Khadijah and Muhammad were to live with different Aunts in the area. Ms Curry had children of her own but welcomed her precious new Godchild to her family with open arms.

“My children (two boys and one girl) played with and loved Sanny before she even lived with us. They immediately accepted her as one of their sisters since they had already known her from being our downstairs neighbor. We've might not have been rich with money but our home was always rich with love and Sanny always called me mom!” said Curry.

At an early age there was no need to explain to Hassanah where her biological mother was or why her father never came around since she was very familiar with Ms Curry and her family. She was just your typical young, shy kid growing up on West Kinney Street in Newark with some drug dealers and homeless people scattered around the area. However, there were rules to abide by early on in her life. "It was understood that as soon as they (my children) came home from school, they were to do their homework before they could go outside and play. Sanny was a straight "A" student beginning in first grade and she always liked school and you could tell that she was 'gifted" and 'very observant' at a very young age," continued Curry. "You didn't have to always tell Sanny not to do certain things. She just picked them up instinctively and was a very good listener and had 'street smarts.' She had such a great reputation in our neighborhood as a excellent student that even the drug dealers on the block would tell her that for every "A" she got on her report card each semester, they would give her $10.00."

When Hassanah was attending 18th Avenue Elementary School, her brother Muhammad, now an up and coming music producer, who usually spent the weekends with her, used to take "Hass" to the park at Fairview Homes in Newark and work on the basic fundamentals of basketball. A years later he would take her to Tuxedo Park in Vauxhall (Union), NJ where he lived, to play basketball. While he was at one end of the court playing with his Union High School teammates and friends, Hassanah was at the other end playing...not with and against other girls, but with boys...older boys! After balling all day and/or night at the park, Muhammad would pick her on his team to play against his teammates for the final one or two games.

"I didn't think it was anything special that was I doing at the time with Hass. It was simply that my sister liked basketball and I knew the best way for her to get better was to play against better competition. What better "comp" can you ask for than to play against when you’re in middle school, than playing against guys on a high school basketball team?" Muhammad continued laughing in a humble tone. "She held her own on the court, was always very competitive and never complained about getting fouled or when she lost, which wasn't often. Sometimes, the boys that she played against were so embarrassed by how good she was that they ran home crying (lol)!"

As modest as Muhammad might have been at the time, it must have paid off because when Hassanah was in middle school, she was the only 6th grader to make, play and start on the 7th/8th grade team at Harold Wilson Middle School. Nothing made him smile more than to take her to different parks around Union and Essex counties and have her competition under-estimate her while "she took their heart." When he went to AAU practices with Coach Brian Crawford for the Newark Rams, he brought her along. When Coach Crawford saw her play one-on-one after one practice and was very impressed, he turned Muhammad and Hassanah onto Coach Brad Howard who ran the girls Newark Finesse AAU program in Newark.

Coach Howard, presently the Athletic Director at University High School has always had a tremendous reputation not only as very good coach but as a tremendous role mode and mentor to your men and ladies from throughout the Newark area for many years. He recently told me, "We weren't a big-time AAU program at all. We had meager resources and we mostly played locally and rarely traveled because nobody could afford the usually $800 fee for the spring and summer tournaments. I loved coaching basketball and teaching young boys and girls, not only about basketball but life-skills. Don't get me wrong. We had some very talented teams and girls that went on to be All-State players, but we didn't travel nationally."

After playing for the Flames for three years, Coach Howard did something which was, and still is, totally and completely unheard of on the AAU basketball circuits. He told Hassanah that she would be better served if she played with another AAU team that traveled nationally to give her more exposure in order to catch the eyes of Division I college coaches that might be able to offer her a scholarship. In my 25 years around AAU basketball, I've never heard of someone sacrificing one of the best players on their team in order to place them in a better situation. That gives you an idea of what type of human being and Coach, Brad Howard was and still is today.

"My assistant, Coach Raquel Cotton took the team to play in a tournament at the Gaucho's gym in New York and Hassanah was destroying the opposing team. She 'crossed' the hell out of some girl (who was a future First-Team All-MAAC player) and almost broke her ankles (lol)! The whole gym erupted. The Gaucho's coach, Walter Welsh asked Raquel who she was and what grade she was in. At that point I recognized that if Hassanah was to get the necessary exposure to get a Division I college scholarship, she needed to play with a major AAU program that traveled and not with my team. I told her and Coach Welsh how I felt and the summer before her senior year she played with the Gauchos," said Coach Howard.

The summer before Hassanah went to Hillside high school in 9th grade, she moved to live with her sister Khadijah who is ten years older than her, and who is presently married with a family while she attends college to become a nurse. It was a mutual decision between Ms Curry, her sister and her brother that Hassanah (who had been a consistent Honor Roll student her whole life) could get a better education by attending Hillside HS versus a high school in Newark. Khadijah had matured tremendously after making some bad decisions along the way growing up as a teenager in Newark. However, she was determined not to allow Hassanah make those same mistakes. "I wasn't an angel growing up. I ran with a fast crowd and got into my share of trouble. But when I had my baby as a teenager, it was a real eye opener. Ms Curry did a great job raising my sister but it was time for me to take Hassanah to another level in life from a maturity standpoint," stated her sister. "We had a very honest sister-to-sister relationship that was and still is a 100% complete and open relationship. There wasn't anything that we couldn't and didn't talk about, no matter if it was the death of my mother, the where-abouts of our father, dating boys or the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

It was a big change for Hassanah transferring to Hillside HS. She was leaving friends, classmates, teammates and her adopted family which she grew up with the past 14 years. She never complained. Never sulked. Just kept it moving and made the correct decisions when presented. She was still relatively quiet and shy, but don't get it twisted. She had book-smarts and street-smarts and now she had her big sister to lean on during this formidable time in her life. "I really never had to say to my sister don't do drugs, don't drink alcohol, don't have unprotected sex, don't shoplift, etc. She always knew how to do the right thing and didn't need it spelled out for her. If something was bothering her, she never complained but I could see it in her eyes and we would talk about whatever was bothering her. If she had a question or a problem we discussed it. I was determined to make sure that she didn't make the same mistakes I did," claimed Kahdijah matter-of-factly."

Hassanah will be the first to admit, "it was very tough going to Hillside High School my freshman year. I was nervous, I was scared, it was weird. It was the real first change in my life outside of moving in with my sister, which really wasn't much of change because we were always very close, even though we didn't live together. One of the biggest changes was noticing that some of my friends had more money than me. They had new clothes and new sneakers and I had, for the most part, had the same clothes that I had the previous year except for a few things. It was not big deal, I just remembered noticing it."

Though Hassanah was sill quiet, she quickly struck up friendships with her fellow freshman basketball teammates, Kateema McLean and Porscha Isom. At that time, Hillside's girls' basketball team wasn't very good and was made up of mostly seniors, who assumed that they wouldn't have to compete for playing time with anyone else on the team, and especially against freshmen. Wrong! Once the three of them took the court, it was a wrap! They were destroying the seniors in practice and quickly became starters on the team. Not only did they start their freshman year but their started all four years of their high school career, which is unheard of these days in high school basketball, boys or girls!

"The fact that they were seniors and I was a freshman never fazed me. I grew up playing against older boys my whole life, so playing against girls my own age or even older was no big deal. I don't mean to sound cocky but that's just the truth. The seniors weren't happy that some little freshman came in and took their spots. There was a lot of jealousy but Coach Graham quickly addressed that. He simply told them that the best players were going to play, not matter what grade they were in," recalled Hassanah.

That wasn't the only challenges she faced during her high school years. A few of her friends had begun to drink and smoke pot at parties and Hassanah just said "no" as the commercial goes. She was faced with the same issues, problems and decisions to make and to deal with that every teenager is faced with at that age except Hassanah knew the difference between right and wrong.

Hassanah went on to have a very good career at Hillside. In the classroom she was on the first Honor Roll every semester. On the court every year she was showered with All-Conference and All-County basketball honors, but her mission wasn't done. She wanted to use her success in basketball as a means of getting an athletic scholarship and get a free education at the same time. She had developed a very close relationship with a guidance counselor named Ms Randall. The funny thing was that Ms Randall wasn't Hassanah's guidance counselor. She was and still is an educated black woman who would talk to Hassanah not only about her college plans but about life.

"I remember telling Ms Randall that I was going to visit Mt. St. Mary's and VCU who had offered me Division I scholarships. She told me what non-basketball questions to ask and what to look for on my official visits since these colleges weren't going to be in the same types of neighborhood that I grew up at in Newark or Hillside. She herself had gone away from New Jersey to attend college and she was just sharing her experiences with me. I'm glad she did, because she was right. We sat down and spoke before I verbally committed to attend Mt. St. Mary's to make sure that I was making the decision based on what was best for me not just athletically, but academically and socially. I really valued her opinion. Every factor she told me to consider in making my decision was right on point, “said Hassanah.

As a Business and Information Systems major at Mt. St. Mary's College in Emmetsburg, Maryland, Hassanah has done nothing short of magnificent in the classroom and on the court. Both her brother and sister aren't surprised and neither am I, since I first met her as a freshman in high school through her brother whom I mentored. She told me last week, "I didn't go to college with the sole goal to play in the WNBA or overseas. If the situation presented itself would I be interested? Definitively! However, my focus when I came to college was to get an education and a degree so I can get a good job when I graduate.

After her junior year last summer she stayed at college to do a in internship with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). You've heard of them? They’re the government agency that was in charge of saving and helping the people in New Orleans clean-up and re-build their city after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Hassanah had several responsibilities during this summer internship. First, she was assigned to test their current National Incident Management System to see if it was working efficiently. Once she quickly mastered that in a few weeks, they asked HER to create a Administrative Data Base for THEIR agency (smh)! I don't know a lot about computers or data bases, but those sound like jobs you assign to full-time employees that have been working in their field for about 25 years. Not a soon to be senior in college. She must have made some impression on her bosses and supervisors! Once again, we shouldn't be suprised.

Despite all of the obstacles and challenges, in two months, on May 15th, it will be a very special day for Hassanah, but especially for Ms Curry, Muhammad, Khadijah, Coach Graham and Coach Howard. That's the day she graduates from college. She will be the first one in her family to ever achieve that accomplishment. She probably will live in the Maryland/Washington, D.C. area, but she will never forget her family, friends, teammates, coaches and mentors as she will visit often.

When I asked her what her plans and goals are after she graduates, she told me she wants to be a Data Base Administrator and also mentor/coach young African American basketball players. A simple, humble answer from a extremely intelligent, extremely pretty young woman. Hassanah has always taken and conquered every single challenge and obstacle and hurdle that life has presented to her head-on; never complained; never felt sorry for herself; never said "why me;" she just did the right thing and made the right decisions throughout her life with the love and guidance of her family and friends.

When I watch Hassanah walk across the stage on May 15th to accept her diploma, two things will be going thru my mind. First, the current Hillside High School principal, Dr. McCaskill should invite you to speak at this year’s 2010 graduation ceremony. Secondly, if Ms Hassanah Oliver were in charge of FEMA in 2005, the city of New Orleans would have been rebuilt by now and be back to normal today, five years later.

Finally, congratulations on your graduation and all of your success. You truly are a special person and you have defied all of the odds. You deserve nothing but the best in life and God willing, you will achieve all of your goals.

The Rucker Showcase Invitational

2010-01-31T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Holcombe Rucker started the first summer basketball tournament in the 1946. He was the first one to use basketball and education together and was responsible for sending over three hundred young people to college.

On February 20th, eight NYC High Schools will face off against each other at Wadleigh HS in The Rucker Showcase Invitational. This year will mark the fifth year Rucker Basketball has sponsored the event.

11am- Wadleigh vs Forest Hills

1pm- Cardozo vs Transit Tech

3pm- Xaverian vs Kennedy

5pm- Wings vs Boys & Girls

When asked about the significance of the Showcase, Gordon responded, “On addition to continuing the legacy of Rucker Basketball, our Showcase is right after the PSAL regular season, during the two week break before the playoffs begin. It gives the teams who are probably going to be in the playoffs, a preview of what it will be like in a game situation.”

Continuing the legacy and tradition of excellence and style on the court and off the court are Holcombe's grandson, Chris Rucker and Dexter Gordon, the Co-CEO's of Rucker Basketball. Rucker Basketball is a company that designs basketball attire for many NYC high school teams including Xaverian, Cardozo, Wadleigh, and Kennedy.

This year, Rucker Basketball attire has expanded to Philadelphia and outfitted the Philly Prep Charter.

EATIN' GOOD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

2010-01-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Rucker display in Applebee's, Harlem

Applebee's

1 West 125th Street @ 5th Avenue

ROY RACE EVANS VS. JENNINGS

2010-01-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

The Milwaukee Bucks' Brandon Jennings and the Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans today were named the Eastern and Western Conference T-Mobile Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in December.

Jennings ranks second among rookies in scoring (16.7 ppg) and first in assists (6.5 apg). He ranks second in three-point percentage (32.4) and fourth in free throw percentage (.848). He recorded his first career double-double in a win over Portland on Dec. 12 (18 points, 11 assists), playing a career-high 44 minutes. In addition, Jennings led or tied for the team lead in points five times and assists 12 times in December.

Evans leads all rookies in scoring (22.1 ppg), minutes played (37.9), free throws made (130) and attempted (167), and is second in assists (5.1) and steals (1.62). He helped orchestrate one of the biggest comebacks in NBA history, as the Kings overcame a 35-point deficit at Chicago on Dec. 21, by scoring nine of his 11 fourth quarter points in the final 2:13. Evans scored 20 or more points in eight games in December and has 17 20-point performances this season, tops among rookies.

Here is a recap of the month for both Jennings and Evans:

Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
Dec. 6 vs. Cleveland: Registered 24 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 101-86 loss to the Cavaliers.
Dec. 9 vs. Toronto: Tallied 22 points, six assists and had a career-high two blocks in a 117-95 win over the Raptors.
Dec. 12 vs. Portland: Scored 18 points and had a career-high 11 assists in a 108-101 victory over the Blazers.
Dec. 28 @ Charlotte: Posted 24 points in addition to seven assists and two rebounds in a 94-84 loss to the Bobcats.

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
Dec. 6 vs. Miami: Scored 30 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a 115-102 loss to the Heat.
Dec. 16 vs. Washington: Recorded 26 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks in a 112-109 win over the Wizards.
Dec. 19 @ Milwaukee: Posted 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 96-95 victory over the Bucks.
Dec. 23 vs. Cleveland: Tallied 28 points and had a career-high three blocks and five assists in a 117-104 overtime loss to the Cavaliers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference T-Mobile Rookies of the Month were Golden State's Stephen Curry, Minnesota's Jonny Flynn, Oklahoma City's James Harden and Utah's Wesley Matthews.

Source: NBA.com

NCAA GAMES TO WATCH IN 2010

2009-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Dec. 31

Get Ready for the new year

A New Year's Eve slate gets conference action revved up with several rivalry matchups. Michigan heads to Indiana to face the improved Hoosiers, and Ohio State travels to Wisconsin. In the Big East, an improved St. John's team faces Georgetown. In non-conference action, Oklahoma gets in a big test before Big 12 play when the Sooners visit Gonzaga.

Jan. 2
New Kentucky coach John Calipari will get a taste of his team's biggest rivalry when Rick Pitino and Louisville come to town on Jan. 2.

Jan. 3
Xavier vs. Wake Forest
An interesting non-conference matchup on the eve of conference play. Chris Mack is the Musketeers' new coach and hopes to keep up what Sean Miller started at the school with a big matchup against an ACC foe.

Jan. 5
Big Ten battle
Purdue should be able to give Michigan State a run for its money in the Big Ten, but Tubby Smith's defensive-minded Minnesota Gophers might be able to give the Boilermakers all they can handle.

Jan. 9
Conference craziness
League action gets into full swing with stellar matchups in the Big East and in the Big Ten. Games include: Connecticut at Georgetown, Marquette at Villanova, West Virginia at Notre Dame, Ohio State at Minnesota, and Purdue at Wisconsin.

Jan. 11
Villanova at Louisville
These two squads will try to get an early edge in the Big East when Scottie Reynolds and Villanova look to take down Samardo Samuels and Louisville.

Jan. 13
Minnesota at Michigan State
The Gophers get another shot at a Big Ten power — and a chance to make a major statement in the conference — when they visit Michigan State.

Jan. 16
Isaiah Thomas and the Washington Huskies will battle California on Jan. 16 hoping to get a jump in the Pac-10 standings.

Pac-10 power
California and Washington will be two of the premier programs to watch in the Pac-10, and the two square off in Seattle looking to gain an early edge in the race for the conference crown.

Also: Dayton at Xavier, Louisville at Pittsburgh, Syracuse at West Virginia and Wisconsin at Ohio State.

Jan. 17
Connecticut at Michigan
The Wolverines went to Connecticut last year and nearly upset the Huskies on their home court. This time Jim Calhoun's bunch heads to Ann Arbor to face a dangerous Michigan team led by junior Manny Harris.

Jan. 23
Texas at Connecticut
The Longhorns should be national title contenders, and this trip to Connecticut to face the Huskies should give us an idea of just how good Texas is.

Also: Michigan State at Minnesota, Michigan at Purdue, Arkansas at Kentucky and Duke at Clemson.

Jan. 26
Michigan State at Michigan
In-state rivals square off in a game that will likely hold Big Ten title implications. The Wolverines are hoping to make a run, but the Spartans are the defending champs and return much of the team that went to last year's national title game.

Jan. 30
Duke at Georgetown
After the Hoyas traveled to Duke last season and left with a stinging defeat in a disappointing season, they hope to return the favor this year when the Blue Devils come calling. The last time Duke traveled to Georgetown — as the nation's No. 1 team in 2006 — the Blue Devils left with their first loss of the season.

Also: Marquette at Connecticut and Louisville at West Virginia.

Feb. 2
Michigan State at Wisconsin
The Badgers get a shot at the Big Ten's best when the Spartans come to town. But does Bo Ryan's bunch have enough this year to quiet all the weapons that Tom Izzo's squad has to offer?

Feb. 4
Georgia Tech at Duke
Georgia Tech freshman Derrick Favors gets his first taste of Cameron Indoor when the Yellow Jackets travel to Durham, N.C., to face Kyle Singler and the Blue Devils.

Feb. 6
Gonzaga at Memphis
Memphis might not have coach John Calipari anymore, but the Tigers have a talented team that should give Gonzaga all it can handle in this non-conference matchup.

Also: Villanova at Georgetown, Wisconsin at Michigan and Xavier at Dayton.

Feb. 10
Trip down Tobacco Road

One of the game's biggest rivalries kicks off again as Duke heads to Chapel Hill to play defending champion North Carolina. The Tar Heels hope their stellar recruiting class, along with a few key returning players, can keep the Blue Devils at bay.

Also: Ohio State at Indiana and Connecticut at Syracuse.

Feb. 13
Tennessee at Kentucky
More than just SEC bragging rights will likely be on the line when Scotty Hopson and the Volunteers head to Lexington to face freshman John Wall and the Wildcats.

Also: Maryland at Duke, Oklahoma at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M at Texas.

Feb. 19-20
Bracket Busters
Mid-majors get a big chance to shine for the NCAA selection committee when more than 100 teams from non-BCS conferences take to the court in a made-for-TV marathon.

Feb. 22
Oklahoma at Kansas
Last season, Oklahoma had the Big 12's most talented team yet lost at home to the Jayhawks. Can the Sooners return the favor this season when they travel to Lawrence to face very talented Kansas?

Also: West Virginia at Connecticut.

Feb. 27-28
Michigan State at Purdue
This one could ultimately decide the Big Ten regular-season champion as the Spartans and Boilermakers meet in West Lafayette, Ind.

Also: Kentucky at Tennessee (Feb. 27), Kansas at Oklahoma State (Feb. 27) and Louisville at Connecticut (Feb. 28).

March 1
Oklahoma at Texas
These Big 12 rivals split their season series a year ago, but this year the Longhorns are more talented and hope to be too strong inside for the Sooners now that the Griffin brothers are no longer in Norman.

Also: Georgetown at West Virginia.

March 6-7

Season finales

The BCS conferences wrap up their regular seasons as smaller leagues' tournaments heat up. In the Pac-10, Kevin O'Neill— who served as Arizona's head coach in 2007-08 in place of Lute Olson— returns to face the Wildcats in his new role: head coach at Southern California.

Also: North Carolina at Duke, Florida at Kentucky, Syracuse at Louisville and Michigan at Michigan State.

March 12-14

Major-conference tournaments
A weekend of conference championship games as teams from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-10 and SEC fight to secure automatic spots in the NCAA tournament.

March 14
Selection Sunday
Break out your pencils and get ready to fill in the NCAA tournament bracket as the selection committee names the 34 at-large teams that will get a chance to play for the national championship.

March 16
NCAA play-in game
Two teams make a quick stop in Dayton, Ohio, to play for the right to battle a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

March 18-21
First and second rounds
In four days, 64 teams will become 16 as the field battles for the right to reach the NCAA regionals.

March 25-28
NCAA regionals
The Sweet 16 teams take to the court to whittle down the field to four by weekend's end.

April 3
Final Four
The men's national semifinals from Indianapolis, arguably the most exciting day of the season.

April 5
National championship
Two teams battle it out to cut down the nets at Lucas Oil Field as national champions.

SIENA: PASSION OF THE SAINTS

2009-12-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Can the Siena Saints (7-4) a small MAAC school from Loundonville, NY make another NCAA appearance?

The stage was set for the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio last season. No1 seed Louisville Cardinals(30-5) would meet No 9 seed Siena Saints(27-8). During the 1st round, Louisville beat Morehead State 74-54 and Siena outlasted Ohio State 74-72.

Siena would overcome a 12-point deficit in the second half and led by four before Cardinals Terrence Williams, would go off hitting 3s. Saint’s Edwin Ubiles (24 points) applied pressure to the Cardinals team. The stunned Louisville team would head to the bench for a time-out after Saints Clarence Jackson lay-up put the Siena team up 63-59 with 7:20 left. However, Williams would be the spoiler for the Siena team as he drove to the basket for a three-pointer. He finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Williams would make two free throws with 35 seconds left putting Louisville ahead 79-72 and derailing the Saint’s. The Saints took a crushing loss but left the game knowing that Siena was on the map. Siena had advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season after winning its fourth MAAC Tournament Championship.

So now with the 2009-10 season in swing the Saints hope to make their third NCAA appearance but who are these players who almost upset the Cardinals?

Siena senior guard/forward 6-6 240lb Edwin Ubiles last season led the Saints in a impressive win over Ohio State. Ubiles is one of the most athletic player’s in the MAAC with an explosive energy that can not be denied. Ubiles is a creative scorer who is equally effective on the perimeter and off the dribble. Ubiles is a conference Player of the Year candidate who could land an NBA draft slot.

Senior forward Alex Franklin 6-5 226lb a physical post player, who plays bigger than his size and can take over a game. Franklin can hold his own on both ends of the court against larger opponents. He is a fearless competitor that can score in a variety of ways and knows how to take his opponent off the dribble. The senior is an aggressive rebounder with great strengthen.

Senior point guard 6-0 156lb Ronald Moore is a floor general with great vision. This clutch performer knows how to take care of the ball. He is an excellent passer and defender. Moore plays with heart and passion; he excels in transition. The guard has started 61 consecutive games and is ranked fourth all-time in team history in assists.

Junior forward 6-9 234lb Ryan Rossiter was voted most improved last 2008-09 season.Rossiter is a physical presence on the floor and adds dimension to the Saints team. Rossiter is a top post player in the conference and proficient ball handler. The junior is still in the developmental stages of his game but will surprise many as the season continues.

FUNSPORT'S JUNIOR PROS

2009-12-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Funsport's Junior Pros is the premier Junior High School Basketball Program in NYC! Will host the best AAU organizations and middle school programs in the tri-state area. The championship game will be held at the world famous Madison Square Garden arena on Sunday, January 3rd. Prior to the game, our championship teams will have a 'meet and greet' with New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers players and enjoy the NBA game before the Garden floor becomes their showcase. Tickets are on sale now for this event

Playoff games continue this Sunday at Ronald Edmonds School 113 – 300 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11205

HEADLINES FOR THIS WEEK:
* PLAYOFF GAMES CONTINUE THIS SUNDAY @113. BE A WITNESS!

* JOHN STARKS AND A FEW OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE AT JR PROS SEMI-FINALS ON SUNDAY

* COBRA HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR BOYS 12 & UNDER AT NAVY YARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB NEXT WEEK (12/28 - 12/30)

* FUNSPORT SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH COLLEGE PREP ACADEMY IN JANUARY GEARED TOWARDS INDIVIDUAL BASKETBALL TRAINING, ACADEMIC TUTORING, SOCIAL SKILLSET DEVELOPMENT, AND MORE

Last weekend's major snowstorm across the northeast forced the postponement of a large part of the Funsport Junior Pros playoffs. There were no surprises among the first-round games that were played, with the higher seeds all advancing to the quarters.

The closest contest was the 49-44 decision by Brooklyn Ballers-A over Riverside-8 that went down to the final minutes despite the fact the Ballers had a huge 54-14 rebounding edge. In fact, the Ballers' Doudmy St. Hilaire (IS 62, Brooklyn) outrebounded Riverside by himself with his double-double of 29 points and 21 rebounds.

Riverside got two early three's from Zach Boscar (Birch Wathen Lenox, NYC) to hold a 14-11 lead after one before St. Hilaire ignited a 9-0 Ballers spurt with several inside scores; a three-pointer by Devyn Wilson (St. Francis, Brooklyn) then gave the Ballers its biggest lead at 25-17 with 2:21 left in the half. Riverside recovered and stayed within striking distance behind 15 points from Daquan Ervin (MS 113, Brooklyn) and 13 from Boscar, but missed free throws down the stretch doomed the Riverside upset bid.

Brooklyn Ballers-A, the Pool C winners now at 6-0, will next meet Team Underrated, which also used a significant rebounding margin (40-14) to oust Gauchos-Harris 48-33. Chris Davis (Scholars Academy, Queens) had a near triple-double (15 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) to carry Underrated (5-1) while Khalik Howe (IS 131, Bronx) netted a game-high 19 points for the Gauchos.

Starrett City started their playoff drive with another dominating performance by Isaiah Whitehead (IS 288, Brooklyn), while scoring the first 13 points and coasting to an 81-39 rout of Lightning-McNeil. Whitehead had a breakaway dunk in that opening run, an over-the-rim block in the second quarter, and 18 points in the third quarter alone, while finishing with 29 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists. Anthony Williams (Seth Low JHS, Brooklyn)recorded 12 assists for the unbeaten Pool A winners (6-0) while Chancellor Ellis (Allen AME, Queens) added 16 points and Thomas Holley (MS 216, Queens) grabbed 15 rebounds. Starrett now faces The City, which advanced with a forfeit win after Brooklyn Ballers-B was not able to comply with the Junior Pros academic requirements.

The NJ Pirates, the Pool D winners, also reached the quarterfinals at 6-0 with a 57-49 triumph over St. Mark's behind Mike Silverthorn (St. Mary's, Hackettstown NJ) with 17 points and Jonathan Hilliman (Franklin Middle, Somerset NJ) with 15 points and 12 boards. Altine King (Bay Academy, Brooklyn) and Danny Finkelstein (Bay Academy) each netted three three-pointers for St. Mark's, ending with 16 and 13 points, respectively. Next up for the Pirates is Gauchos-Tommie (5-1), the Pool B winners who received 17 points and 10 rebounds from Shawn Jones (IS 131, Bronx) in a 48-22 romp over Bk Ballers-Stompers.

Sun., Dec. 27th - Jr. Pros Playoffs @Ronald Edmonds 113
11:00am: STARRETT CITY - THE CITY
12:00pm: BROOKLYN BALLERS A - TEAM UNDERRATED
1:00pm: NJ PIRATES - GAUCHOS TOMMIE
2:00pm: ABOVE & BEYOND - PLAYAZ CLUB
3:30pm: JR. PROS SEMI-FINAL GAME
4:30pm: JR. PROS SEMI-FINAL GAME

For the holiday, Funsport will host its first 12 & Under Holiday Classic at the Madison Square Navy Yard Boys & Girls Club. Games will start at 10am - 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Each team will play 4-games + playoffs. Committed teams include Panthers, Gauchos, NJ Pirates, Elite NYC, Visitation Hawks, Next Level, Staten Island Ironmen, Tompkins, Cobras, and ONE OPEN SLOT. If you are interested in the final spot, contact us at info@funsportinc.com.

THE RUCKER WADLEIGH CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

2009-12-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

On Saturday, Wadleigh High School hosted the 1st Annual "The Rucker" Wadleigh Christmas Classic. Legendary Al Cash who gave many of the basketball street legends their names (Skip To My Lou, The Teacher, The Future, Half Man Half Amazing, the Main Event, ect) in the world famous Rucker Park gave the play-by-play action for the event.

The following teams participated:

Edison (Stephen Nwaukoni, Egharevba Osamende) vs. Wadleigh (Malik Thomas, Karim Rowson)

Campus Magnet (Sasha Claridia) vs. Robeson (Darryl Lucky, Jamel Noel)

Blessed Sacrament vs. (David Samuels) Transit Tech (Barry Posey, Rhamel Brown)

Robeson 68, Campus Magnet 64: Jamel Noel scored 28 points, including a pair of clutch free throws with 4.0 seconds remaining, Shawn Ponds added 11 and Darrel Lucky had eight for the Eagles (8-3). Sasha Clarida led the Bulldogs (2-7) with 35 points, 21 of which came in the first half, and Jagger Freeman followed with 18.

Transit Tech 94, Blessed Sacrament 70: Barry Posey scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Deylon Bovell added 19 points, Anthony Prescott had 17 and Rhamel Brown 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Express (7-4) in the nightcap. Samuels paced the Cardinals (1-3) with 23 points

CONVERSE: HEAVEN IS A PLAYGROUND EXHIBIT

2009-12-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

This month Converse unveiled an exhibit highlighting Rick Telander’s critically acclaimed book Heaven Is A Playground. The exhibit ends January 31, 2010. (The exhibit is closed Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.)

37TH ANNUAL CITY OF PALMS

2009-12-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog
[download]
The City of Palms Classic, now in its thirty-seventh year, is the premier Boys' High School Basketball Tournament in America!

In 1973, the City of Palms tournament began, like so many tournaments today, as a simple, local, holiday basketball tournament. Over the years, the tournament grew and expanded scope to include the nation's finest athletes and teams, and over the past 21 years, has set the standard by which all tournaments are compared.

Game-by-game schedule

Home team (white uniforms)

All games at
Bishop Verot High School
5598 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers

FRIDAY, December 18 (5 games)
3:00 p.m. (Game 1): Baltimore St. Frances (Md.) vs. Chicago De La Salle (Ill.)
4:45 p.m. (Game 2-Sunshine Series): Fort Myers Bishop Verot (Fla.) vs. Pembroke Pines Flanagan (Fla.)
6:30 p.m. (Game 3): Lansdowne Penn Wood (Pa.) vs. Huntsville Butler (Ala.)
8:15 p.m. (Game 4): Fort Myers (Fla.) vs. Paterson Catholic (N.J.)
10:00 p.m. (Game 5): Weston Sagemont (Fla.) vs. Newark Saint Benedict’s (N.J.)
SATURDAY, December 19 (7 games)
11:15 a.m. (Game 6): Consolation: Gm 4 loser (Fort Myers-Paterson Cath.) vs. Gm 3 loser (Penn Wood-Butler)
1:00 p.m. (Game 7): Greensboro Dudley (N.C.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.)
2:45 p.m. (Game 8): Alpharetta Milton (Ga.) vs. Fort Myers Dunbar (Fla.)
4:30 p.m. (Game 9-Sunshine Series): Orlando Dr. Phillips (Fla.) vs. W. Palm Bch. Summit Christian (Fla.)
6:15 p.m. (Game 10): Los Angeles Westchester (Calif.) vs. Bartow (Fla.)
7:40 p.m.: Team Flight Brothers Dunk Show (15 min) www.teamflightbrothers.com
8:15 p.m. (Game 11-National Showcase): Henderson Findlay Prep (Nev.) vs. Winter Park (Fla.)
10:00 p.m. (Game 12): Quarterfinal: Gm 3 winner (Penn Wood-Butler) vs. Gm 4 winner (Fort Myers-Pat Cath.)
MONDAY, December 21 (6 games)
12 noon (Game 13): Consolation: Gm 10 loser (Westchester-Bartow) vs. Gm 1 loser (St. Frances-DeLaSalle)
1:45 p.m. (Game 14): Consolation: Gm 7 loser (Dudley-Montverde) vs. Gm 5 loser (Sagemont-St. Benedict’s)
3:30 p.m. (Game 15): Consolation: Henderson Findlay Prep (Nev.) vs. Gm 8 loser (Milton-Dunbar)
5:15 p.m. (Game 16): Quarterfinal: Gm 1 winner (St. Frances-DeLaSalle) vs. Gm 5 winner (Sagemont-St. Ben’s)
6:25 p.m.: Hans Loeser 3 Point Shoot Out
7:30 p.m. (Game 17): Quarterfinal: Winter Park (Fla.) vs. Gm 8 winner (Milton-Dunbar)
9:15 p.m. (Game 18): Quarterfinal: Gm 10 winner (Westchester-Bartow) vs. Gm 7 winner (Dudley-Montverde)
TUESDAY, December 22 (7 games)
10:15 a.m. (Game 19): Challenge-round game: (pairing of winless teams to be announced at 4 p.m. Monday)
12 noon (Game 20): Consolation semifinal: Game 14 winner vs. Game 6 winner
1:45 p.m. (Game 21): Consolation semifinal: Game 15 winner vs. Game 13 winner
3:30 p.m. (Game 22): Fifth-place semifinal: Game 17 loser vs. Game 16 loser
5:15 p.m. (Game 23): Fifth-place semifinal: Game 12 loser vs. Game 18 loser
7:00 p.m. (Game 24): Semifinal: Game 17 winner vs. Game 16 winner
8:25 p.m.: Edison National Bank Slam Dunk Championship
9:30 p.m. (Game 25): Semifinal: Game 18 winner vs. Game 12 winner
WEDNESDAY, December 23 (8 games)
8:20 a.m. (Game 26): Challenge-round (pairings to be announced at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday)
10:00 a.m. (Game 27): Challenge-round (pairings to be announced at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday)
11:40 a.m. (Game 28): Challenge-round (pairings to be announced at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday)
1:20 p.m. (Game 29): Consolation championship: Game 21 winner vs. Game 20 winner
3:00 p.m. (Game 30): Fifth-place final: Game 22 winner vs. Game 23 winner
4:40 p.m. (Game 31-Sunshine Series): Jacksonville Providence Christian (Fla.) vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Fla.)
7:30 p.m. (Game 32): THIRD PLACE FINAL!! Game 24 loser vs. Game 25 loser / ESPNU (live)
9:30 p.m.: CITY OF PALMS CHAMPIONSHIP!! Game 25 winner vs. Game 24 winner / ESPNU (live)

NAISMITH'S BOYS' HS WATCH LIST

2009-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Ten high school seniors, including two headed to play college basketball next season at North Carolina, headline the Naismith Trophy Boy’s High School Player of the Year watch list, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today.

The watch list was comprised by leading basketball journalists from around the country who form the national voting academy, and identify players under consideration for this award.

In February, the voting academy will narrow the list down to five candidates, with the winner being selected and recognized by the Atlanta Tipoff Club at the end of the high school basketball season.

“This is a phenomenally talented group of student-athletes, all of whom should go on to achieve tremendous successes both on and off the court,” said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president. “One of them will have the privilege of joining the esteemed Naismith Trophy family,” and we look forward to seeing who emerges as the winner.”

2010 Naismith Boy’s High School Player of the Year Watch list:

Harrison Barnes Ames, Ames Iowa Guard Senior North Carolina

Jared Sullinger Northland, Columbus Ohio Center Senior Ohio State

Brandon Knight Pine Crest, Fort Lauderdale Florida Guard Senior Undecided

Josh Selby Lake Clifton Baltimore, Maryland Guard Senior Undecided

Kyrie Irving St. Patrick, West Orange New Jersey Guard Senior Duke

Tobais Harris Half Hallow Hills West, Glen Head New York Forward Senior Tennessee

Perry Jones Duncanville, Duncanville Texas Forward Senior Baylor

Will Barton Brewster Academy, Wolfboro New Hampshire Guard Senior Memphis

Tristan Thompson Findlay Prep, Henderson Nevada Forward Senior Texas

Reggie Bullock Kinston, Kinston North Carolina Guard Senior North Carolina

“Perhaps the most prestigious of high school awards, the Naismith Player of the Year has an impressive list of candidates in 2010,” said Jerry Meyer, Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst. “Only the best of the best make this 10-man list.”

The Naismith High School Player of the Year award was first presented in 1987 to Dennis Scott of Flint Hill Prep (Oakton, Va.), who later starred at Georgia Tech and with the Orlando Magic in the NBA. Other notable winners include Jason Kidd (1992, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, Alameda, Cal.), Kobe Bryant (1996, Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, Pa.), LeBron James (2003, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Akron, Ohio) and last year’s winner Derrick Favors (South Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Ga.).

The Naismith Trophy is the most prestigious national award presented annually to the top prep basketball player of the year. For more information, visit www.naismithawards.com.

ON THE WHITESIDE

2009-12-12T06:26:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Picture HerdNation.com

While names like John Wall, Xavier Henry, and Lance Stephenson make noise on the college scene, tucked away in West Virginia at Marshall University is one of the most underrated college freshman Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside is now listed as the No2 power forward in the country in blocks just behind Mississippi State senior Jarvis Venardo. He has been named Conference USA Rookie of the Week with 14points, 17 rebounds, and 9 blocks in one game. Sources say NBA scouts tout Whiteside as the next Kevin Garnett.

However, if anyone asked the freshman did he think he would have such a great college start he would say no. “I am really excited about being No2 and I’m still only a freshman. I have only been playing organized ball for three years,” said Whiteside.

Whiteside is driven to be the best and credits his love for the game along with his passion to play. “Early on in high school I didn’t get as much exposure as the other guys. I just worked really hard on my game. Now at Marshal I am having a great season. My team is 6-1 it’s their best start in ten years!,” said Whiteside.

This week Marshall University defeated Salem International 119-35 at the Cam Henderson Center. The Herd’s 84-point margin of victory broke the school record of 64 which was set ironically enough against Salem during the 1944-45 season. Whiteside led the MU team as he went 8-for-11 from the field for a season best 19 points.

In the spring and summer months the North Carolina native travels to New York to play with his Frenji Sport family in Westchester, NY. Arriving via East Newark HS/ Patterson School the forward came to Frenji first participating in the historic spring CYP tourney in Port Chester, NY. He was an instant sensation at the tournament.

In his first game he had a triple double 20 points, 18 rebounds and 11 blocks in a win verses AAU team CT Select. During the semi-finals verses the NY Panthers he had 18pts 15 rebounds and 7 blocks in a tough loss. In the summer Hassan returned to participate in a Frenji grassroots clinic with local AAU kids. He then participated in the 2nd Annual Frankie Williams Charity Classic where he stole the show from Greenburgh’s hometown McDonald’s All-American Dante Taylor (Pitt) and other notables with 37pts 15 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Even though Taylor finished as game MVP, Hassan received the Sportsmanship Award. The game showcased Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati), Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati), Louisville-bound Russell Smith , Durand Scott (Miami), Dante Taylor (Pittsburgh), and Vincent Council (Providence).

This season at Marshall Hassan is averaging 11.5ppg, 8.5rpg and 4.5 bpg while playing 22mins per game. He is a legit 6'11 225lbs with a 7'7 wingspan. Hassan is already being compared to Marcus Camby, Tim Duncan and Greg Oden on his defensive skills. His offensive skills are improving daily and he will no doubt be a top NBA prospect.

FUNSPORT

2009-12-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Funsport's Junior Pros is the premier Junior High School Basketball Program in NYC! Will host the best AAU organizations and middle school programs in the tri-state area. This season, our championship game will be held at the world famous Madison Square Garden arena. Prior to the game, our championship teams will have a 'meet and greet' with New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers players and enjoy the NBA game before the Garden floor becomes their showcase.

Regular Season in progress this weekend at Ronald Edmonds School 113 – 300 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11205

HEADLINES FOR THIS WEEK:
* LAST GAMES OF THE REGULAR SEASON THIS WEEKEND

Following a break for the Thanksgiving holiday, regular-season action resumed last weekend in the Funsport Junior Pros tournament at JHS 113 in Brooklyn. Just one more week remains before the start of the playoff round in which 16 teams will be battling for the two spots in the January 3 Championship Finals at Madison Square Garden.

With most of the top teams off this week, the focus shifted to those teams trying to keep their playoff hopes alive, as in the Saturday contest between Bk Ballers-Stompers and MS 113. Both teams had posted wins over Positive Direction earlier in the day to even their record at 2-2, and the loser of this contest faced probable playoff elimination.

Tyler Cole put the Stompers ahead early with a pair of three's and 8 first-quarter points that gave his team a 12-9 lead after one. After MS 113 crept within 14-13 early in the second quarter, MikeQuan Campbell responded with 8 straight points in a 10-2 Stomper run that opened a 24-18 halftime advantage.

That momentum proved enough as the Stompers held on for a 53-42 victory that clinched a playoff slot as the third-place team in Pool E. Campbell (MS 349, Brooklyn) had the high with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Cole (MS 103, Brooklyn) finished with 18 points and Marquez Walden (IS 184, Brooklyn) grabbed 12 rebounds for the winners. For MS 113, Kyle Allmon scored all of his team-high 12 points in the second half and James Brooks had a game-high 15 boards.

The Stompers had prevailed 39-28 over Positive Direction behind 13 points from Patrick Cross (MS 50, Brooklyn) and 11 rebounds from Chris Benjamin (Explore Charter, Brooklyn). In their game with Positive Direction, MS 113 was locked in a 17-17 tie through three quarters before Dante Hagood scored 10 of his game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter to lift MS 113 to a 29-25 decision.

The game of the weekend, and the only game on the Sunday schedule, was the high-scoring contest between Gauchos-Harris and St. Mark's, teams with identical 2-1 records in Pool A. After three quarters of seesaw action, the Gauchos led 46-44 entering the final period. It was 48-48 with 5:33 left when Altine King (Bay Academy, Brooklyn) knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing that put St. Mark's ahead for good. A minute later, a Gaucho technical foul enabled St. Mark's to begin a string of 12 straight free throws down the stretch while pulling away for a playoff-clinching 65-55 victory.

King led all scorers with 21 points while St. Mark's (3-1) also received 14 points from Danny Finkelstein (Bay Academy, Brooklyn), 13 points from Marvin Prochet (IS 14, Brooklyn) and 12 points with 11 rebounds from Luchi Ibbott (St. Edmunds, Brooklyn). Gauchos-Harris (2-2) was led by Khalik Howe (IS 131, Bronx) with 18 points and Ray Pender (Holy Spirit, Bronx) with 16.

Future Ones, LI LIghtning-McNeil and C-3 Elite all moved closer to playoff contention with easy wins while Gauchos-Tommie clinched the top seed in Pool B with a decisive victory over Abyssinian.

Anton McNeil (Environmental Science, NY) scored 19 points, Rashard John (MS 313, Brooklyn) added 13 points, and Brandon Carcamo (IS 318, Brooklyn) had 6 assists as Future Ones (2-2) coasted 66-34 over LI Lightning. Christian Wilson (Allen AME, Queens) led the Lightning (0-4) with 16 points.

Lightning-McNeil scored the first 8 points and never looked back, improving to 2-1 with a 75-28 romp over Riverside-7 (1-3). Kahari Buford led the way with 21 points and 9 boards while Raven Owens (Trinity Lutheran, SI) contributed 15 points and 8 assists.

C-3 Elite evened their record at 2-2, overwhelming Wee All-Stars (0-4) 60-17 behind 24 points from Lamont Peebles (IS 323, Brooklyn) and 10 points, 12 rebounds from Justin Meyers (IS 323, Brooklyn).

Gauchos-Tommie pulled away from a 13-10 lead at the end of the first quarter for a 76-42 triumph over Abyssinian. Five Gauchos reached double figures in the scoring column, led by Shawn Jones (IS 131, Bronx) with 18 points and 19 rebounds. Taquan Givens (IS 229, Bronx) was next with 17 points, followed by Isaiah Ice (Holy Trinity, Bronx) with 14 points, and Chris Robinson (IS 131, Bronx) with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jaquan Hickman (MS 379, NYC) netted a game-high 20 points for Abyssinian (1-3).

Sat., Dec. 12th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113

10:00am: RIVERSIDE 8 - THE CITY

11:00am: FUTURE ONES - GAUCHOS MAPP

12:00pm: TEAM UNDERRATED - TEAM FLAGRANT

1:00pm: BROOKLYN PATRIOTS - THE CITY

2:00pm: RIVERSIDE BLUE - GAUCHOS MAPP

3:00pm: ABOVE & BEYOND - TEAM FLAGRANT

4:00pm: BROOKLYN PATRIOTS - NEW HEIGHTS BLUE

5:00pm: BROOKLYN BALLERS A - LI LIGHTNING

6:00pm: ABYSINNIAN - NEW HEIGHTS BLUE

Sun., Dec. 13th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113

10:00am: ELITE NYC - FYA

11:00am: STARRETT CITY - ST MARKS

12:00pm: ELITE NYC - RIVERSIDE 7

1:00pm: NJ PIRATES - FYA

2:00pm: STARRETT CITY - NEW HEIGHTS RED

3:00pm: NJ PIRATES - LIGHTNING MCNEIL

4:00pm: C-3 ELITE - NEW HEIGHTS RED

5:00pm: BROOKLYN BALLERS B - LIGHTNING MCNEIL

SEC VS. BIG EAST

2009-12-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog
[download]

The SEC vs. BIG EAST Invitational tips off on Wednesday, Dec. 9th at Madison Square Garden!

Georgia travels to the World's Most Famous Arena to take on home town team St. John's @7pm. Game two features a matchup of coaching legends when John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats take on Jim Calhoun's Connecticut Huskies @9:30pm on The Garden's famed hardwood.

NYC BRAGGING RIGHTS

2009-12-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball, Inc. will host the Sixth Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge in New York City on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 at Baruch College in Manhattan, NY.

The challenge, which will feature 16 of New York City's top CHSAA and PSAL teams, is a two-day event designed to show the supremacy of New York City's CHSAA or PSAL league on the basketball court.

"Even though the overall record has shown that the catholic league has the edge, the event is a great idea and the PSAL has closed the gap," said high school basketball scouting guru Tom Konchalski. "There are a lot of good inter-borough rivalries in this years matchups and it's the first chance to see a lot of high quality city teams."

The challenge will feature, CHSAA schools Bishop Loughlin, St. Raymond, Xaverian, All Hallows, Bishop Ford, Holy Cross, Archbishop Molloy and Blessed Sacrament, along with PSAL schools Thomas Jefferson, Wings, Abraham Lincoln, Boys and Girls, Forest Hills, Paul Robeson, Wadleigh and Campus Magnet.

Notable players include: Bishop Loughlin senior, Jayvaughn Pinkston (Villanova); Wadleigh senior, Malik Thomas (Boston University); Blessed Sacrament's 6'6 senior, David Samuel; All Hallows senior, Mike Alvarado (Manhattan College); Boys and Girls highly touted junior guard, Mike Taylor; Thomas Jefferson backcourt, David Coley (senior) and Davontay Grace (junior); and Forest Hills 6'7 junior, Maurice Harkless.

Former event standouts include: Lance Stephenson (Lincoln/Cincinnati); Kemba Walker (Rice/UConn); Charles Jenkins (Springfield Gardens/Hofstra); Sylven Landesberg (Holy Cross/Virginia) and Erving Walker (Christ the King/Florida).

Thomas Jefferson, Wings, and Boys and Girls will all be favorites to capture the city crown this year. On the CHSAA side, Bishop Loughlin is expected to be one of the frontrunners for the city title.

"We're happy once again to showcase many of the top programs and student-athletes in New York City," said BAB President, Jason Curry. "This event has gained a lot of momentum and continues to be one of the premier tip-off events for New York City basketball fans, players, coaches and the general community."

4TH ANNUAL BIG APPLE CLASSIC

2009-12-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

FEEL THE SPIRIT ... THE HBCU EXPERIENCE

The 4th Annual Big Apple Classic brings a Southern flair to The Garden on Saturday, December 5th. Be there as four Historically Black Colleges and Universities compete for bragging rights.

Saturday - December 5, 2008 @ 4pm
Virginia State vs. Virginia Union
Howard vs. Hampton

Plus an unbelievable stepshow/drumline competition and an incredible Pre-Game and Half-time show not to be missed!

OLD SPICE HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE

2009-12-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU 2009-10 High School Basketball Schedule

Old Spice High School Showcase to Feature 14 Games; Coverage Begins Dec. 11

The ESPN family of networks, in conjunction with Paragon Marketing Group, will combine to present 14 high school boy’s basketball games this season on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, as part of the returning Old Spice High School Showcase. The series of regular-season games will include teams from 13 different states, including 17 teams currently ranked in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 Rankings. The series will open with a matchup featuring two Texas schools on Friday, Dec. 11, with No. 47 Duncanville vs. No. 40 Lincoln at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

The Old Spice High School Showcase is highlighted by games that will include the top four teams in the nation.
No. 1 Findlay Prep (Nev.) will play No.16 Northland (Ohio) on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. on ESPN and No. 2 St. Patrick (N.J.) on Monday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. on ESPNU. No. 3 Oak Hill (Va.) will play Northland (Ohio) on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4 p.m. and No. 4 St. Benedict’s (N.J.) will face Virginia-based Bishop O’Connell on Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. on ESPNU.

ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network, will televise 10 games, ESPN2 will air two contests and ESPN will present three matchups. ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband digital sports network, will simulcast the ESPN and ESPN2 games.

This season, 19 players from the ESPNU 100 Class of 2010 player rankings are expected to participate in the series, including No. 1 Harrison Barnes, SF, Ames HS (Iowa); No. 2 Jared Sullinger, PF, Northland HS (Ohio); No. 3 Perry Jones, PF, Duncanville HS (Texas); No. 4 Brandon Knight, PG, Pine Crest HS (Fla.); No. 6 Kyrie Irving, PG, St. Patrick (N.J.); No. 10 Josh Smith, C, Kentwood HS (Wash.); No. 11 Tristan Thompson, PF, Findlay Prep (Nev.); No. 12 DeShaun Thomas, SF, Bishop Luers HS (Ind.); No. 15 Terrence Jones, SF, Jefferson HS (Ore.); No. 16 Roscoe Smith, SF, Oak Hill Academy (Va.); No. 17 Jereme Richmond, SF, Waukegan HS (Ill.); and No. 20 Fabricio Melo, C, The Sagemont School (Fla.).

ESPN’s postseason high school basketball coverage will feature the 2010 Powerade Jam Fest; the McDonald’s All-American High School Games (girls and boys); Jordan Brand Classic; and ESPN RISE’s National High School Invitational. Dates, times and networks will be announced at a later date.

2009-10 ESPN, ESPN2 & ESPNU High School Boy’s Basketball Schedule

Fri., Dec. 11
9:30 p.m.
No. 47 Duncanville (Texas) vs. No. 40 Lincoln (Texas)
Ellis Davis Field House – Dallas, Texas
ESPNU

Thu., Dec. 17
7 p.m.
No. 1 Findlay Prep (Nev.) vs. No. 16 Northland (Ohio)
The Rike Center – Westerville, Ohio
ESPN

9 p.m.
No. 33 Waukegan (Ill.) vs. No. 25 Ames (Iowa)
Hilton Coliseum – Iowa State University
ESPN

Wed., Dec. 23
7:30 p.m.
City of Palms Classic
Bishop Verot High School – Ft. Myers, Fla.
ESPNU

9:30 p.m.
City of Palms Classic
Bishop Verot High School – Ft. Myers, Fla.
ESPNU

Sat., Jan. 16
4 p.m.
No. 16 Northland (Ohio) vs. No. 3 Oak Hill (Va.)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Spalding Hoophall Classic – Springfield, Mass.
ESPN

Mon, Jan. 18
11 a.m.
Bishop O’Connell (Va.) vs. No. 4 St. Benedict’s (N.J.)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Spalding Hoophall Classic – Springfield, Mass.
ESPNU

1 p.m.
No. 6 Westchester (Calif.) vs. St. Anthony (N.J.)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Spalding Hoophall Classic – Springfield, Mass.
ESPNU

3 p.m.
No. 1 Findlay Prep (Nev.) vs. No. 2 St. Patrick (N.J.)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Spalding Hoophall Classic – Springfield, Mass.
ESPNU

5 p.m.
No. 19 Mater Dei (Calif.) vs. No. 7 DeMatha (Md.)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Spalding Hoophall Classic – Springfield, Mass.
ESPNU

Tue., Feb. 2
11 p.m.
No. 30 Jefferson (Ore.) vs. Kentwood (Wash.)
Location TBD
ESPN2

Fri., Feb. 5
5 p.m.
No. 12 Montverde Academy (Fla.) vs. The Sagemont School (Fla.)
Location TBD
ESPNU

7 p.m.
No. 41 Winter Park (Fla.) vs. No. 23 Pine Crest (Fla.)
Location TBD
ESPN2

Sat., Feb. 6
4 p.m.
Bishop Luers (Ind.) at Lawrence North (Ind.)
ESPNU

JIMMY V MEN'S BASKETBALL CLASSIC

2009-11-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Madison Square Garden

Butler vs. Georgetown – 7:00 PM
Indiana vs. Pitt – 9:00 PM

ESPN presents the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic, which will once again showcase four of the nation’s elite collegiate teams on Tuesday, December 9 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN starting at 7:00 PM. The Classic culminates ESPN’s annual “V Week” festivities

JR PROS JHS REGULAR SEASON WEEK #3 RECAP... THE RACE TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN...

2009-11-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

The third week of regular season action of the Funsport Junior Pros at JHS 113 in Brooklyn featured an early-morning matchup of unbeaten squads, Starrett City getting its first real test, Shep Garner leading Above and Beyond to a pair of easy wins in his Junior Pros debut, and Brooklyn Ballers-A rolling to their fourth straight win.

In the Saturday opener, the New Jersey Pirates remained undefeated and handed the Brooklyn Ballers-B their first loss by controlling the fourth quarter and posting a 45-37 victory.

The Ballers led 11-10 after the first quarter and got a Darius James three-pointer late in the half to hold a 24-22 halftime advantage. The Pirates opened the second half with a 7-0 run and a three by Najee Luckey (Plainfield Middle, NJ) enabled them to carry a slim 34-33 margin into the final period. Led by Mike Silverthorn (St. Mary's Hackettstown, NJ) with 16 points and 11 rebounds, the Pirates (3-0) maintained the momentum over the last seven minutes. James (MS 88, Brooklyn) led the Ballers (2-1) with 13 points and 9 rebounds while Jabari Cumberbatch (MS 394, Brooklyn) added 10 points, but failed to score in the second half.

Starrett City also remained undefeated at 3-0 but had to hold off a late C-3 Elite comeback attempt before securing the 44-39 win. Starrett, behind Isaiah Whitehead (IS 288, Brooklyn) with 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Thomas Holley (MS 216, Queens) with 8 points and 13 boards, led by double figures for much of the contest before C-3 rallied in the last three minutes. The Elite (1-2) pulled within 39-35 on a three-point banker by Joekim Hill with 1:14 but could get no closer in the final minute.

Above and Beyond became the first team to get to 4-0 after recording two landslide wins: 72-34 over MS 113 (1-2) and 71-41 over Positive Direction (0-3). In the first game, Shep Garner (Drexel Neumann, Chester PA) led four scorers in double digits with 16 points and 9 rebounds while Jerron Love (Riverdale, Bronx) added 12 points and 6 assists. Garner later had 22 points and 12 boards versus Positive Direction, with Love adding 15 points and 7 dimes, and Sam Foreman (Frederick Douglass, Philadelphia PA) tallying 9 assists.

Brooklyn Ballers-A also reached 4-0 with a pair of wins. Tyrone Johnson netted 16 points and Devyn Wilson scored 12 points in a 51-24 romp over Riverside-Blue (1-2), which got 10 points from Phillip Isom. Neuby Saint-Hillaire then recorded a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double for the Ballers in a 48-32 victory over Gauchos-Mapp (1-2).

Riverside-8 is also unbeaten at 3-0 after running off to a 17-3 start en route to a 70-36 romp over Abyssinian. Daquon Ervin (MS 113, Brooklyn) led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Koree Hargraves (Thomas Jefferson, Teaneck NJ) with 13 and Giovanni Coureau (Columbia Prep, Brooklyn) with 12. Abyssinian (1-2) was led by Jaquan Hickman (MS 379, NYC) with 13 points and Shaquille White (CCS, NYC) with 12.

In other highlights: The Playaz Club swept their two games to improve to 3-1. Rip Engle scored 16 points, Nassir Barrino had 13 points and Kiy Hester added 12 in a 67-24 triumph over LI Lightning (0-3). The Playaz then survived a close one, taking a 50-48 decision over the Future Ones behind Barrino (19 points) and Hester (15 points, 12 rebounds). Future Ones (1-2) fell short despite receiving 15 points from Rashard John, 14 points from Brandon Carcamo and 13 from Anton McNeil. . . Khalik Howe (IS 131, Bronx) was the week's high scorer, dropping 27 points with 8 rebounds as Gauchos-Harris (2-1) rolled over New Heights-Red (1-2) 64-26. . . Brooklyn Ballers-B rebounded from their first loss a day earlier with a 39-38 squeaker over Elite NYC as Darius James hit the game-winner with :08 left. James finished with 18 points and 11 boards for the Ballers (3-1); Elite NYC (1-2) countered with 12 points from Abolayi Soyemi and 11 rebounds from Tristan Rosa. . . Team Underrated is now 3-1 after downing the Brooklyn Stompers (1-2) 49-27 led by Chris Davis (15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) and Kyle Williams (12 points, 6 rebounds). . . Altine King (Bay Academy, Brooklyn) and Luchi Ibbot (St. Edmund's, Brooklyn) scored 11 points apiece and St. Mark's improved to 2-1 with a 49-42 triumph over Wee All-Stars (0-3), which received a game-high 15 points from Javin Williams (Chestnut Ridge Middle, NY). . . Riverside-7 (1-2) picked up their first win, getting 4 treys and 16 points from Ellis Christmas (Fieldston, NY) in a 35-28 victory over F.Y.A. Jamie Killings (MS 327, Brooklyn) led F.Y.A. (0-3) with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Sat., Dec. 5th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113
10:00am: MS 113 - POSITIVE DIRECTION
11:00am: FUTURE ONES - LI LIGHTNING
12:00pm: POSITIVE DIRECTION - BK BALLERS (STOMPERS)
1:00pm: GAUCHOS (TOMMIE) - RIVERSIDE 8
2:00pm: BK BALLERS (STOMPERS) - MS 113
3:00pm: GAUCHOS (TOMMIE) - ABYSSINIAN
4:00pm: LIGHTNING MCNEIL - RIVERSIDE 7
5:00pm: C3 ELITE - WEE ALLSTARS

Sun., Dec. 6th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113
10:00am: ELITE NYC - FYA
11:00am: GAUCHOS HARRIS - WEE ALLSTARS
12:00pm: ELITE NYC - RIVERSIDE 7
1:00pm: GAUCHOS HARRIS - ST MARKS
2:00pm: PLAYAZ CLUB - RIVERSIDE BLUE

HE'S BAAACCKKK? AI RETURNS!

2009-11-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Allen Iverson retirement might just be short live with new rumors swirling of his return to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76er's are in talks about bringing Iverson back to Philadelphia his return could possibly happen as soon as next week.

According to Foxssports.com, “It's being seriously considered,” one Sixers official said before his team lost to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. “We know the history. We know the ups and downs. But we're also aware of what (Iverson) can do and that he's needed here. We simply can't just ignore the upside he'd bring.”

GONZAGA TAKES MAUI IN OT

2009-11-26T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

The best of pre-season basketball came to an end on Wednesday night at the Maui Invitational with Gonzaga Bulldogs (5-1) taking home the title for the first time, after defeating Cincinnati Bearcats(4-1) 61-59 in overtime.

Robert Sacre would take the MVP for the Bulldogs with 14 points. Steven Gray and Matt Bouldin would both share the co-MVP titles.

The Bearcats held on to a two point lead 55-53 with 43 seconds left, in the game. As the clock ran down Steven Gray held off the ball to feed Sacre in the paint for a one-handed floater with 16 seconds left to knot the score.

In the final seconds of the game Cincinnati’s Lance Stephenson jumper attempt would fall short at the arc. Yancy Gates, would charge along the right baseline catching Stephenson's alley-oop pass, attempting to bring home the championship win. However, Sacre perfectly timed jump would block the ball out of Gates hands sending the game into overtime.

Bulldogs, Demetri Goodson had 12 points, Gray and Elias Harris added 13 points apiece for Gonzaga. Stephenson led Cincinnati with 15 points.

For the first minutes in overtime the Bearcats would miss several free throws. Cincinnati’s Steve Toyloy made one of two from the line but Sacre would answer slamming one in with 2:41 left placing Gonzaga ahead by two.

Harris would increase the Bulldog's lead with a free throw. Gates would then grab an air ball from Cashmere Wright slamming one through with 12.6 seconds remaining, cutting the lead to 60-59. The Bearcats had one final chance to force a second overtime with 9.8 seconds to go but Sacre would hit a pair of free throws shutting them out. In a last attempt for the win Wright would put up a floater that would bounced off the backboard, hitting the rim closing out the game.

Day 3 Final Results:

Colorado 73 Chaminade 58
Wisconsin 78 Maryland 69
Vanderbilt 84 Arizona 72

AI RETIRES

2009-11-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

[download]

Reported by columnist Marc J. Spears of Yahoo sports Allen Iverson has announce his retirement from the NBA.

“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson said in a statement released to Stephen A. Smith, who first announced Iverson’s decision on his personal web site. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.

Allen Iverson Retirement Statement

TO ALL OF MY FANS:

I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.

Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift.

I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.

I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!

To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart.

To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!

To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who’ve been a part of my career, Thank you as well!

I’d like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies’ organization all of the success that the game has to offer.

And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers’ uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.

God Bless all of you,

ALLEN IVERSON

Source: The Official site of Stephen A. Smith

MAUI INVITATIONAL DAY 2

2009-11-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Arizona wins in OT

On Tuesday, the Arizona Wildcat (3-1) Nic Wise would go off for 30 scoring eight consecutive points in overtime as Arizona defeats Colorado Buffaloes (3-2), 91-87.

Jamelle Horne finished with 17 points, eight rebounds for the Wildcats, who loss in the opening round 65-61 to Wisconsin on Monday. Brendon Lavender finished with 16 points while Derrick Williams contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.

Buffalo was handed their second straight defeat after a 76-72 loss to Gonzaga on Monday.

Cory Higgins led for Colorado with 28 points, and Nate Tomlinson added 20 points, four assists Arizona, led 35-34 at halftime and would go on an 11-0 run with Wise serving up eight of those points with back-to-back three-pointers to put the Wildcats ahead 80-72.

Buffs, Tomlinson and Higgins would answer with a pair of three and two free throws to knot the game at 80 and force an overtime. Tomlinson would hit a three, with Higgins countering with a jumper after the Wildcats hit two free throws for an 85-82 Colorado.

With 34 seconds left Wise would dominate with eight straight points for a 90-85 lead for the Wildcats. Higgins would make both free throws with 20 seconds left in game play. Lavender hit 1-of-2 at the line on the other end for a four-point lead to seal the deal.

Cincinnati defeats No. 21 Maryland

Cincinnati Bearcats (4-0) winning streak would continue on Tuesday after a 69-57 over No. 21 Maryland Terps (4-1). Bearcat Yancy Gates led with 17 points, and 13 rebounds. Deonta Vaughn added 16 points to lead Cincinnati to the championship game.

In the second half Gates would score 10 of his 17 points to put the game out of reach for the Terps, who will play Wisconsin for third place on Wednesday.

During the first half Maryland, were scoreless for six minutes. Cincinnati then used a 14-0 run to take a 25-11 lead.
The Terps rallied, with Dion Dixon on a 20-4 surge with a buzzer beater that sent Cincinnati into halftime with a 13-point lead.Greivis Vasquez led Maryland with 19 points.

Gonzaga Advances

Gonzaga (4-1) advances to the championship game after a 74-61 win over Wisconsin(3-1)on Tuesday.Gonzaga led by Matt Bouldin with 18 points, Steven Gray finished with 15 points, and Robert Sacre added13. On Wednesday, night Gonzaga meets Cincinnati in the Championship round.Jordan Taylor led for Wisconsin with 19 points, Leuer added 18 and Trevon Hughes 10.

Vanderbilt defeats Chaminade

On Tuesday, in the consolation round game at Maui Invitational Vanderbilt (3-1) would go on a 24-0 run in the second half for a 68-41 easy win over Chaminade.Jermaine Beal finished with 10 points for Vanderbilt.

November 25

Chaminade vs. Colorado at 2 pm (ESPNU), Maryland vs. Wisconsin at 4:30 pm (ESPN2), Vanderbilt vs. Arizona at 7 pm (ESPNU), Cincinnati vs. Gonzaga at 10 pm (ESPN). (all game times in Eastern Time)

MAUI INVITATIONAL DAY 1

2009-11-24T01:58:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Gonzaga takes Opening Round

On Monday, Steven Gray scored 27 points and Matt Bouldin added 21 in helping defeat Colorado after a slow first half 76-72 at the first round of the Maui Invitational.

The Bulldogs trailed by 11 at halftime before going on a 22-9 run to take their first lead of the second half. Gonzaga (3-1) will advance into Tuesday's semifinal.

Cory Higgins finished with 19 points and Alec Burks contributed 11 for the Buffalo's.

Cincinnati's knocks off No. 24 Vanderbilt

Yancy Gates scored 12 points in an 18-2 first-half run leading Cincinnati’s (3-0) 67-58 to victory over No. 24 Vanderbilt.

The Bearcats broke from a 4-4 tie to take a 22-6 lead midway through the first half.
Gates finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while reserve Dion Dixon added 12 points and 10 rebounds.Jarmaine Beal had 16 points for Vanderbilt.

Maryland finishes Chaminade

Sean Mosley scored 19 points; Eric Hayes added 12 and Landon Milbourne had 10 to help No. 21 Maryland beat Chaminade 79-51.

The Terrapins (4-0) advanced to a semifinal meeting on Tuesday with Cincinnati.
Mosley scored seven points in Maryland's 22-12 run that gave it a 36-24 halftime lead.
Shane Hanson had 14 points and Steven Bennett added 12 for the Silverswords, the Division II hosts of the tournament who are 6-59 over 26 years.

Wisconsin defeats Arizona

Trevon Hughes scored 24 points and Keaton Nankivil to lead Wisconsin to a 65-61 win over Arizona (2-1). Wisconsin (3-0) broke a 55-55 tie in the final 2 ½ minutes with a pair of free throws from Hughes with 2:02 left in the game. Nankivil made it a four-point game for Wisconsin taking the lead with a dunk.

With a minute left Arizona’s Jamelle Horne would hit a 3-pointer making it a one point game.Hughes then drove the lane, but it bounced off the rim, and Nankivil drove the rebound home on a dunk to make it 61-58 with 25 seconds remaining.

After two free throws by Jason Bohannon, Horne made another 3 to draw Arizona within 63-61 with 8 seconds left. Wisconsin would have a pair of free throws each from Nankivil and Hughes to finish off Arizona.

NOVEMBER BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES FROM UNION COUNTY (NJ) & BEYOND

2009-11-24T01:07:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Billy Diamond

Belated Shout-Outs & Good Luck To:

Hassanah Oliver (Hillside HS), 5'7" senior guard at Mt. St. Mary's University (MD) and consistent honors student. Look for an upcoming column on this outstanding student-athlete and the obstacles she has overcome in her life...

Jermel Jenkins (Union/St. Patricks), sophomore guard at Iona College...

Bryan Dougher (Scotch Plains/Stony Brook) Scored 12 points in a blow out win vs Wagner...

Terrence Grier, (Cranford HS/St. Thomas More Prep/URI), 5'11" junior guard at Fairleigh Dickinson University...

Earl Clark, (Rahway HS/Louisville, Plainfield NJ resident) on being drafted as the 14th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. We can remember watching this skinny 6'8" kid (now 6'10", 225 lbs.) forward run the floor for against Union County teams for 4 years...

Aishon White (Union HS) has transferred from Nia Prep to Evelyn Mack Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina...

Bloomfield College, sophomore guard Ahmad Harris (Linden HS) and senior guard Elias Brantley (Irvington HS)...

Kean University, junior Robert Lewis (Scotch Plains-Fanwood) and Jonathan Jones (Linden) junior forward...

Rutgers-Newark University, senior guard James Johnson (Summit HS). Look for a big year out of him this season...

Montclair State, junior center Sean Young (Scotch Plains-Fanwood) and junior guard Tom Bonard (Westfield).
Also, congratulations to Head Coach Ted Fiore on being inducted into The Newark Athletic Hall of Fame...

New Jersey City State, 6'7" sophomore center Taquan Abdullah and 6'0" junior guard Corey Dixon both alums of David Brearley HS (Kenilworth) and freshman 6'5" forward Khalid Muhammad (Plainfield HS)...

Felician College's, 6'4" sophomore guard Antione Obery (Roselle HS), Todd Fleming, 6'3" freshman forward (Roselle HS) and 6'0" guard Mike Edghill (St. Patricks)...

Morris County College's sophomore forward Mike Walker (Union HS) who has really improved over this past summer, and Jim Griffith (Summit HS) freshman forward...

Ocean County College, sophomore guard Keith Tillis (Union HS) redshirting this year...

Stevens Institute of Technology's, sophomore 6'5" forward Simon Smith (Cranford HS)...

Dwayne "DJ" Dabney (Summit HS) who plays football and basketball and is 7 touchdowns away from breaking former Summit football standout Willie Wilson's all-time touchdown record...

Raafiq Carnegie (Plainfield) 6'2" sophomore at Raritan Valley Community College...

Corey Fisher (St. Patricks) junior at Villanova University...

Kean University's; junior Jonathan Jones (Linden), junior Robert Lewis (Scotch Plain-Fanwood), freshman Branly Cadet (St. Patricks) and freshman Brian Lytle (Union/St. Marks, MA)...

Though he isn't from New Jersey but did play on the Playaz (NJ)AAU team, I want to congratulate Cameron Ayers (Germantown Academy, PA) on signing with Bucknell University. Once again, a prototypical STUDENT-athlete!!!

Union County High School Baksetball Players Presently In The NBA

Randy Foye (Newark Eastside/Villanova/Washington Wizards)
Al Harrington (St. Patricks/NY Knicks)
Earl Clark (Plainfield NJ, Rahway/Louisville/Phoenix Suns)
Samuel Dalembert (St. Patricks/Philadelphia 76'ers)

Thanks:

Gerald Brown, host of the The Bottom Line Sports Show which can heard on Tuesdays and Thursdays nights at 9pm that be can heard on the internet at blogtalkradio.com/bline, for doing a tremendous job reporting on New Jersey/New York high school basketball among all other college and professional sports from around the country...

Stacey Davis and Chris Rucker from ruckerblog.blogspot.com for carrying all the articles from the Watchung Conference/Union County Conference website this year and giving us national attention from the legendary Rucker League web site...

Final Column Feedback...
This email was from Corey Lowery; Head Men's Basketball Coach at Middlesex CC and former Head Coach at Hillside HS with comments regarding my last column. I really didn't want to include any personal comments regarding me, and how or why I have mentored so many (especially african-american) student-athletes. However, just like all of us, I do have my share of "haters," so I thought I want take the chance to post this.

"Well, it is very apparent to me now after reading some of your articles who Billy I use to always wonder who is this “Billy D” guy was that I would see all over Union County when I was a coach at Hillside high; and what connection does he have with all of these young athletes? And most importantly, what are his intentions? No offense, Billy but I become a bit skeptical when people proclaim themselves to be “basketball mentors,” so to speak, in an age where kids want everything now, can be delusional, and don’t understand the value of working hard nor how to deal with and overcome adversity. There are so many single mothers who are craving male role-models for their sons and unfortunately, I have seen a lot of young h.s students steered the wrong way because of hidden agendas, manipulation, and lack of knowledge from these mentors and unfortunately some parents."

"Billy D. I really like what you are doing and the courage you are displaying. "The honesty and integrity that you are displaying is a breath of fresh air. I have never been a person who hung with a lot of cliques or befriended people based on their status. My parents raised me to be observant of people, form your opinions based off of their actions, and listen how people speak and what they speak about. I just want to encourage you to continue to be truthful with these young impressionable males. Help them understand that basketball can be a tool to help them further their education. Help them understand that there is a world out here that is starving for young people that are educated and talented. Self-motivation and discipline is a skill that is highly sought after and a weapon, if used properly, will access a multitude of opportunities that others only dream about. Help these young males understand that there is a difference between battling through adversity as oppose to creating self-inflicted adverse situations."

Final Thought...

A few years ago when I was an assistant coach at Union County College we had a very good freshman shooting guard on our team. We started practice on October 1st and had our first scrimmage on November 1st (two months into the semester). After the first scrimmage, the player had 36 points. I said to him after the game, "Great job! Keep up the good work and keep going to class and studying!" His response was, "too late for that coach." He had stopped going to class when practice started on October 1st and was academically ineligible by the end of the first semester in December!

My point is, that just because high school basketball practice begins in New Jersey this Friday, November 27th, that doesn't mean you can stop studying and doing your homework. Please don't make the mistake this player made as since he flunked off the team, he has never gone back to school!!!

Have very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday from Terrence Johnson and myself!

MAUI INVITATIONAL

2009-11-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

One of the many premier college basketball tournanment begins on Novemeber 23-25th at Maui's Lahaina Civic Center.

Nation's premier early-season college basketball tournament travels
across the country to present eight-foot, hand-crafted surfboards to participating teams.

The 2009 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational will host some former national championship teams Arizona, Cincinnati, Maryland and Wisconsin join Gonzaga, Colorado, Vanderbilt and host Chaminade University of Honolulu as they vie for the coveted early-season crown Nov. 23-25 at Maui's Lahaina Civic Center, just 1,000 yards from the surf-able Pacific Ocean. Two former Maui champions, Arizona (2000) and Vanderbilt (1986) return to challenge a field of new top rivals.

Representing New York are Arizona Lamont "Mo-Mo" Jones (Harlem, NY), Kevin Parrom (Bronx, NY). Cincinnati Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson (Brooklyn, NY), Sean Kilpatrick (White Plains, NY), and Maryland James Padgett (Brooklyn, NY).

BILLY DIAMOND OF DIAMOND-SUMNER GROUP

2009-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, October 21
Diamond Added to Staff

Watchung Conference Website (http://www.eteamz.com/watchungconference) is proud to announce the addition of Billy “Billy D.” Diamond to our staff. Billy has been associated with high school, AAU, college, junior college and professional basketball in one form or another for over 20+ years and will be a contributor/blogger to the website for the mightiest basketball conference in New Jersey this season.

As a graduate of Union HS, Billy started out as a Student Assistant Coach at American University (1980-82) for then Head Coach and now current University of Maryland Head Coach Gary Williams. During his tenure there he coached former New Jersey All-State players Russell “Boo” Bowers (Westfield); Gordon Austin (Linden) and Leon Kearney (Plainfield). The other assistants on that staff were current Temple Head Coach Fran Dunphy and former Washington Wizards Head Coach, Ed Tapscott. While attending law school (1982-85) he served as a Scout evaluating college players for the NBA & the Washington Wizards.

Upon graduating law school in 1985, Billy was Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for P.M.A., Inc, a sports management firm in Washington, DC, representing such players as Charles Oakley (NY Knicks), Kenny Anderson (NJ Nets), Nate McMillan (Seattle Supersonics), Dennis Rodman (Detroit Pistons), Nick Anderson (Orlando Magic), Rod Strickland (NY Knicks), Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors) and Mark Jackson (NY Knicks).

As a varsity assistant boys’ basketball coach for the Union HS Farmers under Ted Zawacki from 1990-2000. Billy was part of the coaching staff whose team won the 1997 Group 4 State Boys Championship. The first and only one, ever in Union HS basketball history. From 2004-2009, Billy was the Assistant Coach at Union County College (NJ). He has also served as an Assistant Coach for Brian Crawford and the Newark Rams AAU Program since 2001 and is Director of their Mentor Program. He is known statewide for volunteering his time and mentoring high school and college basketball players throughout New Jersey.

Currently Billy and former Roselle HS basketball standout Bob Sumner, Talent Coordinator and Producer for the Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, are business partners in the Diamond-Sumner Group, LLC and represent professional basketball players, college coaches and comedians from around the country.

Billy will be contributing basketball stories and blogs not only about the mighty Watchung Conference, but also provide insights into current high school, AAU & college basketball issues, as well as interviews with current and former high school, college and NBA coaches and players. He will assist with our “Where Are They Now” section about former Watchung Conference basketball players. In addition, Billy will also provide us with a behind the scenes look at the 2010 NBA All-Star game, Slam Dunk Contest & Rookie vs. Sophomore game from Dallas, Texas in February. Please feel free to send comments and suggestions for stories to him at billyd212121@aol.com.

Welcome aboard!

Bill Diamond Diamond-Sumner Group, LLC

JENNINGS GOES OFF

2009-11-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

[download]
by Stacey Davis

On Saturday night Milwaukee Bucks Brandon Jennings would go off in one of the most impressive performances of rookie to date knocking out the Golden State Warriors 129-125 for the win. Jennings would shatter the record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabber scoring 55 points, breaking Abdul-Jabbar's franchise rookie record.

During the third quarter Jennings would enter the zone pouring down 29 points, and then add 16pts in the fourth as the Warriors witness history in the making. Jennings has become only the third Bucks player to score more than 50 in the franchises history.

“The shots kept going in, and after a while the rim kept getting bigger and bigger and I just felt like I couldn’t miss,” Jennings said. “I guess I was in that zone, you know? But that doesn’t happen without (Andrew) Bogut down low, scoring in the post and opening things up for me. I’m not doing this alone here.”(Yahoo Sports)

Jennings continues to change the game putting Milwaukee on the map and making it cool to be Buck fan.

SKY SPORT 24

2009-11-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Rucker Speaks Italian

Rucker Park Interview with SKY SPORT 24 and Nicola Scevola.

MCDAVID IS OFFICAL SPORTS MEDICINE & PROTECTIVE APPAREL SUPPLIER TO RUCKER

2009-11-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

2009 COACHES VS. CANCER

2009-11-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

2009 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer

All four teams advancing to the Championship Rounds of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer will head to New York with 2-0 records.In second round play of the Regional Rounds in Syracuse, eleven different players scored for No. 25 Syracuse as it cruised to a 100-60 win against Robert Morris. The Orange triumphed in front of 15,594 at the Carrier Dome. Senior guard Andy Rautins led all scorers with 22 points, going 7-of-10 from behind the arc, while junior forward Wesley Johnson had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Johnson was 2-of-3 from three-point range.

In Chapel Hill, Marcus Ginyard matched his career high with 17 points to help the fourth-ranked Tar Heels beat North Carolina Central, 89-42, his second double-figure scoring output in as many games to open the season. Deon Thompson scored 13 for the Tar Heels, who broke it open with 21 straight first-half points. North Carolina shot 69 percent in the opening half and 59 percent for the game, dominating the transitional Division I Eagles from nearby Durham in the first meeting between the schools.

In Berkeley, Theo Robertson scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half, hitting consecutive three-pointers during a decisive run, and No. 12 California won for the 33rd time in its last 35 non-conference home games by beating Detroit, 95-61. Jerome Randle had 16 of his 22 points in the first half, Patrick Christopher added 18 points and five rebounds, and Cal shot 48.3 percent.
In Columbus, Evan Turner followed up his triple-double with 24 points and 17 rebounds and No. 17 Ohio State beat James Madison, 72-44. David Lighty added 14 points and William Buford had 12 for the Buckeyes.

The Championship Rounds of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer will begin on Nov. 19 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. In the first semifinal match, Syracuse will meet California at 7:00pm, followed by North Carolina taking on Ohio State. The next night begins with the consolation game at 5:00pm, followed by the championship tilt at 7:00pm. All four games will be televised on ESPN2.

Subregional Round play begins on Nov. 20 in Albany, N.Y., and Miami, Fla. UAlbany, Robert Morris, Detroit, and Alcorn State will play three days of doubleheaders at the SEFCU Arena in Albany from Nov. 20-22. In Miami, FIU will host James Madison, Murray State, and North Carolina Central for round-robin doubleheader action, Nov. 20-23, at U.S. Century Bank Arena.

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS Madison Square Garden – New York, N.Y.

November 19 – 7:00 p.m. Syracuse vs. Cal (ESPN2) North Carolina vs. Ohio State (ESPN2)
November 20 – 5:00 p.m. Consolation Game (ESPN2) Championship Game (ESPN2)

JR PROS JHS BASKETBALL AT JHS 113... THE RACE TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IS UNDERWAY...

2009-11-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

In two months, the Funsport Junior Pros Championship game will take place at Madison Square

Garden following an NBA contest between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks.But, first,

thirty teams of the top junior high school talent in the metropolitan area will do battle in pool

play and playoffs at JHS 113 in Brooklyn. If the past Junior Pros standouts are any indication,

we are about to get an early preview of the future of high school basketball in the tri-state

area.Riverside-8 won the season tipoff game, using a 15-0 run in the second quarter to take

control and post a 54-47 win over the Brooklyn Patriots. Jack Daly (Eastchester), whose three-

point banker just before halftime put Riverside ahead for good, led all scorers with 20 points.

Aaron Walker topped the Patriots with 18 points while Pedro Lopez grabbed a game-high 13

rebounds.The NJ Pirates and Above and Beyond were both double winners on opening day. A&B

trailed Team Underrated at the end of each of the first three quarters before running away in

the final period for a 44-33 triumph. Fred Prieto (St. Frances De Sales, PA) led the rally with 15

points; Kyle Williams (Freeport Middle, LI) recorded a game-high 15 rebounds for Underrated.

In their second contest, A&B received 13 points from Jerron Love (Riverdale, Bronx) and 10

points from Shavar Newkirk (Frederick Douglass, NYC) in a 58-35 victory over BK Ballers-

Stompers. Niquan Campbell (MS 349, Brooklyn) had a solid 21-point, 8-rebound performance in

the losing cause for the Ballers.The Pirates pulled out their second win with a buzzer-beater as

Johnathan Hilliman (Franklin Middle, Somerset NJ) put back a missed shot to edge Elite NYC

50-48. Hilliman led four Pirates in double digits with 15 points to offset the day's top shooting

performance by the Elite's Jermaine Bishop (4 three's and 20 points). Earlier, the Pirates rolled

over Riverside-7 69-21 behind Mike Silverthorn (St. Mary's, Hackettstown NJ), who matched

the entire Riverside output with 21 points.Isaiah Whitehead recorded 19 points and 22 rebounds

in a dominating season-opening performance, as Starrett City coasted past Gauchos-Harris 83-

37. Whitehead (IS 288, Brooklyn), who closed out the first half with a halfcourt buzzer-beater,

got scoring support from Tim Quashie (Westbury Middle, LI) with 16 points. Khalik Howe (IS

131, Bronx) led the Gauchos with 17 points and Tory Ferguson (Fieldstone Secondary, Thiells

NY) added 12 points.New Heights-Red opened on a winning note, edging Wee All-Stars 46-44

behind Rakym Felder (IS 33, Brooklyn), with 18 points and 6 boards, and Corey Grant (St.

Mary's, Bronx) with 11 points. The losers countered with 15 points and 8 rebounds from Wilson

Gotay and 10 points from James Nelson.In other opening weekend highlights: C-3 Elite pulled

away in the second half to down St. Mark's 55-29. Lamont Peebles (IS 323, Brooklyn) and Nixon

Garcia (ENY Family Academy, Brooklyn) topped C-3 with 13 points apiece. Altine King (Bay

Academy, Brooklyn) had the high of 12 points for St. Mark's. . . Chris Robinson (IS 131, Bronx)

tallied 17 points and 10 boards to lead the Gauchos-Tommie past New Heights-Blue 65-28.

Adaris Delarosa (MS 391, Bronx) had a double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds for New

Heights. . . Team Underrated evened their record at 1-1 on the day as Chris Davis (Scholars

Academy, Far Rockaway) scored 16 points in a 62-23 romp over host JHS 113. . . Riverside-Blue

had 8 players in the scoring column, led by Jamal Lucas (Tompkins Square Middle, NYC) with 9

points and 6 rebounds, in a 41-36 decision over LI Lightning, which received game-highs of 18

points and 9 boards from Jamel Whitehead (MS 571, Brooklyn). . . Michael Williams broke a 37-

37 tie with acoast-to-coast layup with 41 seconds remaining, lifting The City to a 44-39 triumph

over Abyssinian. Williams (Mott Hall IV Middle, Brooklyn) finished with 15 points while Wolfie

Noyogratz (Poly Prep, Brooklyn) chipped in with 13 points for the winners. . . Team Flagrant got

19 points and 7 rebounds from Brian Brown (Jersey City Community Charter) in a 56-18 romp

over Positive Direction. . . Neuby Saint-Hillare (12 points, 9 rebounds) and Devin Wilson (11

points) carried the Brooklyn Ballers-A past Future Ones 48-22. . . Brooklyn Ballers-B downed

FYA 35-22 as Darius James posted a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.

VIEW MORE HERE: http://m1e.net/c?96676041-91gYu9ZNegTy2%404780119-Cd9Y7PWzpLOjQ

Sat., Nov. 14th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113

10:00am: STARRETT CITY - WEE ALLSTARS

11:00am: C3 ELITE - GAUCHOS HARRIS

12:00pm: TEAM FLAGRANT - BK BALLERS (STOMPERS)

1:00pm: LIGHTNING MCNEIL - ELITE NYC

2:00pm: TEAM FLAGRANT - MS 113

3:00pm: LIGHTNING MCNEIL - FYA

4:00pm: TEAM UNDERRATED - POSITIVE DIRECTION

5:00pm: ABYSSINIAN - BROOKLYN PATRIOTS

Sun., Nov. 15th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113

10:00am: BROOKLYN BALLERS-B - RIVERSIDE-7

11:00am: ST MARKS - NEW HEIGHTS RED

12:00pm: RIVERSIDE-8 - NEW HEIGHTS BLUE

1:00pm: GAUCHOS (TOMMIE) - THE CITY

2:00pm: GAUCHOS (MAPP) - LI LIGHTNING

3:00pm: PLAYAZ CLUB - BROOKLYN BALLERS-A

4:00pm: RIVERSIDE BLUE - FUTURE ONES

5:00pm: PLAYAZ CLUB - GAUCHOS (MAPP)

COLUMN FEEDBACK FROM NBA, COLLEGE & HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL WORLD

2009-11-13T04:43:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Billy Diamond

As promised in my introductory column last month, I told you that I would print most comments, suggestions and reactions to anything I wrote. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would receive the amount of feedback I received this past week from my column entitled "Where Are All The High School STUDENT-athletes Gone?" The emails ranged from high school players; to parents, to high school and college coaches from around New Jersey and the country; to a former NBA player; to a vice-president of an NBA team; to the author of Michael Jordan's best selling book. My editor Terrence Johnson has granted me permission to dedicate this column to the very poignant and intriguing emails I received. So apparently I hit a nerve and connected with many people in the basketball world who share my concerns. So buckle your seat belts and here we go.

Sam Smith; Author of The Jordan Rules
"This may not be what kids and parents want to hear. But it is what they need to hear and understand. There's a great life to be had out there if you are not playing pro sports, but if you get a serious education. I always hoped to be a pro athlete, like most kids playing sports. But I never forgot I needed education as well. I've spent the last 30 years in pro locker rooms and at the biggest sporting events in the world. Because I got a degree and became a writer. It isn't that difficult. I was a C student in high school. But I was determined to work. And going into my 60's, I've still got a career in sports, which few pro athletes can say. Listen to Billy and make your game winning shot your degree."

Phil Colicchio; Head Boys Basketball Coach; Linden High School
"Real good article you didn't sugar coat anything and i'm glad you included all races not just African-Americans. I call it the "Disease of Accountability". It does not just pertain to kids, I think everybody under the age of 30 suffers from it but I will concentrate on HS students. Kids today are not held accountable for their actions today and they all have this "sense of entitlement." Parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches need to teach more values and ethics. God forbid a kid can hit a baseball, run fast, or dunk a basketball, somebody somewhere will overlook any short comings that kid may have just to keep him/her happy. Don't want to go to class that's ok, don't feel like doing homework that's ok, don't feel like studying that's ok, don't feel like being respectful that's ok, don't want to practice hard today that ok. IT'S NOT OK! Parents, teachers, coaches DO NOT enable them. Educate them! Tough love worked for us, why can't it work for the younger generation? My players are all held accountable by me and my staff. My children are held accountable by my wife and I. It's their future so prepare them the way we were prepared by our parents and teachers. If you hold them accountable, one day they will hold someone else accountable."

Ron Harper; Former Chicago Bull/LA Laker; 5 Time NBA Champion
"Hey BD, I enjoyed reading this story and you hit it right on the head! With players and AAU and friends, it shows that you got your ears in the street and a brain of good parents. Today kids see one thing and that is money and not love of the game. It begins at home and then school. Many student-athletes shouldn't get taught to just chase just one dream! To get anywhere in life you've to be street-smart but you better be book-smart as well! Until the parents or AAU coaches/teams start teaching our kids about being that STUDENT-ATHLETE and playing for the LOVE of the game, because it's a GAME you playing in life and sports. You can take a horse to a water but can't make him drink it!!!! Break that down now!!!"

Brad Greenberg; Head Men's Basketball Coach, Radford University and former NBA General Manager of the Philadelphia 76'ers (he drafted Allen Iverson)

"Most young people can find someone to tell them what they want to hear..... but you tell them what they need to hear. It is great to aspire. Everyone should aspire to something significantly good. But you need a strategy to go along with an aspiration. If a Junior HS or HS player aspires to be a college player....the first strategic move is to focus on academics. There is a correlation between people who want to achieve off the court and the potential for them to achieve on it. All great players have a desire to improve each and every day. That type of discipline is not developed overnight. It is developed in disciplined academic environments like grade school, middle school, Junior HS, HS and college. A motivated student-athlete is what every HS and college coach is looking for. And what every pro organization respects as well."

Sun Belt Conference Assistant Basketball Coach
"It's refreshing to have knowledgeable experience mentors like you that are willing to give the kids “Straight Dope” pertaining to advice, because so many youngsters have inflated opinions of themselves and it doesn’t help that other mentors perpetuate that by sugar coating things for them. If young student-athletes can receive sage council, they can redirect their energy toward other areas or at least have contingency plans that still involve athletics or areas that they have passion for. Illuminating article that is a must read for every young aspiring college athlete, parent, AAU-coach and hanger-on, etc.”

Eric from Newark, NJ

"I've been out of high school for the past 4 years doing nothing. I'm 6'7" and have been tall my whole life and pretty good in basketball. All of my family and friends have always said I was going to play in the NBA, but it recently dawned on me that it's probably not going to happen. I just enrolled in junior college and believe it or not, I actually enjoy school as much as playing on the basketball team. I hear what you're saying. Thanks for keeping it '100.'"

Atlantic 10; Head Men's Basketball Coach

"Before I offer a scholarship to a player, I tell them right from the beginning. If I can't depend on you in the classroom, I can't depend on you on the court. So if that's going to be a problem, our program is not for you."

John from Plainfield, NJ

"I just read your column and you couldn't be more on point. My son is in 8th grade and I sent your column into school with my son yesterday for his principal and basketball coach to read. Also, I went online and found a way to email President Obama. I doubt it will ever get to his desk but if it does, I know he will appreciate it. Thanks for caring and don't stop what you are doing."

Keith Jones; Vice President of Basketball Operations; Houston Rockets

"It's about time somebody put it out there straight! Wake up and smell the coffee young people!"
Dolan from Basking Ridge, NJ

"I just wanted to drop you an email to thank you for your last article about student-athletes . You nailed it. I have 3 boys. One of them is in 8th grade and plays for King Street AAU and will go to Ridge High. I will make sure his coaches and the entire program see your article. I can understand kids that don't have mentors like yourself with the vast knowledge you posses making bad decisions, but he have all the wisdom in the world and are willing to help them with nothing in return. I don't get it. It must be so frustrating for you to see some of these kids make these mistakes."

Big East; Assistant Basketball Coach

"As an African-American coach, I feel your pain. I couldn't have worded your column any better than you did. You're 100% correct. The issues you addressed are the ones that are on the minds of every college coach in the country. Plenty of our former players are in the NBA and I agree with you. The ones that I'm most proud of are the ones who aren't playing professional basketball and have graduated and are a working member of society. Every player, parent, coach and mentors should read and frame your article."

Southland Conference Assistant Basketball Coach

"I thought you could relate to this story. Last month my head coach and I drove 4 hours to for a "home visit" to offer a high school player a full scholarship to our university. When we were ready to begin the meeting, the parents told us that we 'had to wait an hour to start our presentation as we have to watch Real Housewives of Atlanta." Maybe your next column should be 'Where Have All The High School Basketball Student-Athletes PARENTS Gone?'"

Northeast Conference, Assistant Basketball Coach

"My pet peeve is this "sense of entitlement" that these kids have today. They expect everything to just be given to them without them having to do anything more than just the bare minimum. Not a real smart to way to approach life or basketball for that matter and that's why we don't recruit those type of kids."

Taimon from Irvington, NJ

"I know the 'Player A' that you talked about in your column. In case you didn't know, last weekend he dropped out of that prep school which you told him not to attend, came home and isn't doing anything right now.'"

MAAC Conference; Head Basketball Coach

"What bothers me the most about high school basketball players today is not the 2 hours a day they're in the gym for practice. What concerns me is what they're doing they're doing the other 22 hours!?"

Enough said... (Comments & suggestions can be sent to billyd212121@aol.com and you can follow our website at http://www.eteamz.com/watchungconference)

MCDAVID & RUCKER BASKETBALL

2009-11-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

McDavid Teams with Legendary Rucker Basketball

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

For Immediate Release

McDavid Teams with Legendary Rucker Basketball

WOODRIDGE, IL. – Nov. 11, 2009 – McDavid, the world's leading manufacturer of sports medical products and protective athletic apparel, today announced a partnership with Rucker Sports World, Inc., a company which stemmed from the famous Rucker Court.

“From street basketball to the NBA and WNBA, McDavid’s protective apparel is becoming increasingly popular with players,” said McDavid Marketing Director Rey Corpuz. “We’re proud to align ourselves with such a respected name in basketball.”

McDavid has been named the Official Sports Medicine Products and Protective Apparel of Rucker Basketball. The company will be involved in Rucker Basketball events and sponsored tournaments throughout the country.

"We are excited about partnering with McDavid and have been a fan of their products for years," said Rucker Sports World’s co-owner, Dexter Gordon.

The two-year sponsorship also includes dual-branding on a new, innovative on-line trading card program designed exclusively for those who play at Rucker Park. Players will be able to create their own trading cards and posters using online technology that allows each player to upload personal photo, statistics and information.

About McDavid, Inc.
The company's roots can be traced back to 1969, when Dr. Robert F. McDavid designed and developed what was to become the first widely used lateral protective knee brace in football. From a basement in Bellwood, IL, to its production facility and global headquarters in Woodridge, IL, McDavid manufactures and markets over 400 different innovative products for athletes and active people of all ages. McDavid is the most widely used and recommended brand of braces among sports medical professionals and the industry leader in sports medical products, technical performance athletic wear and consumer merchandising. Find out more at www.mcdavidusa.com.

About Rucker Sports World, Inc.
Owned by Chris Rucker and Dexter Gordon, Rucker Sports World, Inc. provide the young demographic with current and future trends with inspiration drawn from Rucker Park, Harlem. The company is built on more than a decade of experience and is dedicated to providing the sports retail and entertainment industries with the most sought after active apparel and basketball-related events worldwide.

###

Media Contact:
Jennifer Fernandez
(850) 412-0300
jenny@team180.com

KAREEM'S ANNOUNCEMENT!

2009-11-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

When you've spent your life as one of the best basketball players who ever lived - winning championships in high school, in college and in the pros, scoring more points than anyone else and immortalized in sports history and on film - you don't expect to come suddenly face-to-face with your mortality.

"I started having hot flashes and sweats," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar told CBS News correspondent Jeff Greenfield. "And I wasn't a candidate for menopause, you know? So, trying to figure out what that was all about." In the middle of a busy life - best-selling author, special coach for the L.A. Lakers, parent - Abdul-Jabbar learned last December that he had a rare form of cancer. "What I have is P.H. positive chronic myeloid leukemia, which is an aberration in your white blood cells," Abdul-Jabbar said. Watch an Extended Version of this Interview Abdul-Jabbar lost a grandfather to colon cancer and almost lost his father to the same illness. But for Abdul-Jabbar, the news was a lot less grim. "Ten years ago, this was a very serious, life-threatening diagnosis," said Dr. Michael Schuster of New York Presbyterian Hospital.

"The only treatment was a bone marrow transplant. Patients now take a pill a day and can eliminate every molecular trace of the disease." That hopeful diagnosis is why Abdul-Jabbar is now using his high visibility to go public about his illness.

"Sending this message out there, it's a message of hope. That's what it's intended to be," Abdul-Jabbar said. "It's not intended to be just a grim announcement. I want people to understand that I intend to continue living and doing all the things that I love to do up until the end. And the end is by no means rushing up on me."
(Source CBSNews)

FUNSPORT'S JUNIOR PROS

2009-11-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

Funsport's Junior Pros is the premier Junior High School Basketball Program in NYC! We host the best AAU organizations and middle school programs in the tri-state area. This season, our championship game will be held at the world famous Madison Square Garden arena. Prior to the game, our championship teams will have a 'meet and greet' with New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers players and enjoy the NBA game before the Garden floor becomes their showcase.

Regular Season starts Nov. 7th: Ronald Edmonds School 113 – 300 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11205
JR PROS JHS PRE-SEASON IS OVER... TIME FOR THE RACE TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN...

The pre-season portion of this Jr. Pros season was a 3-game schedule focused on training and development. Rudy King (Five Star Station Master) led the training portion prior to each pre-season game. The competing teams took part in a 20-minute training exercise prior to the game. Below is a recap of the games played this past weekend:

The pre-season action was coming to a close and the regular season intensity was there. The highlight this past weekend was the matchup of Starrett City vs. Above & Beyond. Both teams are early favorites to reach Madison Square Garden, so why not get a preview early. Isaiah Whitehead (Starrett City) would establish himself as the best player in the tournament right now. He posted 20pts and 21rebs in a 42-28 win over Above & Beyond. Despite the loss, Jerron Love was very impressive and took the challenge trying to guard the bigger Isaiah Whitehead down the stretch... Rakym Felder led a fanstastic come from behind performance for New Heights Red over Brooklyn Ballers. Rakym proved to be one of the best 6th graders nationally as he was poised and led a decisive 2nd half attack with 16pts... The Playaz Club made their debut with back-to-back wins led by Nassir Barrino... LET'S BE READY FOR THE REGULAR SEASON THIS WEEKEND!!

Sat., Nov. 7th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113

10:00am: BROOKLYN PATRIOTS - RIVERSIDE-8

11:00am: NJ PIRATES - RIVERSIDE-7

12:00pm: C3 ELITE - ST MARKS

1:00pm: NJ PIRATES - ELITE NYC

2:00pm: TEAM UNDERRATED - ABOVE & BEYOND

3:00pm: GAUCHOS (TOMMIE) - NEW HEIGHTS BLUE

4:00pm: TEAM UNDERRATED - MS 113

5:00pm: BK BALLERS (STOMPERS) - ABOVE & BEYOND

Sun., Nov. 8th - Jr. Pros Regular Season @Ronald Edmonds 113

10:00am: BROOKLYN BALLERS-B - FYA

11:00am: LI LIGHTNING - RIVERSIDE BLUE

12:00pm: WEE ALLSTARS - NEW HEIGHTS RED

1:00pm: TEAM FLAGRANT - POSITIVE DIRECTION

2:00pm: ABYSSINIAN - THE CITY

3:00pm: STARRETT CITY - GAUCHOS HARRIS

4:00pm: BROOKLYN BALLERS A - FUTURE ONES

WHERE HAVE ALL THE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETES GONE?

2009-11-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

by Billy Diamond

In the 20+ years I have mentored, advised, counseled and assisted hundreds of high school basketball players in the New Jersey/New York area, never have I been more frustrated, upset, disillusioned, angered and disappointed than this past summer! Most of the players, who ask for my advice and guidance do so because they want me to help them obtain a scholarship to college to play basketball. Some of them I offer to help because either I have developed a relationship and friendship with them over the years from coaching them in high school or AAU, or they’ve just seen how I’ve helped their friends or former teammates. While reading this column, please remember that I have NEVER discussed with a high school basketball player the possibility or probability of them playing professional basketball.

What I’m about to discuss doesn’t just apply to african-american high school basketball players but to all high school student-athletes, regardless of their race, religion or economic background. Maybe this problem has existed over the past two decades but in my opinion and the opinions of high school and college coaches around the country, it’s become worse in the past few years. Some may say high school players aren’t informed about what the college requirements are to become a Division I or Division II “qualifier.” That might be true in some cases but high school coaches have gotten much better over the past few years on informing and educating their high school players regarding SAT scores and GPA's you need to receive a D-1 or D-2 scholarship. Even if you aren’t told specifically what scores and grades you need, what’s the difference? Aren’t you going to school to get an education? Shouldn’t your number one priority be getting a college degree? My philosophy has always been that “you should utilize high school basketball (or any sport for that matter) as a means of obtaining a free college education if possible!” Even if you’re just an average junior varsity or varsity player, aren’t you still trying to attend and graduate from college in order to get the best possible job and make a good living ($)?

Tom Konchalski has been one of the most highly respected national high school scouts and talent evaluators in the country for several decades. Whenever he meets a junior high or high school basketball player for the first time, the first question out of his mouth, every single time is, “how are your grades and how are you doing in school?” What does that tell you homies?

The most recent statistics I've read indicated 1 in 25,000 high school basketball players make it to the NBA.

Did you hear what I just said? There are about 350 high schools in New Jersey and assuming there are 15 players on each varsity team, that total is about 5,000 high school basketball players. If you’re not good at math, bring this article into school and show it to your math teacher and ask him or her to figure out the what percentage of high school basketball players in New Jersey make it yearly to the NBA. Then go home and think about that instead of texting, watching music videos, or playing video games!

There’s nothing wrong with having dreams and goals in life. I said, dreamS and goalS, plural! However, one must have contingency plans in case the ultimate dream or goal is unattainable. I was cut from my junior high school basketball team in 7th grade. I was devastated. I loved basketball and I lived, ate, drank and slept basketball, 24/7, 365. However, at the young age of 12, I came to the realization my ultimate dream of being a professional basketball player most likely was not going to be able to realized. So I became the manager of the junior high team and then the high school team. In college was the head manager of my college basketball team for my first two years and then became a Student-Assistant Coach, with a partial scholarship for my junior and senior years. Not bad for a small, slow, chubby, white kid with a below average jumper (lol)?

It absolutely kills me when an “average” or “bench” player or any type of player for that matter, in high school tells me that his only dream in life is to play in the NBA (smh - what the heck is smh). I've heard this so many times these past few years that last year my frustrated and sarcastic response has been, “when I was young my ultimate dream was to marry Beyonce, but I realized a long time ago that wasn't going to happen!” Do you have any idea how good you have to play on the D-1 level no less in the NBA?

My second most used line the past 12 months has been “every high school player thinks they’re a D-1 player; every D-1 player thinks they’re an NBA player, and every good D-1 one player thinks they are a ‘one-and-done’ college/NBA player!”

The dozens of college coaches I know, think those two lines are very appropriate for this generation of high school players. Don’t get me wrong. There are exceptions to the rule. When I inform these players that I think they should have more than one goal or dream, most of the players are quick to point out that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity team as a sophomore. Okay, that’s one exception to the rule. Can you give me a few more? By the way, while I'm waiting, tell me how the other 11 players on MJ’s team made it to the league. I'm guessing nada - nathan - nary a one. Those guys never made it to the NBA. and I'm guessing few, if any played professional basketball...My point exactly! Then the most common response I receive after reciting both of those lines is “quit hating Billy D." (lol)! I’ve coached and/or scouted and/or advised basketball players on the high school, college (juco to D-1) and NBA levels, so you would think I had a lot of expertise and credibility in this area right? Well, from what I experienced most recently these past 12 months, I guess not (smh).

This past season I mentored eight high school basketball players. Without mentioning names, I have to tell you a few stories so you get an idea of where I’m coming from and my beef.

Player A (let’s call him), whom I’ve known, coached and mentored since the 8th grade was a very good junior high school player, primarily because he always was bigger than - and a little stronger than his teammates. In high school, at best, he became an average player. His freshman year he played JV. His sophomore year he started JV. His junior year he would have started on the varsity team but he was academically ineligible. The summer before his senior year he had to take summer school classes and stopped working out for whatever reason. He started to gain weight and hardly played in any summer leagues. Yet he had the audacity to lie and tell me that he was "definitely a D-1 player" and being recruited by several D-1 colleges (NOT!). He only became a starter on a below average high school team his senior year and that team (was?) as “booty!” He kept telling me about all of the “mail” he was getting from colleges. I tried to explain to him "mail" doesn't mean anything. After his senior year he wasn’t even named 3rd team all-conference (smh).
When I saw his high school transcripts at the beginning of his senior year, his grades were horrendous and he had well below a 2.0 gpa. Therefore, I politely informed him junior college was his best route both athletically and more importantly, academically. He vehemently disagreed and insisted prep school was his best route. He didn’t want to “have to waste 2 years in junior college, as I have plans to play overseas or in the NBA (smh/lol)! Insisting he was (a??) low D-1, but definitely a D-2 player, I finally got fed up and asked who was actively recruiting him and who had offered him a scholarship? There was no response. I tried to explain to him how good you have to be to even play D-1, D-2 or even D-1 or D-2 junior college, but I just wasn't getting thru to him and he didn't want to hear it. Furthermore, I told him to focus on getting a college degree instead of basketball because in these economic times it was critical that one had a college degree to secure a good job. After that conversation he hung up the phone on me and hasn’t spoken to me since the summer.

Now you might say I was harsh and ruined his chance of pursuing his ultimate dream/goal, or you might say he was straight "trippin!" Most of his friends and coaches told me I should have “kept it real” with him at the beginning of his junior year. The kicker is that he’s not dumb! Lazy yes, but not dumb. He comes from a very poor, single parent family but he is very articulate, has street smarts and a great personality. He honestly has the potential to be very successful in the business world if he ever put his mind to it. Player A is presently enrolled at a prep school (that I have never heard of?) and is hardly getting any playing time, severely struggling in the classroom and doesn’t look to be a contributor this season. What a shame.

College coaches around the country I’ve spoken with these past few years have been very disillusioned by the mentality of high school basketball these days. I constantly hear phrases such as "these high school players today don't have their priorities straight," or "they don't have any work-ethic anymore," or "they have this sense of entitlement and feel they just deserve to be given scholarships because they THINK they’re good!"

I’ve seen so many players over the past 20+ years that have been very good in junior high school or on their AAU, CYO, Summer League or Rec League teams, but just never understood how to balance school-work and basketball. Then they get to high school and find out the hard way that they’re just an average player on that team and a below average student at best. Then when the coach tries to push, motivate and get them to work harder on the court and especially in the classroom because they see the potential to take their game to the next level. Their response is either that they don’t want to work harder to get better or “that’s okay, I’m good ("good" meaning in today's slang vernacular = no need to work any harder).

I don’t even have the time of patience to go into detail about Player B, whom I mentored this summer. He was a 5-foot-2 starting point guard from a Group 4 high school team last year. He was a A- (3.85gpa) student with very high SAT scores and had full academic scholarships to a Big East and ACC universities. His parents begged me to help him get a D-1 or D-2 scholarship last year. When I informed he and his parents that he honestly was not good enough to play at those levels and that he should accept those academic scholarships, they told me that I "didn't have a clue what I was talking about." Furthermore, I offered to assist him in becoming a manager of either one of those ACC or Big East teams as I knew the head coaches, if he really wanted to be around college basketball. They completely dismissed the idea and he is presently attending a D-1 university (where his parents are paying for full tuition, food, room and board) and was cut the first day at walk-on tryouts (SMH!). I can’t say that I didn’t try.

Now we come to let's say a very good junior high school/AAU player for example. This player is identified by college coaches entering their freshman year and are told realistically they have a very good chance of getting a college scholarship if they get it done in the classroom. They’re taught about the NCAA rules regarding their gpa, core classes, SAT and/or ACT requirements in order to become a qualifier. Yet, after they’re informed, they still don’t study; they get in trouble in school; they fool around in class; they don’t ever do any homework; they play video games all night; don’t ask for help in school; blow off study hall; all because somebody or some people have told them how good they are. Now they begin to play AAU the summer before their junior or senior years; starting being legitimately recruited by college coaches; start getting ranked; start getting their names in the paper and on blogs or web sites; start being named to all-star teams, etc. Then when the college coaches take a look at the player’s transcripts they come to find out that player is so academically deficient that they are not even close to being a D-1 or D-2 qualifier. Then the player becomes depressed and bewildered and thinks that all of sudden their senior year they’re just going to get all A’s and B’s and score very high on the SAT's become a “qualifier.” Yo, it doesn’t work like that my dudes! That’s why the ones that are successful are called STUDENT-ATHLETES!!!

Two of the proudest high school student-athletes I’ve ever mentored aren’t playing and never played professional basketball after college. Both players come from poor, single-parent families and both attended high school in the Watchung Conference. One player was all-county in high school. Unfortunately he went to jail while playing ball in junior college and when he returned, turned his life around. He graduated from junior college with a “B” average. He received a D-2 scholarship and was named a D-2 Honorable Mention All-America. GRADUATED with a Business & Marketing degree!

The second player was First Team All-Union County and Third Team All-State in high school. During his senior year I explained to him that because of his grades, he was junior college bound and was mature enough to comprehend it. He went to a D-1 junior college and was Honorable Mention All-America and then received a D-1 scholarship to a major D-1 college. GRADUATED and came home and got a good job as a Social Worker. After working a few years he decided that in order to maximize his potential income in the Social Services field he needed to get obtain his Masters Degree in Social Work. So he applied and was accepted to Graduate School and he will get his Masters degree in May. As you young fellas like to say, “That’s what’s up!”

My point being is that it’s cool to have a dream of getting a D-1 scholarship. It’s cool to have a dream of playing professional basketball. Motivational speaker Les Brown coined that famous line, “shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.” However, in life you can’t just put all your eggs in one basket.

High school student-athletes listen up! Go to class NOW! Study hard NOW! If you aren’t doing well in a class or classes, get a tutor NOW! Do your homework NOW. Pay attention in school NOW. Don’t get in trouble in or out of school starting NOW! As long as you’re at it, PLEASE pull up your pants. I've never met a college coach yet that was impressed with a high school basketball player that wore his jeans so low that his underwear was showing. The worse feelings in the world is when you get older and look back and say “I should of done this…; I could of done this…, and I would’ve done this differently.” Just don’t think that life is all about basketball because it isn’t.

Remember what our first African-American President said. He had a pretty good jump shot in high school and it’s still not too shabby today. He didn’t make it to the NBA and he doesn’t have such a bad job now, does he?

(Comments or suggestions should be sent to Billy D. at billyd212121@aol.com; follow us at http://www.eteamz.com/watchungconference)

LEN BIAS: WHAT IF?

2009-11-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

[download][download][download]

By Stacey Davis

Two decades ago University of Maryland star Len Bias would die in a tragic cocaine overdose leaving the sports world with many unanswered questions. Bias was draft by the Boston Celtics in 1986. Two days after the draft he would leave the world forever.

Film director Kirk Fraser has taken on the task of telling Bias short life in an ESPN Documentary film “Without Bias” that will be aired in a series. Fraser has relied on Bias' teammates, friends and family to recreate accounts of what exactly happen to Bias that fateful night.

Premieres Tuesday Nov 3 8PM ESPN
Wednesday Nov 4 10pm ESPN 2
Thursday Nov 5 10pm ESPN Classic
Thursday Nov 5 11:30pm ESPN 2
Sunday Nov 8 9pm ESPN Classic
Monday Nov 9 7 pm ESPN 2
Sunday Dec 6 3:30pm ESPN
Friday Dec 25 8pm ESPN Classic

AP PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM

2009-11-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Rucker Blog

College Men Basketball

Luke Harangody, Notre Dame, 6-8, senior, 57 votes (23.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg)

Cole Aldrich, Kansas, 6-11, junior, 49 (14.9 ppg, 11.1 rpg)

Sherron Collins, Kansas, 5-11, senior, 39 (18.9 ppg, 5.0 apg)

Patrick Patterson, Kentucky, 6-9, junior, 35 (17.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg)

Kyle Singler, Duke, 6-8, junior, 30 (16.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg)

Others receiving votes (alphabetical): Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest; Craig Brackins, Iowa State; Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia; Patrick Christopher, California; Ed Davis, North Carolina; Devan Downey, South Carolina; Devin Ebanks, West Virginia; Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech; Manny Harris, Michigan; Robbie Hummel, Purdue.

Damion James, Texas; Kalin Lucas, Michigan State; Greg Monroe, Georgetown; Scottie Reynolds, Villanova; Tyler Smith, Tennessee; Isaiah Thomas, Washington; Evan Turner, Ohio State; Greivis Vasquez, Maryland; John Wall, Kentucky; Willie Warren, Oklahoma.

DON'T SLEEP ON "THE TAKEOVER" BRANDON JENNINGS

2009-11-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

When Brandon Jennings steps onto the Garden floor this season you will find yourself cheering for the “The Take Over.” A two-time Elite 24 MVP who lit up the Rucker park court.

The rookie's NBA opening night achievement came as no surprise to most who watched him play in the park. The NBA is now finally learning what NYer’s always knew once Jennings entered the NBA, “The Take Over” has arrived.

After high school Jennings would go left and spend a year playing for Pallacanestro Virtus Roma an Italian pro league team. Now fast forward one year later, this past Friday night the rookie who some labeled an experiment nearly etched his name in the NBA history books on his opening night. The pass first rookie came just short of scoring a triple-double with 17 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in the Milwaukee Buck’s loss to Philadelphia’s 76ers.

New York will have to wait until February 5th for Jennings to make his first NBA Garden debut.

DEXTER GORDON OF RUCKER OUTFITS LOCAL TEAMS

2009-10-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

by Stacey Davis

Winning and tradition continues this season with Rucker. This season five high school teams will step onto the hardwood wearing the name Rucker. Rucker Team’s Dexter Gordon spoke about the creation of the High School uniforms and what to expect next from the Rucker Team.

“The first year we made uniforms, it was for Sebastian Telfair's senior year of high school at Lincoln. That was the first year for Team Rucker, and the very same year the Cardozo Judges fell to the Lincoln Railspiltters at the Garden. Right now, we are getting calls from High Schools, Colleges, Professional teams and AAU teams about players endorsing the Rucker brand. This year there won't be any college teams wearing the brand but the following year it’s definitely a possibility!”

Rucker’s uniform design is a joint effort between Chris Rucker and Dexter Gordon and the young talented designers, James and Rez.

Gordon says next year, to expect big things from the Rucker Team when they launch their first ever sneaker line. “We have sneakers coming soon! We are working toward a limited release during All-Star Weekend 2010. Later on, we will do a bigger release in the summer or fall of 2010. In the 2010-2011 season we expect our Rucker Schools to be outfitted head to toe in the Rucker product,” said Gordon.

Rucker has partnered with Mc David Inc (mcdavidusa.com) to be the official Sports Medicine and Protective Apparel for Rucker Basketball. McDavid in the past has endorsed Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade.

Rucker’s High School teams:

In the NYC the PSAL schools: John F. Kennedy (16-1) will need senior point guard Naquan Pierce and the fire power of 6-4 shooting guard Jeffery Short to bring home the title to the BX. Across the bridge, in the City Wadleigh HS Harlem Hellfighters expect to have a big boost this season with Boston University-bound 6-6 Malik Thomas and Trevonte Bloodman in the front court. In Queens the Cardoza Judges (17-1), will have bigs 6-8 Ryan Rhoomes and 6-5 Maurice Barrows looking to capture the PSAL title for their Boro. Xaverian HS (14-14) is Ruckers only CHSAA school. The Clippers are located in the BK have 6-5 crafty shooting guard Justin Exum leading the team this season.

Outside of the NYC is Philly Prep Charter, this season’s leaders are senior Matt Hankerson, a 6-4 forward that can score in bunches. Akir Frazier a sophomore point guard who saw valuable minutes last year as a freshman. Laquan Stevens, a 6-2 sophomore guard, with a 30’ inch vertical. Both sophomores are regarded as top prospects for the Philadelphia area.

NAISMITH 2009-10 WATCH LIST

2009-10-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

The Naismith 2009-10 Watch List

By Stacey Davis

The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today the Naismith 2009-2010 watch list for the prestigious Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year Trophy. This year’s watch list includes four NYer’s Louisville Samardo Samuels, UConn Kemba Walker, West Virginia Devin Ebanks, and Virginia’s Sylven Landesburg.

The watch list is based on player performances from the previous year and the expectation of the 2009-2010 college seasons. The Big East, Atlantic Coast conferences along with the Big 12 and SEC are represented. The Naismith Trophy will be awarded at the 2010 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Indianapolis, Ind.

Notable Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year past winners include Bill Walton, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and last year’s winner, Blake Griffin.

2009-10 Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List:

Last name First Name School Position Class

Alabi Solomon Florida State Center Soph.

Aldrich Cole Kansas Center Junior

Aminu Al-Farouq Wake Forest Forward Soph.

Anderson James Oklahoma State Guard Junior

Babbitt Luke Nevada Forward Soph.

Battle Talor Penn State Guard Junior

Booker Trevor Clemson Forward Senior

Bouldin Matt Gonzaga Guard Senior

Brackins Craig Iowa State Forward Junior

Bradley Avery Texas Guard Freshman

Butler Da'Sean West Virginia Forward Senior

Christopher Patrick California Guard Senior

Collins Sherron Kansas Guard Senior

Davis Ed North Carolina Forward Soph.

Downey Devan South Carolina Guard Senior

Dyson Jerome Connecticut Guard Senior

Ebanks Devin West Virginia Forward Soph.

Favors Derrick Georgia Tech Forward Freshman

Harangody Luke Notre Dame Forward Senior

Harris Manny Michigan Guard Junior

Hayward Gordon Butler Guard/Forward Soph.

Hayward Lazar Marquette Forward Senior

Henry Xavier Kansas Guard Freshman

Hummel Robbie Purdue Forward Junior

James Damion Texas Guard/Forward Senior

Jordan Jerome Tulsa Center Senior

Landesberg Sylven Virginia Guard Soph.

Lawal Gani Georgia Tech Forward Junior

Lucas Kalin Michigan State Guard Junior

Mitchell Tasmin LSU Forward Senior

Monroe Greg Georgetown Center Soph.

Ogilvy A.J. Vanderbilt Center Junior

Patterson Patrick Kentucky Forward Junior

Randle Jerome California Guard Senior

Reynolds Scottie Villanova Guard Senior

Samuels Samardo Louisville Forward Soph.

Sanders Larry VCU Forward Junior

Singler Kyle Duke Forward Junior

Smith Tyler Tennessee Guard/Forward Senior

Thomas Isaiah Washington Guard Soph.

Turner Evan Ohio State Guard/Forward Junior

Ubiles Edwin Siena Guard/Forward Senior

Varnado Jarvis Mississippi State Forward Senior

Vasquez Greivis Maryland Guard Senior

Walker Kemba Connecticut Guard Soph.

Wall John Kentucky Guard Freshman

Warren Willie Oklahoma Guard Soph.

White Terrico Mississippi Guard Soph.

Wise Nic Arizona Guard Senior

Wright Chris Dayton Forward Junior

KENNY SMITH AND KENNY ANDERSON RAISE FUNDS FOR DECEASED PROFESSOR'S FAMILY

2009-10-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

Press Release

NYC Legends Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson and local all-stars put on special hoops showcase to raise funds for deceased professor's family

The two most important things in Sharette Dixon's life were her family and education. Now that she has passed away, her husband Kimani Young and the NYC basketball community are banding together to make sure that her children get the support and education that they need in the future. On Sunday, Nov. 8, New York City legends Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson and a host of others NYC basketball personalities will participate in the Sharette Dixon Classic, a showcase of the top talent from New York and New Jersey.

"Sharette was a wonderful mother and a talented professor," said Kenny Smith, who etched his name in New York City basketball lore before going on to a successful career as both an NBA player and television analyst. "This event is really a celebration of her life and the values that she stood for."

Former NYC legend and NJ Net Kenny Anderson will serve a host for the event, which will feature some of New York and New Jersey's most promising players. The event will take place at Bishop Ford HS in Brooklyn and will begin with a Girls' showcase at 4 pm, followed by a Boys' showcase at 6 pm.

Anderson, who is still considered one of the finest point guards ever to come out of New York City, said that participating in the event was an easy choice.

"When you have hard times, the first place you look for support is your family," said Anderson. "Kimani and I have been friends for more than 20 years. Here in New York, the basketball community is like one giant family and we look out for each other. Anything I can do for Kimani and his kids I will do."

True to Dixon's nature, the event will recognize players who have excelled academically as well. One player from each participating team will receive the Sharette Dixon Academic Excellence Award, which is given to players who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better throughout their high school career.

The Sharette Dixon Memorial Classic will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Bishop Ford High School in Brooklyn (500 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11215). Proceeds from the event will support a family education and child care fund being established in Mrs. Dixon's memory for her three children.

Featured participants in the Sharette Dixon Classic include:

Boys Game

Kyrie Irving (#6 rated Senior in the nation; committed to Duke)
JayVaughn Pinkston (#1 Senior in NYC; uncommitted)
Tobias Harris (#7 Senior in the nation; uncommitted)
Myck Kabongo (Top 25 Junior in the nation; committed to Texas)
Sterling Gibbs (member of USA Basketball 16/U team)
Kyle Anderson (member of USA Basketball 16/U team)

Girls Game

Jennifer O'Neal (#30 Senior in the nation; committed to Kentucky)
Bria Hartley (#14 Senior in the nation; committed to UConn)
Jaleah Sidney (#? Senior in the nation; committed to Syracuse)
Dasia Simmons (#42 Senior in the nation; committed to Rutgers)
Lauren Mincy (#23 Senior in the nation; committed to Maryland)
Briyona Canty (#9 Junior in the nation; uncommitted)
Bria Smith (#5 Junior in the nation; uncommitted)

OCTOBER BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES FROM UNION COUNTY AND BEYOND

2009-10-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

October Basketball News & Notes From Union County & Beyond

by Billy Diamond

Congratulations:

Cas Wade (Linden) for assembling a great fall basketball league at Soehl Middle School in Linden on Tuesday and Thursday nights (6:45pm, 7:45pm, 8:45pm) with Linden, Roselle Catholic, East Side and Seton Hall Prep among others. Last week’s Linden vs. East Side game was played at such a high intensity level I thought it was a regular season game and Phil Colicchio wasn’t even coaching (lol)! Playoffs are Tuesday, November 3rd (5:45pm. 6:45pm. 7:45pm, 8:45pm)…Look for his son Desmond Wade (Linden) to have big year at University of Houston as the contend for the Conference USA title…Jameel Warney (Roselle Catholic) on being named to the Eddie Griffin All-Star team last weekend…

Magic Johnson for honestly telling us how you really feel about your former friend Isiah Thomas in your new book, When The Game Was Ours…University high school Head Coach Elijah Allen (St. Benedicts/FDU) on winning his first Group I state championship last year in his 4th year as their head coach, and to his assistants Otis Anderson and Demond Cowins…Bill Lewit (Red Bank HS/Little Silver) former head coach at Cecil Junior College (Maryland) for the past 14 years for being named Assistant Coach at University of New Orleans. He guided Cecil JC to 5 State Tournament Championships, 6 Regional Tittles and the 2006 D-II Junior College National Championship. Lewit had 39 student-athletes receive D-1 scholarships (including former Union HS, First Team All-County player Chris Chadwick) and 30 earning D-2 scholarships. This promotion was long overdue…Joe Scott on returning back to Caldwell College as an Assistant Coach…Rutgers new assistant coach Sal Mentasana...Dwayne "DJ" Dabney (Summit; football & basketball) on being invited to several elite football camps this summer...

Good Luck:

Get well soon junior Tyrone Johnson (Plainfield). I have the utmost respect for high school student-athlete these days that excel at two sports (football & basketball). Recently took in Georgetown's Midnight Madness with AAU Coach Derrick Bobbit…Nia Prep players James Frazier (Elizabeth), Aishon White (Union) and Calvin Amayo (Hillside)…Raritan Valley CC and freshman Anthony Baskerville (Plainfield) as they upgrade their program to D-2 this year and added former Syracuse star player Wendell Alexis as Assistant Coach to their staff…Rutgers Assistant Coach Jim Carr. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time…

Sophomore Will Flenory (Elizabeth) at Union County College under new head coach and former NJIT head coach Jim Casciano…Isaiah Epps (Plainfield; committed to Pittsburgh) at Hargrave Military Academy…Carron McCluney (Hillside; basketball & football) at Fork Union Military Academy playing football this year…Sophomore Gabe Paul (Hillside) junior at William Paterson…Sophomore Travis Taylor (Union) at Monmouth University. Last year named the team’s MVP…Lance Thomas (Scotch Plains) senior at Duke…Anthony Nelson (Plainfield) junior at Niagara…Paris Bennett (St. Pat’s) freshman at George Mason…Dion Nesmith (Union; football & basketball) freshman football player at Northeastern…Ray Graham (Elizabeth; football & basketball) freshman football player at Pittsburgh…Latif Rivers (Elizabeth) at Avon Old Farms Prep School (CT)…Derrick Caracter (Scotch Plains/St. Pat’s) at UTEP…

Randy Foye (Eastside/Villanova) with his new team the Washington Wizards…Al Harrington (St. Pat’s/Knicks) on the birth of his baby girl…Mike Quick of MSG’s High School Weekly for producing the best tri-state area’s best high school sports shows in the country…Dave Boff, head coach at Roselle Catholic as he continues to rejuvenate their boys basketball program by bringing in solid student-athletes. Watch out for sleeper Eddie Harris. Haven’t seen a high school freshman play so hard and take such pride in his defense like this young man in a very long time…Sophomore Jeff Robinson (St. Pat’s/Memphis) eligible at Seton Hall in January…New Jersey college coaches who deserve an upgrade to head coach: Tarik Brown head coach at Essex County College) has built this program into one of the best in the northeast. Keep on eye on him; Assistant coach Darrin Savino (Rutgers), great x's and o's man and one of the hardest workers in the Big East; Seton Hall's Dermon Player & Scott Adubato. Look at their 2010 recruiting class! Overworked and underpaid...

Former NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson on going back to college to secure his Bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation in May he wants to be a coach in college or the NBA…ESPN/ABC NBA analyst Mark “Your Better Than That” Jackson (2nd all-time NBA Assist holder) for making NBA games so insightful and enjoyable to watch. This man is NBA head coaching material so don’t be surprised if his name pops up in the very near future...Tyrone Oagarro (St. Pat’s) sophomore recovering from his second knee surgery and looking good. This young man epitomizes the word “student-athlete”…
(*Added by Terence Johnson, Good Luck to the ladies also, Nicole Blackmon (Plainfield (Hill College), Nicole Pendarvis (Irvington) and Synthia Reed (Union) (D-1 Juco's in Texas), Tazsa Carter (Union County), Ondya Morgan (Manhattan College, Division 1),

Summer 2009:

Central High School head coach Shawn “O.G.” McCray for running yet another successful summer league at the Zoo Crew League on Springfield Avenue in Newark. Year and year out for over a decade, he does an outstanding job organizing and running one of the best high school and college summer leagues in the NJ/NY metro area. Loaded with talent from Union and Essex counties as well as from the metro tri-state area. The Newark Star-Ledger finally gave him his props this summer with a front page story… Branch Brook Park League, I loved watching your games this summer but when your games conflict with the Zoo Crew League and games have to be forfeited, it causes major disappointments…Newark Rams AAU Director & Head Coach Brian Crawford for still coaching and mentoring New Jersey high school basketball players despite not having the financial resources he used to have during the 1980’s and 1990’s when he had THE best AAU programs in the state, if not the country…

Did You Know:

New Heights (NY) A.D. and AAU Head Coach, Kimani Young (who runs one of the best all-around AAU programs in the country) is having a charity high school all-star basketball game on Sunday, November 8th featuring teams composed of New Jersey vs. New York all-stars (boys & girls) and featuring Kyrie Irving (St. Pat's) and Michael Gilchrist (St. Pat’s)…Dwight Wilbur (Don Bosco Tech), member of the 1985 Villanova NCAA national championship team that upset Georgetown is the head coach at Berkeley College in West Paterson (Woodland Park)…His newly hired assistant coach is former Kearny assistant coach Anthony Calabrese…

Former NY Knick Charles Oakley (charlesoakley34.com) has a cooking show in the developmental stages called Oak In The Kitchen...East Orange’s own Naughty By Nature’s trio is back in the studio presently working on a new album. Hip Hop Hooray!…

The first person to send me a congratulatory email about my column regarding this website was a guy named James Worthy, aka “Big Game James” from Los Angeles, California formerly from of North Carolina. You might have heard of him (lol)? Said the next time he’s in the NY/NJ metro area, he wants to stop by and see a Union County high school basketball game…Who was that former NBA player that holds 5 NBA Championship rings and attended a Watchung Conference game last season? Former Chicago Bull and LA Laker Ron "Hollywood" Harper! His wife Maria is the new girls varsity head coach at Depaul High School in Wayne...

R.I.P.

Buzzy Fox, former legendary coach at St. Pat’s who passed away last February and won (6) state championships. He and his son Tom (former Union HS Head Coach) are the only father and son family to win Union County Basketball Tournament championships, 1967 and 1974 respectively…

Gene Picker, former very highly respected high school sportswriter for the Elizabeth Daily Journal and Newark Star-Ledger…

CN8, Comcast cable’s local sports television station. Due to financial restraints the channel has disbanded and we will no longer be able to see local high school football and basketball games. Originally called Suburban Cablevision in the late 1970’s when the original sports announcers were Livingston high school alum Bruce Beck and current sports anchor (WNBC-TV, News 4 New York) and Bob Ley (Bloomfield HS/Seton Hall) now at ESPN…

F.Y.I.

Sorry to hear Grammy Award winner and huge basketball fan Lil Wayne was sentenced to one year in New York state prison after pleading guilty to Attempted Gun possession in the summer of 2008. I was actually at the concert two years ago at the Beacon Theater in New York the night he got arrested. He was two hours late for his scheduled performance and I was a Lil upset despite a tremendous concert. I guess he’s a Lil more upset now than I was then (lol). I finally met him in Orlando during Game 3 of the NBA Finals courtesy of former Orlando Magic player Nick Anderson. The next day I was supposed to watch him, Nick’s son Josh, Chris Brown and Ludicrous play full-court the following morning but they all overslept except for Chris Breezy and Josh. The run was scheduled at 2pm (lol!)…

Final Thought:

If Orlando’s Dwight Howard would have actually dedicated himself to getting better this past off-season (which he didn’t) and working on his low post moves i.e., going to his left; drop step; jump hook; turn and facing the basket. Just imagine how great he could really be (smh)? Dwight, you have a NBA Hall of Fame center in Patrick Ewing as your assistant coach and mentor. Take advantage of his knowledge and expertise before it’s too late. Bruit strength and natural ability can only take you but so far, especially in the 2009 NBA Finals where you got exposed by the Phil Jackson's Lakers. Even the original Superman had a weakness. Kryptonite (lol). Don't let yours be a lack of worth ethic!…

You don't want to miss my next column titled, “Where Have All The High School STUDENT-athletes Gone?”

(Questions, Comments or Suggestions, please contact Billy D. at billyd212121@aol.com )

GAMES TO WATCH THIS SEASON

2009-10-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

Games to watch:
Nov. 9

•Isiah Thomas Debut

Former Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas first game as head Coach for Florida International. The Golden Panthers visit defending national champion North Carolina in the 2K Sports Classic.

Nov. 14
Early mid-major matchup

Stephen Curry is no longer at Davidson, which means the Wildcats might not be the mid-major darlings they've been in past seasons. But we'll see what they're made of early when they face a Butler team that returns everyone and is poised to remain a top-25 stalwart.

Nov. 17
Rocking 'round the clock
Get ready for basketball with your morning bowl of cereal as ESPN fills in the holes in their 24-hour tip-off marathon. The marathon starts with Cal State-Fullerton vs. UCLA at midnight ET. Monmouth and St. Peter's will take the court at 6 a.m. ET, followed by Drexel at Niagara at 8 a.m. to fill in the times when ESPN didn't have coverage last season. The slate is highlighted by Memphis vs. Kansas (10 p.m. ET), and Gonzaga vs. Michigan State (8 p.m. ET)

Nov. 19-20
2K Sports Classic

The tournament wraps up with its semifinals and championship games with four top teams. Syracuse will face California before North Carolina squares off with Ohio State for a chance to win the early-season event.

Nov. 23-25
Maui Invitational

Three days of non-stop action that has a stellar field consisting of Arizona (with new head coach Sean Miller), Chaminade, Cincinnati, Colorado, Gonzaga, Maryland, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin.

Nov. 26-29
Old Spice Classic and 76 Classic

Two more early-season tournaments take to the court. The Old Spice Classic features Alabama, Baylor, Creighton, Florida State, Iona, Marquette, Michigan and Xavier. The 76 Classic boasts Butler, Clemson, Long Beach State, Minnesota, Portland, Texas A&M, West Virginia and UCLA.

Nov. 28
Revenge on the mind
Louisville looks for revenge vs. UNLV after the Runnin' Rebels went into Freedom Hall and knocked off the Cardinals last season.

Dec. 1-2
ACC-Big Ten Challenge
Usually dominated by the ACC, this event hits the courts again with stellar matchups, highlighted by a rematch of the national championship game when Michigan State travels to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina. Other games include Wake Forest at Purdue, Maryland at Indiana, Duke at Wisconsin, Boston College at Michigan and Florida State at Ohio State.

Dec. 5
Tar Heels invade Lexington
The defending champs take their top-notch recruiting class to Kentucky to face the Wildcats, who have plenty of freshmen firepower of their own after the arrival of Calipari.

Dec. 6
Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series
This conference showdown boasts 12 matchups, but none is better than the two this day: Kansas at UCLA and Arizona at Oklahoma.

Dec. 8
Jimmy V Classic
The annual tribute to the legendary N.C. State coach hosts two matchups, Butler vs. Georgetown and Indiana vs. Pittsburgh. But nothing can top reliving Valvano's ESPY speech, when he said, "Don't give up; don't ever give up."

Dec. 9-10
SEC/Big East Invitational
Two more days of inter-conference action. In New York, Georgia battles St. John's, and Kentucky squares off with Connecticut. The next day in Tampa, DePaul faces Mississippi State, and Syracuse plays Florida.

Dec. 12
Wooden Classic
Georgetown makes its first regular-season trip to the West Coast since 2001 when the Hoyas face Washington. Also, UCLA meets Mississippi State.

Dec. 19
Non-conference triple play
Could be a matchup of top-five squads when North Carolina heads to Texas to face the Longhorns. Other key matchups include UCLA in South Bend, Ind., to take on Notre Dame, which returns big man Luke Harangody, and Gonzaga traveling to New York to play Duke.

Dec. 22-25

•Diamond Head Classic

Another early-season event crops up in Hawaii, this time in Honolulu, where Saint Mary's, Southern California and UNLV highlight the eight-team field.

Dec. 31

•Ready for the new year

A New Year's Eve slate gets conference action revved up with several rivalry matchups. Michigan heads to Indiana to face the improved Hoosiers, and Ohio State travels to Wisconsin. In the Big East, an improved St. John's team faces Georgetown. In non-conference action, Oklahoma gets in a big test before Big 12 play when the Sooners visit Gonzaga.

Jan. 2

New Kentucky coach John Calipari will get a taste of his team's biggest rivalry when Rick Pitino and Louisville come to town on Jan. 2.

•Battle on the bluegrass

Emotions will be running high when Rick Pitino takes his Louisville Cardinals into Lexington for their annual showdown with Kentucky. Adding to the rivalry's intensity is the addition of Calipari to the Wildcats' bench — and the phenomenal recruiting class he brought with him.

Jan. 3

•Xavier vs. Wake Forest

An interesting non-conference matchup on the eve of conference play. Chris Mack is the Musketeers' new coach and hopes to keep up what Sean Miller started at the school with a big matchup against an ACC foe.

Jan. 5

•Big Ten battle

Purdue should be able to give Michigan State a run for its money in the Big Ten, but Tubby Smith's defensive-minded Minnesota Gophers might be able to give the Boilermakers all they can handle.

Jan. 9

•Conference craziness

League action gets into full swing with stellar matchups in the Big East and in the Big Ten. Games include: Connecticut at Georgetown, Marquette at Villanova, West Virginia at Notre Dame, Ohio State at Minnesota, and Purdue at Wisconsin.

Jan. 11

•Villanova at Louisville

These two squads will try to get an early edge in the Big East when Scottie Reynolds and Villanova look to take down Samardo Samuels and Louisville.

Jan. 13

•Minnesota at Michigan State

The Gophers get another shot at a Big Ten power — and a chance to make a major statement in the conference — when they visit Michigan State.

Jan. 16
Isaiah Thomas and the Washington Huskies will battle California on Jan. 16 hoping to get a jump in the Pac-10 standings.

•Pac-10 power

California and Washington will be two of the premier programs to watch in the Pac-10, and the two square off in Seattle looking to gain an early edge in the race for the conference crown.

Also: Dayton at Xavier, Louisville at Pittsburgh, Syracuse at West Virginia and Wisconsin at Ohio State.

Jan. 17

•Connecticut at Michigan

The Wolverines went to Connecticut last year and nearly upset the Huskies on their home court. This time Jim Calhoun's bunch heads to Ann Arbor to face a dangerous Michigan team led by junior Manny Harris.

Jan. 23

•Texas at Connecticut

The Longhorns should be national title contenders, and this trip to Connecticut to face the Huskies should give us an idea of just how good Texas is.

Also: Michigan State at Minnesota, Michigan at Purdue, Arkansas at Kentucky and Duke at Clemson.

Jan. 26

•Michigan State at Michigan

In-state rivals square off in a game that will likely hold Big Ten title implications. The Wolverines are hoping to make a run, but the Spartans are the defending champs and return much of the team that went to last year's national title game.

Jan. 30

•Duke at Georgetown

After the Hoyas traveled to Duke last season and left with a stinging defeat in a disappointing season, they hope to return the favor this year when the Blue Devils come calling. The last time Duke traveled to Georgetown — as the nation's No. 1 team in 2006 — the Blue Devils left with their first loss of the season.

Also: Marquette at Connecticut and Louisville at West Virginia.

Feb. 2

•Michigan State at Wisconsin

The Badgers get a shot at the Big Ten's best when the Spartans come to town. But does Bo Ryan's bunch have enough this year to quiet all the weapons that Tom Izzo's squad has to offer?

Feb. 4

•Georgia Tech at Duke

Georgia Tech freshman Derrick Favors gets his first taste of Cameron Indoor when the Yellow Jackets travel to Durham, N.C., to face Kyle Singler and the Blue Devils.

Feb. 6

•Gonzaga at Memphis

Memphis might not have coach John Calipari anymore, but the Tigers have a talented team that should give Gonzaga all it can handle in this non-conference matchup.

Also: Villanova at Georgetown, Wisconsin at Michigan and Xavier at Dayton.

Feb. 10

•Trip down Tobacco Road

One of the game's biggest rivalries kicks off again as Duke heads to Chapel Hill to play defending champion North Carolina. The Tar Heels hope their stellar recruiting class, along with a few key returning players, can keep the Blue Devils at bay.

Also: Ohio State at Indiana and Connecticut at Syracuse.

Feb. 13

•Tennessee at Kentucky

More than just SEC bragging rights will likely be on the line when Scotty Hopson and the Volunteers head to Lexington to face freshman John Wall and the Wildcats.

Also: Maryland at Duke, Oklahoma at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M at Texas.

Feb. 19-20

•Bracket Busters

Mid-majors get a big chance to shine for the NCAA selection committee when more than 100 teams from non-BCS conferences take to the court in a made-for-TV marathon.

Feb. 22

•Oklahoma at Kansas

Last season, Oklahoma had the Big 12's most talented team yet lost at home to the Jayhawks. Can the Sooners return the favor this season when they travel to Lawrence to face very talented Kansas?

Also: West Virginia at Connecticut.

Feb. 27-28

•Michigan State at Purdue

This one could ultimately decide the Big Ten regular-season champion as the Spartans and Boilermakers meet in West Lafayette, Ind.

Also: Kentucky at Tennessee (Feb. 27), Kansas at Oklahoma State (Feb. 27) and Louisville at Connecticut (Feb. 28).

March 1

•Oklahoma at Texas

These Big 12 rivals split their season series a year ago, but this year the Longhorns are more talented and hope to be too strong inside for the Sooners now that the Griffin brothers are no longer in Norman.

Also: Georgetown at West Virginia.

March 6-7

•Season finales

The BCS conferences wrap up their regular seasons as smaller leagues' tournaments heat up. In the Pac-10, Kevin O'Neill— who served as Arizona's head coach in 2007-08 in place of Lute Olson— returns to face the Wildcats in his new role: head coach at Southern California.

Also: North Carolina at Duke, Florida at Kentucky, Syracuse at Louisville and Michigan at Michigan State.

March 12-14

•Major-conference tournaments

A weekend of conference championship games as teams from the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-10 and SEC fight to secure automatic spots in the NCAA tournament.

March 14

•Selection Sunday

Break out your pencils and get ready to fill in the NCAA tournament bracket as the selection committee names the 34 at-large teams that will get a chance to play for the national championship.

March 16

•NCAA play-in game

Two teams make a quick stop in Dayton, Ohio, to play for the right to battle a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

March 18-21

•First and second rounds

In four days, 64 teams will become 16 as the field battles for the right to reach the NCAA regionals.

March 25-28

•NCAA regionals

The Sweet 16 teams take to the court to whittle down the field to four by weekend's end.

April 3

•Final Four

The men's national semifinals from Indianapolis, arguably the most exciting day of the season.

April 5

•National championship

Two teams battle it out to cut down the nets at Lucas Oil Field as national champions.

CECIL WATKINS MEMORIAL

2009-10-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Cecil Watkins Memorial Service

A memorial service for Cecil Watkins will be held on Sunday, November 1, at 3:00 p.m. in Adelphi University's Center for Recreation & Sports. More information is available at cecilwatkins.com.

MAGIC VS BIRD

2009-10-27T02:18:00.000-07:00

Magic vs. Bird

By Stacey Davis

The rivalry will continue for sports fans of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. HBO has begun working on a documentary film about these two basketball greats.

The HBO film will follow the competition between the these two legends from their college days at Michigan State and Indiana State up till the NBA Finals.

No two players today can compare to the intense rivalry that these two players shared.

RIP KEVIN WIDEMON

2009-10-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

RIP Kevin Widemon

by Stacey Davis

Kevin Widemon 23, a former Westside and Roadrunner star died of a heart attack during a Portuguese basketball tournament.

Widemon collapsed in the locker room on Sunday during halftime of a game between his team Ovarense and Academica in Leiria, in northern Portugal.

He only played 10 minutes in the third-place playoff game of a tournament which was canceled after his death.

COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY 0-3?

2009-10-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

By Stacey Davis

With the college basketball season set to begin in a matter of days three of the top players in the nation are in danger of not playing one minute of college basketball. John Wall, Renardo Sidney, and Lance Stephenson are considered one and done players by most who feel these players could have made the leap from High School into the NBA. However now due to amateurism issues all three players chances for a college basketball career are in jeopardy.

According to ESPN reports SEC commissioner Mike Slive believes the NCAA's agents and amateurism group not enforcement officials are looking into the eligibility of both John Wall and Renardo Sidney. “Those are amateur issues that arose prior to their coming to our schools,” Slive said. “Those are strictly amateurism issues. As we told our people, somebody needs to determine if they are eligible. It's not relative to you, it's relative to them.”

Wall’s is being question because of his relationship with his AAU coach, Brian Clifton, who was a certified agent from 2007-2008 . The NCAA believes that Wall may have accepted illegal benefits from, Clifton which is a violation under NCAA rules.

With Sidney, the NCAA has requested documentation from Sidney's family to explain how the family paid for housing while he was playing at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA.

Stephenson is also being question due to a tour of an Under Armour sneaker factory while on an official visit to the University of Maryland. Along with the making of "Born Ready"a documentary film which is a possible violation that the NCAA is still looking into which has not been determined as of yet.

So, if all three players are not cleared by the start of the season will they head overseas?

MR. COUCH REUNION WEEKEND

2009-10-23T03:35:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

The Jim Couch Reunion Weekend will host seven games in two days.On Saturday, four top teams will kick-off at John F. Kennedy H.S. On Sunday, teams from Boston, New Jersey, Connecticut and Upstate New York will come to Baruch College on 24th and Lexington to battle. See the roster of the 4:00 pm game – Conn vs New Jersey. More roster’s tomorrow. Go to www.jimcouchfoundation.org for more information.

CONNECTICUT

DARIOUS EDWARDS , MALONEY HIGH SCHOOL
CANE BROOM , EAST HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
GIOVONNE BECKFORD , CHEANEY TECH. HIGH SCHOOL
DARAY LITTLE , EAST HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
JAVONTE PARKER , EMACULATE HIGH SCHOOL
TRAVON PERRY , HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
MESIAH LOTT , HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
DAQUAN CLARK , NEW BRITIAN HIGH SCHOOL
TREVOR THIGPEN , HILLHOUSE HIGH SCHOOL
JAMIE BIEZ , EAST HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

NEW JERSEY

Keione Osborne, Dwight Englewood

Jordan Arthur, St. Peters Prep

Manny Suarez, Cliffside Park

Jaren Sina, Gill St. Bernard

Jared Hall, Newark Tech

Jamar McGloster, St. Anthony’s

Josh Brown, Morristown Beard

Jordan Forehand, St. Anthony’s

Robert Zeller, Dwight Englewood

Chris Myers, Hackensack

Kyle Menard, Clarkstown North

FAMILY PRIDE

2009-10-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

by Stacey Davis

What do you do when your last name is Jordan and the school's team wears adidas?

Well, last week according to Yahoo Sports, “Marcus Jordan, the Hall of Fame guard’s younger son, told the media that he’d honor the University of Central Florida’s contract with adidas by wearing all the apparel with adidas logos on it. He would not, however, take the court in the shoes. Citing family pride, Marcus said he would be in Nike’s Air Jordan’s, named after his father, of course.”

There really is no mystery here as a high school player Marcus Jordan a shoe-in for the summer Elite 24 games held at Rucker Park and several other sneaker sponsored events across the national would only be seen playing in his father’s event the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden.

Shortly after Marcus made his comment, “UCF athletic director Keith Tribble told AOL’s Fanhouse that the freshman could make the decision for himself since there had been a previous precedent set with a UCF football player who wore a different brand of shoe due to the fit.”

Apparently adidas thinks there is wiggle room for negotiation, “Adidas spokesperson Andrea Corso told CNBC that no compromise had been reached with the school. We are in negotiations for a future relationship regarding the broader UCF athletic program,” Corso said.”

Before signing his letter of intent to UCF the school and adidas could have addressed this situation early on. Or perhaps the youngest Jordan needs to realize that once he signed his LOI to UCF wearing adidas was just part of the deal.

NCAA TARGETS THIRD PARTIES

2009-10-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

The NCAA News

The Division I Board of Directors will consider a set of recruiting restrictions in men’s basketball that would curb compensatory relationships with people associated with prospects and suspend coaches who violate those rules.

The package, backed by conference commissioners and basketball coaches, is intended to address escalating instances of money being funneled to people associated with prospective student-athletes. The proposals the Board will see at its October 29 meeting emerged after a year-long study from the NCAA enforcement staff’s Basketball Focus Group. That study found an increasing number of people involving themselves in the recruiting process and demanding some type of payment or benefit before allowing access to prospects.

The Board will be asked to adopt the recommendations effective immediately.

The proposals better define interaction with people associated with prospects and holds coaches accountable by suspending violators from NCAA postseason or even regular-season play, depending on the severity of the violation.

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive, who along with a group of other conference commissioners will present the package to the Board, said the reforms will draw a “bright line” between what is and is not permissible.

“It has become evident that more individuals have inserted themselves into the recruiting process other than the families of the prospects in a way that is contrary to the spirit of the legislation,” he said. “These proposed changes make the spirit of the legislation the letter of the legislation in a way that has not been done in the past.”

The initial recommendations would affect:

• Employment relating to non-coaching staff positions
• Employment at camps and clinics
• Payment of consulting fees
• Subscriptions to recruiting services with limited value
• Donations to nonprofits
• 1-900 numbers for telephone contact with a recruit

An important component of the plan defines “an individual associated with a prospect” as any person who maintains (or directs others to maintain) contact with the prospect, the prospect’s relatives or legal guardians, or coaches at any point during the recruit’s participation in basketball. The “contact” also must be related to the prospect’s athletics skills or his being recruited by, or enrolling at, an NCAA institution. The definition would include parents, guardians, handlers, athletic trainers and coaches.

The proposal also includes sanctions for head coaches and assistant coaches that range from being unable to coach regular-season games to being withheld from coaching NCAA postseason contests. The NCAA enforcement staff and the Division I Committee on Infractions would be the adjudicating bodies in those instances. The proposal also includes tougher eligibility consequences for prospects or student-athletes involved in the violations.

In addition, a tighter definition of the term “recruited prospective student-athlete” (for the purposes of NCAA camps and clinics legislation) would include anyone who has received recruiting materials or had any recruiting contact with a coaching staff member, or was asked to attend an institutional camp or enroll at an institution.

The plan has received broad support from the men’s basketball community, including from the Conference Commissioners Association, which voted unanimously in September to endorse the package.

Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany said that the “chaos” in the men’s basketball recruiting environment required re-regulation.

“This is an attempt to ‘bright-line’ practices that are acceptable and consistent with what we’re trying to accomplish in pre-collegiate basketball,” Delany said. “If you starve the system of money, prospects will be free to make decisions on the basis of the right educational and athletics considerations, rather than because there’s a third-party adult who is influencing him as a result of benefits received.”

Coaches also support the plan. John Beilein, who chairs the NCAA’s Division I Men’s Basketball Ethics Coalition that was created this spring, said the group believes the package aligns with the issues it has been discussing.

“It’s a positive step toward a fair and level playing field,” he said. “Most coaches recruit within the spirit of the rules, but whenever someone has the opportunity to exploit gray areas in the legislation, those who abide by the intent and letter of the rules are left at a disadvantage.”

Jim Haney, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said the plan is consistent with the message that his group’s board has been sending as well.

“There need to be some absolutes in terms of holding coaches accountable for their actions,” Haney said. “We’ve been concerned about the flow of money to third parties that could impact a prospective student-athlete. I don’t believe there’s a high propensity of this type of stuff, but we recognize that it does happen. For coaches who are doing this right already, these changes won’t affect them.”

If the Board approves the initial recommendations, proposals would be introduced in the 2009-10 legislative cycle that would target:

• Non-coaching staff hiring practices by prohibiting institutions from hiring as non-coaching personnel individuals associated with prospects two years before or after the prospect’s actual or anticipated enrollment. The legislation is intended to offer coaches a choice between recruiting the prospect and hiring the person associated with the prospect.
• Institutional camp/clinic employment by allowing institutions to hire only its own staff members or enrolled students at its camps and clinics.
• Institutional camp operation by allowing recruiting during institutional camps, and stating that prospects do not have to leave the locale to begin an unofficial visit.
• Non-scholastic events on campus by prohibiting Division I institutions from hosting, sponsoring or conducting non-scholastic men’s basketball events on campus or in facilities regularly used by the institution.
• Payment of consulting fees by prohibiting fees to individuals associated with a prospect.
If approved through the structure, the effective date for all the proposals would be May 1, 2010.

NAISMITH'S 2010 SPALDING HOOPHALL CLASSIC

2009-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Basketball Hall of Fame's 2010 Spalding Hoophall Classic Field Announced

SPRINGFIELD, MA - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the high school teams today for its 9th annual Spalding Hoophall Classic, presented by Big Y World Class Markets, to be held at Springfield College's Blake Arena from January 15-18 during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.

The top five teams from last year's final ESPN RISE Fab 50 rankings will headline the participants including No. 1 Findlay College Prep (Hendersonville, NV), No. 2 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA), No. 3 St. Patrick High School (Elizabeth, NJ), No. 4 Westchester High School (Los Angeles, CA) and No. 5 St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, NJ),

Over 45 teams - representing 16 states and the District of Columbia - will be competing this year in the tournament's largest field. Numerous games from the 2010 Spalding Hoophall Classic will be broadcasted live via national television outlets, regional television outlets and online distribution. Information on these broadcasts will be available shortly.

Other legendary programs scheduled to participate include St. Anthony High School (Jersey City, NJ), Bishop O'Connell High School (Arlington, VA), DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, MD), Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, CA), Neumann-Goretti High School (Philadelphia, PA) and Gonzaga College High School (Washington, DC).

"In the eight years of the Spalding Hoophall Classic, we have been fortunate to have featured many future stars and elite programs in high school basketball," said John L. Doleva, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "This year's field is no different, as we will once again showcase the top talent in the country with Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as our platform."

Recent alumni of the Spalding Hoophall Classic include last year's top-two rated graduating seniors Xavier Henry (Oklahoma City, OK/Kansas) and Derrick Favors (Atlanta, GA/Georgia Tech), as well as current NBA players Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Jerryd Bayless (Portland Trailblazers), Michael Beasley (Miami Heat), JR Smith (Denver Nuggets), Brandon Rush (Indiana Pacers), Donte Greene (Sacramento Kings) and O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies).

The 2010 event will also feature numerous ESPNU Top 100 players including top 10 stars Jared Sullinger (Northland/Columbus, OH), Kyrie Irving (St. Patrick's/Elizabeth, NJ), Tobias Harris (Half Hallow/Brookville, NY) and Josh Smith (Kentwood/Kentwood, WA) as well as top juniors Mike Gilchrist (St. Patrick's/Elizabeth, NJ) and Austin Rivers (Winter Park/Orlando, FL).

"Spalding is honored to be a partner with the Basketball Hall of Fame and the title sponsor of the Hoophall Classic, the top high school basketball invitational in the country," said Spalding representative, Gary Barfield. "We are proud to be associated with the top teams in the country."

VILLANOVA TOPS BIG EAST POLL

2009-10-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

Courtesy: BIG EAST Conference

NEW YORK -- Villanova has been picked as the favorite to win the 2009-10 BIG EAST regular-season crown in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Wildcats, who advanced to the NCAA Final Four last year, finished just ahead of West Virginia. Villanova received 10 first-place votes and 218 points in the poll. The Mountaineers picked up five first-place votes and 215 points.

Villanova is the coaches' top choice for the first time since the 2005-06 poll, which was the first season that the BIG EAST included 16 teams. The Wildcats boast a deep backcourt led by senior Scottie Reynolds. West Virginia's No. 2 position this year is the highest in the preseason poll for the Mountaineers since they began competing in BIG EAST basketball in 1995-96. WVU has four starters returning from a club that finished 23-12 last season.

Connecticut, the third-place pick with 185 points, received the other first-place selection. The Huskies joined Villanova at the Final Four last year and finished 31-5. Louisville, the defending regular-season and league tournament champion, was a close fourth, earning 179 points. The Cardinals have advanced the NCAA Elite Eight in each of the past two seasons.

Georgetown was the fifth-place selection with 161 points followed by Syracuse in sixth place with 152 points. The Hoyas, who stumbled in league play last year with a 7-11 mark, can build around sophomore center Greg Monroe, the 2008-09 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year. Syracuse was 28-10 last year and 11-7 in conference play. The Orange have posted 12 straight 20-win seasons.

The conference head coaches feel Cincinnati is capable of moving up in the standings. They placed the Bearcats, who were 8-10 in league play each of the past two seasons, seventh with 135 points, just ahead of Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, who had 132 points in the poll, want to improve on last year's 8-10 league mark.

Pittsburgh is ninth with 119 points with Seton Hall placing 10th at 110 points. The Panthers will aim to maintain their contending role despite losing four starters from last year's 31-5 team. Seton Hall, 17-15 a year ago and 7-11 in the BIG EAST, welcomes back sharpshooting guard Jeremy Hazell and three other starters.

St. John's, which returns its top eight players from last season, picked up 82 points in the poll, which was good for 11th place. Marquette, which lost four starters from last year's 25-10 squad, was 12th at 78 points.

The coaches feel Providence will finish 13th followed by USF, Rutgers and DePaul.

2009-10 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll

Pts.

1. Villanova (10)
218

2. West Virginia (5)
215

3. Connecticut (1)
185

4. Louisville
179

5. Georgetown
161

6. Syracuse
152

7. Cincinnati
135

8. Notre Dame
132

9. Pittsburgh
119

10. Seton Hall
110

11. St. John's
82

12. Marquette
78

13. Providence
52

14. USF
44

15. Rutgers
43

16. DePaul
15

*First-place votes in parentheses

"BORN READY" PRESEASON ROY

2009-10-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Courtesy: BIG EAST Conference

NEW YORK -- For the second straight season, Notre Dame's Luke Harangody was named BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year by a vote of the league's head coaches. He is only the second player in the history of the BIG EAST to earn Preseason Player of the Year honors more than once. Georgetown's Patrick Ewing was honored three times (1982-83, 1983-84 and 1984-85).

Cincinnati freshman guard Lance Stephenson was named BIG EAST Preseason Rookie of the Year. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players.

Harangody, a 6-8 senior forward, was an All-BIG EAST First Team selection last season. He led the BIG EAST in scoring last year in all games with a 23.3 average. Harangody was second in rebounding at 11.8. In league games, the native of Schererville, Ind., was first in both categories, averaging 25.2 points and 12.8 boards. It was the second straight season he was first in points and rebounds in league play. He is the first player in the history of the BIG EAST to lead the league in both categories more than once.

Two seasons ago, Harangody was named BIG EAST Player of the Year. Going into 2009-10, he has the opportunity to become the league's all-time scorer and rebounder in BIG EAST play. He has scored 1,036 points and grabbed 540 rebounds in his first three seasons of conference competition. If he averages 20.6 points and 9.0 rebounds over an 18-game league schedule, he will become the BIG EAST's all-time leader in both categories.

The five-member Preseason All-BIG EAST Team includes last year's BIG EAST Rookie of the Year and four seniors. Georgetown sophomore center Greg Monroe averaged 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals en route to rookie honors last season.

Forwards Lazar Hayward of Marquette and Da'Sean Butler of West Virginia have been consistent performers. The 6-6 Hayward averaged 16.3 points and a team-leading 8.6 rebounds last year for the Golden Eagles. The 6-7 Butler was the Mountaineers' top scorer and rebounder, averaging 17.1 points and 5.9 boards.

Villanova's Scottie Reynolds and Cincinnati's Deonta Vaughn are expected to be their respective teams' backcourt anchors. Reynolds averaged 15.2 points and 3.4 assists in a Wildcat season that did not end until the NCAA Final Four. Vaughn has been the key cog in the rise of the Bearcats' program. Vaughn has led UC in scoring in each of his three seasons. Last year, his scoring mark was 15.3 points and he averaged a team-high 4.7 assists.

Six players were named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team due to a tie in the voting. Connecticut placed two guards, senior Jerome Dyson and sophomore Kemba Walker, on the squad. A pair of junior shooting guards, Jeremy Hazell of Seton Hall and Dominique Jones of USF, were chosen by the coaches along with sophomore forwards Samardo Samuels of Louisville and Devin Ebanks of West Virginia.

Connecticut forward Stanley Robinson and Syracuse center Arinze Onuaku, a pair of seniors, received Preseason All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention recognition.

Stephenson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., enjoyed a prolific prep career. He was the Class AA New York State Player of the Year as a senior and scored a state record 2,946 career points.

2009-10 BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year

Luke Harangody, Notre Dame

2009-10 BIG EAST Preseason Rookie of the Year

Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team

Luke Harangody, Notre Dame (Player of the Year), F, Sr., 6-8, 255, Schererville, Ind.

Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati, G, Sr., 6-1, 190, Indianapolis, Ind.

Greg Monroe, Georgetown, C, So., 6-11, 247, New Orleans, La.

Lazar Hayward, Marquette, F, Sr., 6-6, 225, Buffalo, N.Y.

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova, G, Sr., 6-2, 195, Herndon, Va.

Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia, F, Sr., 6-7, 225, Newark, N.J.

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team

Jerome Dyson, Connecticut, G, Sr., 6-3, 190, Potomac, Md.

Kemba Walker, Connecticut, G, So., 6-1, 172, Bronx, N.Y.

Samardo Samuels, Louisville, F, So., 6-9, 260, Trelawny, Jamaica

Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall, G, Jr., 6-5, 185, Bronx, N.Y.

Dominique Jones, USF, G, Jr., 6-4, 205, Lake Wales, Fla.

Devin Ebanks, West Virginia, F, So., 6-9, 210, Long Island City, N.Y.

a tie in the balloting created six positions

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention

Stanley Robinson, Connecticut, F, Sr., 6-9, 210, Birmingham, Ala.

Arinze Onuaku, Syracuse, C, Sr., 6-9, 275, Lanham, Md

FUNSPORT & FIREBALL

2009-10-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

by Stacey Davis

Funsport & Fireball Basketball Jumpball College League games today at 113...
Feature matchup tonight is Fearless vs. Cooper Park @8:30pm... Adding (6) new teams to Funsport Jr. Pros schedule.

The Jumpball College season is going on at JHS 113. Games are played on Tues/Wed/Thur nights. This album keeps some of the photos and action shots caught by the camera. Come and be a witness!

Tue., Oct. 20th - Jumpball College Tourney @113
6:30pm: T&A STARS - STATONS
7:30pm: BLACKHOLE - 4TH QUARTER
8:30pm: FEARLESS - COOPER PARK
Bye: DISCIPLES

Wed., Oct. 21st - Jumpball College Tourney @113
6:30pm: HOUSE OF PAIN - MONEY INC
7:30pm: LITO WAY - BEDFORD Y
8:30pm: ROSEDALE - TEAM 524
Bye: HORSEMAN

Thur., Oct. 22nd - Jumpball College Tourney @113
6:30pm: SHARING SUCCESS - RISE TO POWER
7:30pm: UNINVITED GUESTS - DIAMONDS
8:30pm: BEDFORD ORANGE - CITYWIDE
Bye: XMEN

Fri., Oct. 23rd
- NO GAMES SCHEDULED

Sat., Oct. 24th - Jr. Pros Pre-season @Navy Yard Clubhouse
9:30am: OPEN1 - OPEN2
10:30am: GAUCHOS (TOMMIE) - TEAM UNDERRATED
11:30am: POSITIVE DIRECTION - RIVERSIDE 7th
12:30pm: RIVERSIDE 8th - LI LIGHTNING
1:30pm: ABOVE & BEYOND - NEW HEIGHTS TEJADA
2:30pm: THE CITY - GAUCHOS MAPP
3:30pm: WEE ALLSTARS - RIVERSIDE BLUE
4:30pm: C-3 ELITE - ELITE NYC

Sun., Oct. 25th - Jr. Pros Pre-season @Navy Yard Clubhouse
9:30am: FYA 7th - OPEN3
10:30am: FYA 8th - OPEN4
11:30am: PANTHERS - STARRETT CITY
12:30pm: BK BALLERS 'B' - RENEGADES NYC
1:30pm: PANTHERS - NEW HEIGHTS YOUNG
2:30pm: RENEGADES NYC - GAUCHOS (HARRIS)
3:30pm: BK BALLERS 'A' - NEW HEIGHTS YOUNG
4:30pm: OPEN5 - OPEN6

AAU LEGEND CECIL WATKINS PASSES

2009-10-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Rucker Blog

Press Release

Cecil K. Watkins passed away early Saturday morning after losing the battle with Pancreatic cancer. This according to Jim Fox, treasurer and member of the executive committee of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Fox says that Mr. Watkins was 76 years old.

Mr. Watkins was the governor and boys basketball chairman of the New York Metropolitan Amateur Athletic Union, a youth sport organization dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports programs. The basketball programs are designed to initiate, stimulate, and improve opportunities for amateur basketball competition and to promote and develop leadership, sportsmanship, fitness, and athletic excellence.

As evidence of Mr. Watkins dedication, Fox said, "On Monday, even though he was extremely ill and had just finished treatment, Cecil tried to come to the executive board meeting but was too sick to make it up stairs, so I went downstairs. He said to me, 'Just tell them that I tried.' That's the kind of man that he was."

Watkins was also the president and CEO of National Pro-Am City Leagues Association, Inc., a not-for-profit community servicesports league programs and high visibility sporting events in major urban and suburban areas across the country. In addition, the organization is widely recognized as a premier venue for youth and adults to acquire professional experience and employment in all aspects of sports administration.

Mr. Watkins was respected nationwide for his knowledge and leadership in sports and community recreation. Prior to his current leadership roles, Mr. Watkins held various positions, including director of recreation of New York City's Department of Parks & Recreation, director of community and special programs for the National Basketball Association, and served in the Army as a recreation specialist for two years. He established the prestigious Ray Felix Summer League, which evolved into City-Wide, a nationally recognized summer basketball program in New York City. He co-founded the Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc., a human service agency serving Corona, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica in Queens, New York. In the past 36 years, he has secured more than 1,800 scholarships for student athletes from the New York metropolitan area.

Mr. Watkins had received more than 100 awards, including the Basketball Congress International Commissioner of the Year Award, Boy Scouts of America Recognition Award, and Queensboro President Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a member of the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame and New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.

He earned his B.A. and M.A. in sports administration and management from Adelphi University

organization that specializes in developing and administering turnkey and is survived by his wife Valerie and two children, Kara and Keri.

ANTONIO BENJAMIN 8TH GRADE BOROUGH ALL-STAR CLASSIC

2009-10-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

by Stacey Davis

HOW: Assemblyman William Boyland

WHEN: October 17, 2009

WHAT: 1:00 pm Bronx vs Queens

2:30 pm Manhattan/Bronx vs Brooklyn/Queens

4:00 pm Brooklyn vs Manhattan

WHERE: Brownsville Recreation Center
Thelma Smith Foundation
1555 Linden Blvd
Brooklyn, NY

WHO: Sean Adams (646) 773-0501
Rodney Houston (347) 351-4692