See some of the most famous basketball courts across The Empire State
In and around Long Island, basketball courts hold a special place in the heart’s of countless streetball enthusiasts, from the seasoned veterans who used to strut their stuff on the courts of yesteryear, to the eager-to-learn youngsters of today. If you are new to the glorious game and want to explore some of New York’s best basketball courts in an effort to meet new friends, improve your balling skills, check out some killer hoops action, or even hone your smack talk, here are some of the best places you need to visit.
- Rucker Park (Harlem – W. 155 St., 8 Ave.)
Famed for being the historical birthplace of streetball, as well as for being one of the primary teaching grounds during Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s and Julius Erving’s formative years, no list of the best New York basketball courts would be complete without Rucker Park. Named after the inspirational teacher and Parks Department worker Holcombe Rucker who organized a basketball tournament back in 1950 to help keep kids off the streets and put a positive focus on playing sports with likeminded individuals, many renowned basketball stars have cut their teeth balling here over the years. The Rucker is also the home of the Entertainers Basketball Classic, an infamous street basketball tournament.
- West 4th Street Courts a.k.a. “The Cage” (Greenwich Village – Ave. Of Americas, W. 3 St. and W. 4 St.)
Both Rucker Park and “The Cage” tend to compete for the top spot when discussing the best New York basketball courts. Due to the fact that the courts are a little smaller than regulation size and boast high, tightly enclosed chain-link fences that encourage a vibrant, bustling and spirited atmosphere, “The Cage” is notorious for intense hoopin’ with über-competitive players who play to win every time. If you want to observe and examine the skills that accomplished players utilize to win, or if you feel brave enough to step up to the challenge and become a part of the action yourself, you will definitely need to bring your A-game to West 4th.
- Great Lawn (Central Park – 85th Street Transverse)
Central Park plays host to a lot more than the usual tourist destinations and stunningly breath-taking surroundings. Located right in the middle of all of this beautiful scenery, you will find passionate streetballers playing at Great Lawn. If you are eager to see some of the most dynamic basketball action and learn some cool tips and tricks from the masters, this is as good a place as any to get an education you can rely on for future reference.
- Riverbank State Park (Upper Manhattan – 679 Riverside Dr.)
Within a short distance of the Hudson river and George Washington Bridge, and well-known amongst the community as a great hangout spot during the scorching summer months, Riverbank boasts four courts in total, with two of them being full-sized. For those who are eager to develop their dunking dexterity, it’s worth noting that there is no shade for you to rest under after you work up a sweat, although there are swimming pools close at hand if you need to cool off after a hard-fought victory.
At Flex Court of New York, our Long Island basketball courts are perfect if you want your own slice of backyard basketball action in the privacy of your own home. Our experienced and talented installation team can custom create the indoor or outdoor basketball court of your dreams, featuring the highest quality basketball court wood flooring and hoops. As well as Long Island, our expert residential basketball court installers are able to service residents living in many other cities, including Long Beach, Farmingdale, Woodbury, Oakdale, Islip, and Garden City. Please call (631) 753-0003 or contact us online today for a FREE design consultation!