Two Harlem Courts Connect the Rens of 1923 to Rucker Park Streetball

Look down at the court on West 135th Street, where a navy and gold mural copies the curved chevron of the New York Rens jersey and spells out Harlem in the team's old script across center court. The Rens, formed in Harlem in 1923, were the first Black-owned, fully professional basketball team. A commemorative sign on the fence explains the 2024 project, and the playground sits across from the former home of the Alpha Physical Culture Club, the country's first all-Black athletic club. Allow about 20 minutes.

The park is named for Holcombe Rucker, who started a Harlem summer league in 1946 to steer neighborhood kids toward school. The court later became home to the Entertainers Basketball Classic, founded in 1982 by Greg Marius, whose name the court now carries. The 2021 renovation added new bleachers, Spalding backboards, a scoreboard and a court mural by Harlem rapper Ferg and artist Set Free Richardson. Sit in the bleachers by the scoreboard for the full view, and allow 30 to 45 minutes.

From Howard Bennett, walk west on 135th Street to Frederick Douglass Boulevard and head north about 20 blocks, roughly 25 to 30 minutes, with Jackie Robinson Park a block away between 145th and 155th Streets. On a cold day, take the C train from 135th Street at St. Nicholas Avenue two stops to 155th Street instead. No EBC games or organized streetball are guaranteed in fall or winter, and pickup players have priority. Watch from outside the lines and ask who has next before joining a run. Plan about two hours in total.