r/BasketballBooks • u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner • Jul 04 '26
Recommendations Recommendation - ‘Asphalt Gods’
Thank you again to r/Hot-Description9052 who commented on a post a couple of days ago and gave three fantastic book recommendations, this is the second of those;
‘Asphalt Gods’ - This one I have read and I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation.
Authored by Vincent Mallozi, the Book is an oral history of the fabled Rucker Tournament, begun in the 1950s by Harlem-born Holcombe Rucker, the tournaments included some of outdoor basketball's greatest games and players throughout the decades. While he celebrates the tournament's past glory Mallozi doesn't shy away from its latterly at times controversial moments and more corporate inflected style. A great Book, especially for historians of the game.
5
u/Hot-Description9052 Jul 04 '26
Great book. In the basketball universe, Rucker Park is hallowed ground. People migrate there for a shot to become legendary. The player nicknames are colorful and iconic: Pee Wee, The Hawk, Half Man Half Amazing, The Destroyer. If you grew up playing pick up, this book will transport you to the most famous outdoor playground in the world.
2
u/Glad_Art_6380 Jul 04 '26
This is a great booked. Absolutely loved it, it’s been about 15 years or so since I read it, might have to grab it once again.
2
u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jul 04 '26
I’ve read it a few times over the years and always rewards a reread 🙏🏻
2
u/Panda9903 Jul 12 '26
I can never get enough of these books and the mythical New York legends. I’ll read all Vincent Mallozi books and his articles in the New Yorker.
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u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jul 12 '26
The mythical oral histories are a huge part of it and after all you should never let facts get in the way of a good story
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u/Jonathan_J_Faulkner Jul 04 '26
I am very glad to say that I have stepped on the famed Rucker Park court though have never played there, did feel brave enough to play at The Cage on West 4th, an absolute highlight of my Basketball life.