Prologue: The park... Its where the game started for a lot of kids.
For underprivileged inner city youth, city parks and rec centers can be a safe haven.
Even the affluent frequent the hoop courts of city parks to catch some competition.
It is a game like no other.
Parks and rec centers offer one thing that most organized leagues can't, the opportunity
for very young players to play against much older players. This allows a young kid a chance
to earn his stripes and develop what the game is all about.
Many friendships are forged in pickup basketball. Also many rivalries form on those very same
courts that sometimes carry over to organized basketball leagues, including highschool and college leagues.