As seen in Rochester’s own street ball Rucker League and Back to normalcy at Cobb’s Hill basketball, we all enjoy the legendary game at Cobb’s Hill. Now a new tradition has begun at Somerton Park off Park Avenue.
About a month ago, a bunch of guys living in the Park Avenue area bought nets at Target for the two basketball hoops in Somerton Park. After sweeping leaves and any litter off the court, the guys play a spirited version on an NBA two-on-two game.
Jake, who works at Harris, is the out-of-stater, having played high school hoops in Michigan. Jake models himself after the Knicks’ Kristaps Porziņģis because both are tall and lanky. But only Kristaps is from Latvia.
(l-r) Nick, Alex, Tim and Jake (Quinn not pictured) 8/15/16
NBA-style play at the Somerton Park court 8/15/16
The newest member of the group, rookie Nick emulates the Canadian future Hall of Famer Steve Nash. Both are known for their passing game or as Nick says, “all I can do is pass.” Nick definitely did not play his college ball at SUNY Geneseo.
With some hoops pedigree behind him from back in the day at Greece Odyssey, Tim has been likened to his namesake Tim Duncan because of his good fundamentals or so he has been told. Unlike Duncan, Tim has no plans to retire. Tim also did not play collegiately at SUNY Geneseo.
Still painful to recall Game Six in 1974, Braves vs. the Celtics, the year Ernie D. was Rookie of the Year. from Our new Pacific Northwest sports commentator. On the Seahawks, and some Bills.
Quinn defending Ernie D.
Alex actually compares himself to a baseball player, Chucky Knoblauch. Because, as Alex says, “it’s a long way from second to first” (referring to Knoblauch’s sudden and mysterious case of the throwing jitters). Alex did not play at RIT.
Quinn plays much like journeyman Nate Robinson who can dunk a little better than Quinn. Quinn also went to SUNY Geneseo.
In the action shot, Nash drove baseline past Duncan, spotting Knoblauch underneath. Luckily, Knoblauch only had to catch the basketball and not throw it. Knoblauch would follow with a loud, full force, slam dunk heard all the way at Cobb’s Hill.
Then walked onto the court Ernie DiGregorio himself. Because I lived and died with Ernie D when he played for the Buffalo Braves and because when living in Rhode Island where he is still a legend I met him. And because he is short.
Quinn easily forced a misfire as I moved a lot like Ernie after his devastating knee injury.
Come by the game played a few early evenings a week. Anyone can join. As long as you don’t model yourself after Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
ON BASKETBALL
From the Rucker League to Edison Tech. With a Ph.D. in between.
One final shot at the greatest March Madness upset, Providence, St. Patricks Day, 1989
