---"Goat" Earl McNicolter

"The so-called street ball legends are all made up. Playing on the street, there are no offensive and defensive statistics. , Who knows what their real skills are? It's just a bunch of exaggerated myths." The words of former Nets rebounding champion Jason Williams hit the nail on the head - in the NBA where statistics are the rule, gossip from neighborhood gangsters does not count.

Hey, is Abdul-Jabbar a street gangster? Is Chick Hearn’s interview considered gossip? When "Voice of the Lakers" asked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: "Who is the best player you have ever played against?"

"Wilt Chamberlain." The extremely stingy "Skyhook" actually followed. He asked back, "In the NBA?"

"Even outside the NBA?"

"Then it has to be Earl McNicolter." "Sky Hook" spit out a strange name.

The surname Manicoulter was too long, difficult and too formal for the streets of New York. Even his middle school teacher couldn't pronounce it correctly, so it was shortened to "Coulter". In the end, everyone Just remember it as "Goat". When "Goat" controlled the world in New York and was omnipotent, "Goat" was broken down into "The Greatest Of All Time". When young people fight bullfights in the streets, the word "Goat" is a respectful term for slam dunk with both hands. "Can you dunk?" "Dunk? Hey, I can Goat!"

Middle-aged "Goat"

The "Goat" who was born in 1944 grew up in a single-parent family in New York. As a child, he lacked the control of his father and took to the streets early. There, all kinds of terrible temptations are devouring the future of young people every day. Perhaps because he had no money in his pocket, the "goat" didn't get into bad habits when he was a teenager, and he was lucky enough to be obsessed with basketball. Almost every night, on the corner of 130th Street, people can see a skinny black kid barely dunking a basketball. The court is occupied by players from high schools, universities, and even professional teams during the day. Children can only practice ball in the early morning and evening by street lights, hoping that their skills and height will grow quickly, and one day they can challenge the adults. Some passers-by stopped to laugh at the "Goat"'s clumsy dunk - they didn't know that there were two heavy sandbags tied in the "Goat" socks.

When he joined Benjamin Franklin High School in 1962, the "Goat" was an inconspicuous 1.85 meters tall, but his jumping height actually reached an incredible 50 inches---127 centimeters! Betting on the coins on the top of the backboard has always been his specialty. Until later, when everyone in the neighborhood no longer dared to bet with him, the "Goat" came up with another trick - continuous reverse dunks, which he still has to this day. Some New Yorkers remember the scene when "The Goat" dunked 36 times in a row to win $60.

The "Goat"'s ball skills were as amazing as his jumping. He was quickly selected for the high school team and had several fierce battles with Power Memorial High School where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (whose name was still Lou Alcinde at the time) attended. The two soon became golf buddies and joined forces to sweep the streets. Off the court, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who is famous throughout the city but has an arrogant temperament, always keeps to himself, while the equally famous "Goat" has made a large group of friends from all walks of life and has developed many bad habits. In his final year of high school, the school expelled "Goat" for smoking marijuana. Although "The Goat" later went to jail for drug abuse and robbery and eventually repented, he refused to admit that he had smoked marijuana in high school until his death.

Scene 1: The 1964 Locke All-Star Game. The "Goat" dribbled the ball for a fast break. Syracuse University star Vann Harper, who is 2 meters tall, and center Phil Reed, who is 2.03 meters tall, quickly returned to defense. The two stood side by side in the space under the basket, reaching out to block the shot. The "goat", who was 1.85 meters tall, looked at the two of them as if they were nothing and just took off. Harper and Li De jumped up to block the shot, and saw the "goat" rising higher and higher, and finally dunked hard with both hands - over the heads of two opponents who were more than 15 centimeters taller than themselves. The stadium was silent for a moment, and then there was an explosion of cheers. Fans rushed into the stadium and the game was interrupted.

Just when the "Goat" was almost lost on the streets, the founder of the Rock League, Hokampi Locke, found the young man and gave him the fatherly care he rarely received in his life. and discipline. In the end, Mr. Locke sent the "Goat" to the famous basketball prep school ---- Laurent Berg College in Charlotte, North Carolina, through his own recommendation.

The "Goat", who was away from a big city for the first time, began to settle down and study for homework. His grades reached the standards set by the NCAA, and basketball scholarships from prestigious schools such as North Carolina, Duke, and Indiana also came one after another. Due to the pressure of homework, "Goat" chose an unknown black university---John Smith College.

Unfortunately, the "Goat" did not "survive" in college, and the coach took care of the starting position that should belong to him to the senior students. "Goat" dropped out of school in anger and returned to New York, only to learn that Mr. Locke had passed away. Without his life guide, he wandered the streets all day long and soon became addicted to heroin. In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the No. 1 draft pick in the NBA and signed a million-dollar contract. However, the "Goat" was imprisoned and spent 16 months in Greenhaven Prison in New York.

In the 1969-70 season, the New York Knicks won the first NBA championship in team history. Writer Aksilan mentioned the "goat" in New York in the book "Basketball City" which recorded the Knicks' championship journey. A street legend, NBA teams finally started to take notice. After being released from prison in the summer of 1970, "The Goat" got a tryout opportunity with the Utah Jazz and even had the opportunity to compete with his old friend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a preseason game. Unfortunately, drugs and prison almost destroyed the "Goat"'s body, and he was waived by the Jazz midway before he could compete with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Scene 2: In the summer of 1967, the "Goat" faced off against Edrich Weber, who was once selected to the All-American High School Team and was known as the "Steel Spring Man" in Rucker Park. During a fast break, the "Goat" dribbled the ball straight to the basket. When he saw Weber catching up from behind, he deliberately slowed down and reached out to greet Weber. When Weber and him took off at the same time, the "Goat" grabbed the ball in his right hand, lowered it over his waist, and when he was about to rise to the highest point, his arm suddenly flashed 270 degrees in the air, and took the ball from Weber's head. Smashed into the hoop. Forgive my rudimentary words for not being able to reproduce the wonderful scene at that time, but "The Destroyer" Hammond said: "This is the most exciting slam dunk I have ever seen in my life."

Dragling his broken body, " "Goat" returned to the streets. At only 25 years old, he was staggering and panting on the court, without any of his former grace. Gradually, the king retreated.

Soon after, the “GOAT” followed the example of his benefactor Hokanby Locke and gave back to the community by establishing the “GOAT League” on 99th Street. Stars from all walks of life came here. Brothers Bernard King and Albert King and later Rockets and Spurs double champion Mario Eli were all from the "Goat League".

What is sad is that the "goat" has never completely escaped the control of the white powder. In the summer of 1977, he inexplicably canceled the opening day of his league and drove to the Bronx with a group of friends. A few hours later, he was handcuffed - an attempted robbery of $6 million. This time, the 24-month shift.

After being released from prison, "Goat" seemed to have become truly afraid of the underworld and moved his family far away from New York. It didn't take long for fans who couldn't forget him to invite him back to New York to take charge of the "GOAT League" again. This time, he did not disappoint, and the league still stands on the streets of New York.

On May 15, 1998, "Goat" died of heart failure. In honor of his efforts to promote basketball, New York City named the basketball court at 99th Street and Amsterdam Avenue "Goat Park." [Text: iOrange 2003/10/28]

Ah! I actually forgot to mention the registered trademark of "Goat", the legend among New York legends - "Double Dunk". Many old fans in New York swear that they have seen the "Goat" double slam dunk with their own eyes, or in an official street game. Legend has it that the "Goat" broke through the basket and took off when the team was 3 points behind before the end. After dunking, he caught the ball in the air and dunked it again, and then arrogantly said that it would count as 4 points. Does anyone care how much a double dunk counts? This kind of performance has completely transcended the scope of basketball for people on earth and belongs to another time and space.

The descendants of the NBA's "Flyers" are thinking hard about new tricks for the Slam Dunk Contest every year. It's not that no one thinks of "Double Dunk", but ----- you want to say that the NBA basket net is too long and the ball falls slowly... .)@^%$#*$(Q@!!!

Fragments of Lenny Cooke

Name: Lenny Cooke

Position: Defender

Height: 1.98 meters

Weight: 93 kg

Born: April 29, 1982, Brooklyn, New York

CNSI report on July 9, 2001: A year ago, the unknown Lanny Cook conquered the entire ABCD high school training camp in just four days and won the non-graduate group All-Star Game co-MVP title... In this year's training camp, Cook, who is already famous all over the country, will become the target of other young players... "I practiced very hard because I knew everyone would come for me this year. , I don't want to ruin my reputation." ... North Carolina, Cincinnati, Miami, St. John's and Ohio State have all joined the recruiting battle for Cook, but the former Kobe Bryant. The young man who made a special challenge said: "Kobe did it (promoted to the NBA from high school), why can't I?"...

North Carolina Insider reported on July 9, 2001: Stepping into basketball Lanny Cook can cope with any challenge. Today, his opponent is Carmelo Anthony. The two of them went back and forth in the game... Anthony blocked Cook and made rude remarks. Cook immediately attacked Anthony. A super alley-oop hit in return... In the end, Cook scored 20 points and led the team to victory... "It doesn't matter whether I play in the high school league next year, as long as the results are good enough, they (North Carolina) will "I'll be given a scholarship," Cook said after the game...

TheInsiders reported on June 28, 2001: Lenny Cook watched this year's draft and signed for a fellow New Yorker (former genius high school). Player) Omar Cook was encouraged. In the end, Omar Cook fell to the second round and did not get a guaranteed contract. Lanny said: "Seeing this happen, I have to think about it, but I have actually considered it. ...I know I have to train hard. "...They were high school students the night before the draft and millionaires the next day...

The Insiders reported on September 27, 2001: Cook. Plans to take the SAT exam to prepare for college... Many colleges are worried that Cook will go directly to the NBA... "Everyone said he should go to the NBA except for himself (Cook)... He has This kind of potential, but no one can guarantee anything..."...

May 2002 Clippers website report: Cook talked about today's trial training with the Clippers: "Unlucky, today I went into the workouts with an injured foot and couldn't do a lot of things... I shot pretty well in several workouts... (I played like) Kobe, Mike Grady and Darrels - Miles... (if I enter the NBA), I will not rush to become a superstar, I just want to work hard to help the team win. ”

PRNA reported on May 6, 2002: Lanny Cook, 20 years old, who averaged 30 points and 15 rebounds per game in high school, announced today at Junior Restaurant in New York that he will give up college enrollment. Eligible to directly participate in the 2002 NBA draft...

In May 2002, ESPN reported: Clippers star Elton Brand attended Lanny Cook's press conference. Realizing sought the opinions of Brand, Marbury and others: "I heard them all say that NBA coaches and scouts like me very much. "...

After the 2002 Draft, TheInsiders forum:

Post - "Well, where is Lanny Cook now? ”

Reply-“The 11th round NBDL draft pick was taken by Glenn Bass. "

Reply - "I also heard that he was selected by the NBDL, but has been waived. The coach said it would take too much time to develop him. ”

Reply-“He was with the Sonics, and after he was fired, he went to sell oranges on the roadside.

Every high school star from now on should take a good look at him! ”

Reply-“Cook is in our Philippine League! Scored 49 points and 17 rebounds in the first game! ”

Reply-“Cook is so good, I can’t believe I saw him play in the Philippines. He is definitely NBA material. "

Reply - "He is now a 20/20/5 level player and is in the CBA Shanghai Oriental Sharks. The Shanghai team almost cried when they signed him. ”

January 7, 2004 hoopCHINA Forum: “Cook played against Zhejiang in his first game and scored 16 points and 6 rebounds in ten minutes, but his performance on the court was a bit irritable and he lost his temper after less than one quarter. Six prisoners graduated. In the second game, they played Bayi and scored 41 points, regaining their feeling. After that, he was out of control, scoring, rebounding, MVP... The most impressive shot below is when he faced the defensive player and continuously changed speeds to cross over, shaking the opponent, and then made a very beautiful no look pass to the basket. It was really easy to pass the ball beautifully when no one was guarding his teammates... However, Cooke would have wasted his talent by playing in China or other low-level leagues..."

Excerpt from a long article by ESPN Tom Farrey in 2002:

Cook got a high score of "genius" in the "Matrix Thinking" of the intelligence test, but almost all of the courses he is currently taking in high school are for underachievers. Tutoring class...

Cook came from the corridor, wearing a leather jacket, a new Yankees baseball cap on his head, and shiny new Nike shoes on his feet...

Cook's family lives in the worst neighborhood in the worst part of town... A big hole in the floor is covered with cloth, and the rainwater flows down here to the prostitute's house downstairs...

The phone rang, and it was Kobe’s father, Joe Bryant, calling...

“I think about (entering the NBA) every day in class, imagine it for two years Then he became a millionaire..."

"He (Cook) is a celebrity. Why? Because of something he did? So far he has done nothing. "Indeed, Cook is a poor man standing on the edge of great wealth, and he is also a rich man standing on the edge of abject poverty...

Sports Weekly, January 9, 2004: Indeed, Cook was originally a secret The weapon came to Shanghai. After a burst of fire, Cook did knock down many masters, including Bayi, but as time went on, his fatal weakness of being too independent became more and more obvious... Liu Wei I also expressed my distaste for the performance of the two foreigners, "They are sometimes too independent, they only know how to play singles, and how many balls have been broken like this!" "

The father of New York streetball" Hokampi Locke

Hokambi Locke has never played a professional basketball game. "But if it weren't for him, let alone New York streetball, even the NBA wouldn't be what it is today." Street superstar Pee Wee Kirkland said.

On March 2, 1926, Hokanby Locke was born in a poor black family in New York and was raised by his grandmother. He was once a star guard on the Benjamin Franklin High School team in East Harlem, but dropped out of school and joined the Army to serve on the front lines of World War II. When the war ended in 1946, Locke was demobilized and returned to Harlem, where he was still poor.

Hokambi Locke

Young Locke has a strong ambition. Less than a year after demobilization, he earned his high school diploma and began taking night classes at the City University of New York. In just three years, Locke completed the four-year undergraduate course and was awarded a bachelor's degree. After graduation, he found a job as a cultural instructor for the city government, teaching English at 139 Junior High School in Harlem, and working part-time as a basketball coach at a public sports center at the junction of 134th Street and 8th Avenue. There, Locke organized a basketball league for different age groups. His goal is to use the game of basketball to attract children and young people and keep them away from street violence and all kinds of crime. Most of the players come from poor families like Locke. Locke taught these children many principles of life through basketball and encouraged them to work hard and get rid of poverty.

Charles Turner was one of those kids. A game decades ago changed his entire life. “That day we were laughing and joking on the court, doing all the fancy moves, and we were 30 points behind at halftime.” Turner recalled, “We were just kids, and the game was just like a game.

"At halftime, Hokanby Locke walked up to the team, and his eyes swept over each player: "Every week, every day, I teach you how to train and how to compete. But what are you doing on the field? " Lock stared at his young players, tears of disappointment welling up in his eyes.

"We were all petrified. "Turner recalled, "We were all bad boys on the street, but no one had ever seen a grown man cry. " Locke didn't say another word. "He didn't have to say anything," Turner said. "From then on we never forgot the dignity of the game, our own dignity. ”

Turner’s team returned to the court, fought hard for every rebound, and did not dare to relax in defense. In the end, they beat their opponents by 30 points.

Charles Turner Still living in Harlem, he and his teammates have always had the utmost respect for Locke. “Earl Manicault, I wanted to punch him. "Turner's old teammate, Morris, who is in his early 60s, has no respect for the great "Goat", "Mr. Locke is not some fat old man sweeping the streets. He is the instructor of the city government! He sent thousands of children to college and dragged many more back from the prison gates. ”

A few years ago, HBO filmed a biographical film about streetball legend Earl “The Goat” Manicault, which caused quite a sensation in the United States. In the film, Huo Cambie Locke was cast as a pot-bellied but wise janitor.

"Earl was a consultant on that movie. "Turner was also very dissatisfied, "We all like this guy Earl, but he asked Mr. Locke to be photographed like that. This is not okay! "Perhaps Turner's anger is justified. As time goes by, Mr. Locke's image becomes increasingly blurred in the public eye. Many newspapers and magazines have confusedly described him as a fat old man with a low status. .

"Play for Mr. Locke, and you have to learn to answer his questions with 'yes sir' or 'no sir'. "Turner recalled, "Want to play? You have to let Mr. Locke take a look at your resume first. "

In the summer of 1946, Locke held an outdoor basketball tournament at the junction of 138th Street and 5th Avenue. At first, there were 4 teams and 1 referee--Locke himself. At the same time Locke also began to organize his own team to compete with youth teams in other areas of New York. Unfortunately, the city government did not give Locke any support he needed. Locke, who was strapped for money, often had to pay for whistles himself. Sometimes he even borrowed balls from kids on the street for games.

Later, Locke met a "street tycoon" named John Hunter. Although Hunter made most of his money from gambling, he did give it to Horkan. When the children had no money to buy sneakers or jerseys, Hunter was very willing to help them. He also provided money to help the players rent cars to go to away games, and made sure to fill up the gas tank before each departure. .

A game in Locke Park in the 1970s

In this way, more and more children began to enjoy the joy of basketball under Locke's care. "No matter what, Mr. Locke will." Take us to the game. "We played against the black kids from the Bronx, the Irish kids from the city, and the Italian kids," Morris recalled. In fact, no matter who it is, as long as they want to play ball, we will go. "

In December 1947, Hokumby Locke married his girlfriend Mary Green. Two years later, the league moved to St. Nicholas House Stadium at the corner of 128th Street and 7th Avenue. Locke's office He also moved there, with a green bench and a steel frame desk lamp. Locke worked there for more than ten hours every day. Hundreds of dark-skinned young people from poor families came to his office, some for basketball games. , more people just wanted to hear some of Mr. Locke's advice on their lives. One of Locke's mantras was "One person teaches one person", which later became the name of a youth group in Harlem.

In the 1940s and 1950s, black players still suffered a lot of unfair treatment. Locke used his persuasion and letters of recommendation to help many young players get on the right track in basketball and stay away from the evils of the streets. Basketball in New York gradually became popular. He has his own unique style---powerful, fierce and strong player self-esteem, which is in sharp contrast to Indiana's emphasis on precise shooting and California's emphasis on technique.

With Lock's help, a large number of black players entered college, including Thomas Sanders, who later played on the Celtics' eight consecutive championship teams, Northern Illinois University star Ralph Bacoat and "The Goat" et al. At the same time, a group of universities in the New York area, such as Long Island University, St. John's College, etc., benefited from the input of many outstanding black players and began to dominate the college league.

In the 1949-1950 college season, City University of New York won the NCAA and NIT double championship. Team MVP Ed Warner became a national basketball idol in one fell swoop. The Celtics expressed great appreciation for him. great interest. Just when Warner's future was bright, a sudden gambling scandal suddenly ruined his dream. Not only did he fail to participate in the NBA draft, but he was thrown into prison for six months. After being released from prison, Warner became synonymous with shame in the neighborhood. Even the children who asked for his autograph were unwilling to play ball with him. Just when Warner felt desperate, Locke found him.

"Horkambi said to me," recalled Warner, who was over 70 years old, "Ed, I also think you did something very bad. But people make mistakes, and I think I can Give you another chance. Come back and tell the children that you made a mistake, tell them not to be like you, and tell them that you are working hard to correct yourself. You see, I am organizing a league, will you help?" /p>

Warner listened to Locke's advice, participated in his league, then found a job in the Eastern Basketball League, and later became a counselor in the New York Elementary School Athletic League. "I am not a very sinful person, and no one has ever taught me how to be a human being." Warner recalled, "If I had met Hokampi earlier, everything would have been different."

In 1953, Locke The basketball league has two parts: high school level and college level. By 1954, Locke's dream finally came true - his "professional level" league was established. In the summer, players from the NBA and other leagues came one after another, and teams from New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington also made a special trip to New York to try their skills. But the city government still refused to help him, even building some courtside seats for fans. No matter how busy he is, Locke's league is becoming more and more famous. NBA scouts, college coaches...all kinds of people are flocking to Locke's stadium.

Locke's league has become a carnival for New York fans. Even the candy vendors know that Locke's stadium is the best place to do business. Whenever there is a competition day, people will crowd around the stadium. If the people standing outside do not climb on the branches, they can only guess the situation of the competition based on the shouts of the audience in front.

The game is getting more and more popular, but Hokanby-Locke's creed has never changed---he wants to help poor people in the neighborhood through basketball. Locke's league has never been a tool for making money, but a paradise for fans and a stage for players to showcase their talents. Locke’s work ethic remains consistent. "Mr. Locke doesn't think it's enough to come to the stadium every day, spend more than ten hours taking care of the game, and then go home." Stanley Hill, a follower of Locke, said, "If any of us need his help, he will definitely He taught us principles and used all his abilities to help us. The last thing he wanted to see was for someone to be swallowed up by the evil in the streets."

In 1965, the city government finally agreed to release him. The league moved to the corner of 155th Street and 8th Avenue, where Rucker Park is now. This stadium became a stage for the performances of the best basketball players in the world at that time, and the great Chamberlain was one of them. On days when there are no games, businessmen, politicians...all kinds of people still gather in the park. For them, there is no better place for socializing than Locke Stadium. Still, not a single advertising plaque is visible in the park.

While the football game was booming, years of hard work and the bad habit of smoking were eating away at Locke's health. In March 1965, at the age of 38, Hokanby-Locke died of lung cancer, leaving behind his wife Mary and three children.

Rucker Park now

"Hokambi Locke was a warrior who devoted his life to bringing dignity and happiness to the poor Harlem." The Amsterdam News mourned Locke this way 's death.

On July 13, 1969, the venue for the Rock League was officially named Rucker Park by New York Mayor John Lindsay. On July 26, 1970, Locke Park and the surrounding area were named Hokumbe-Locke Square.

---"The Destroyer" Joe Hammond

(1) Introduction

One afternoon in October 1994, in Harlem, New York. On a street opposite the gloomy and dilapidated Paul Building, a slightly hunched old man was staggering into the basketball court, wearing a baseball cap, a dirty turtleneck sweater, and a pair of tattered blue jeans. Obviously, he now looks more like an old beggar than a streetball king.

"Hey, old gentleman! Are you blind or something?" The question came from a somewhat angry young man. He put the basketball under his armpit, pointed to the clear sky above his head and said, "We are here. You're playing ball! Move your poor ass away from me!"

Several other young people came up and looked at this stranger - a tall, thin black man with light skin. , short beard. I saw him walking to the sideline of the field, gently putting down the plastic garbage bag on his back, turning around and walking back to the center of the field, looking at the empty bleachers on both sides, as if absorbing some kind of power - in his memories, fanaticism The fans are shouting over and over again: "We want Joe! We want Joe!"...

The street heroes of the past are now hard to see the spirit of dominance

"I'm short of a few dollars." He said softly, "Which of you will fight with me?"

"Don't waste our time." A young man said. "Go play somewhere else," another young man shouted.

The stranger's tired eyes surveyed the court ground. "No one wants my money?" he asked.

"Then show your money!" said a young man.

"Only the loser gets the money." said the stranger.

"Stop talking nonsense." The young man holding the ball said, "If you don't want the money, just give it to me."

"Twenty yuan, how about it?" asked the stranger.

"Okay, let's start."

"Your ball." The stranger said, took the ball from the young man's hand, grabbed it with one hand, and shook it a few times. Then he stuffed it back into his chest, "Believe me, little brother, this is my home court."

"Go on, Robert, do it!" Several other young people shouted.

"Yes, Robert, let me see what you are capable of." The stranger said, leaning forward slightly across the free throw line and sticking to his opponent.

The people on the edge stood together, the trash talk started, and the game started. The young man pretended to shoot a jump shot and quickly rushed to the basket. It looked like a sure-fire layup. But at the moment of taking the shot, the stranger reached out and touched the basketball, then jumped high, grabbed the ball, and landed near the right baseline for a moment. He still has his pompadour, exactly the same as when he fought Dr. J more than 20 years ago. On the first offensive opportunity, the stranger put his head forward as if to initiate a layup. The young man moved his feet and lost his defensive position. The stranger looked at his opponent, smiled softly, and raised his hand to shoot. The basketball drew a perfect arc and seemed to have been suspended in the air for decades before it passed through the net, "Whoosh——".

"Fuck!" shouted a young man on the sidelines.

The game continued, and the strangers gradually opened up the score. A reverse layup, a small hook, a left-hand pick, and then three consecutive free throw line jumpers. A moment later, 12 to 0. The young people watching the game seemed to smell a musty smell in one of the apartments, and their expressions were very embarrassing. In the end, the Strangers only had one point left to end the game. When he jumped up to shoot the winning shot, a voice roared from outside the courtside fence: "Hey! Joe Hammond! Don't give that kid a hard time, don't take his money."

"The Destroyer" at Rock Arena

The young man stayed for a moment and realized that he had just been played by a basketball ghost. He lowered his head and put his hands on his knees. "Are you Joe Hammond?" the kid asked. He put his hand into his right sock and took out a crumpled 20-yuan bill, "You won this, I don't mean to look down on you."

On the streets of New York, mentioning Joe - The name Hammond, or the old man who often walked around the old territory with a garbage bag on his back, will bring a smile to many people's faces---people who saw him play in the 1970s... flying dunks, accurate ’s long-range shots and those incredible scoring records. At that time, he was selling various white powders and was rich, putting aside the 50,000 annual salary and purple and gold jerseys offered by the Lakers.

“Those were my good days.

Hammond walked over and picked up his garbage bag, "I have everything and can do anything." I thought I could be like that for the rest of my life... Well, I should go see my daughter today..." Hammond looked a little dazed as he recalled his past.

(2) Teenage fame

In January 1963, a heavy snowfall in winter covered the entire city of New York, leaving the streets empty and no games.

Located at 120th Street and Madison. At Cooper Junior High School at the junction of Main Street, teacher and basketball coach Donald Adams was sitting behind his desk, watching the students nervously taking exams. The only sound in the classroom was the rustling of pencils rubbing against paper. Suddenly, there was a strange sound coming from downstairs.

"Sip... sip... sip..."

Adams stood up and told the students to continue the exam and go to the window to take a look. After all.

"I looked down from the window and it was him again. "Adams recalled, "I was shoveling the snow out of the court one by one. ”

That was 13-year-old Joe Hammond, who had dropped out of school. His mother passed away very early, and his father was running around for a living. Every night, he and his many cousins He slept with his cousin in the hall of his grandmother's house. During the day, he would sneak from one court to another, playing whenever there was a game. His hands were covered with blisters and his feet were wearing Pro Keds sneakers (a popular style among black people in the 1960s and 1970s). Every day, Hammond played basketball until long after the sun went down, and when God tried to cover the court with snow, he took a broom or shovel with him. Go against it.

"Qiao only stayed in grade 7 for 27 days. He was pretty much a homeless kid. "Howie Evans, the athletic director of the Wagner Center in Harlem, the mentor of the "Destroyer", and now the sports editor of the Amsterdam News, said, "When he was eleven or twelve years old, he was obsessed with basketball and spent all day playing basketball. Those courts hang out. Whenever he could find a place, he would practice shooting for hours. While watching adults play and training on his own, Joe quickly learned a lot. "

"Thirteen-year-old Joe already understands the game better than most adults. I've coached thousands of kids before him and I've never seen anyone play like him. "Evans recalled, "He has extraordinary ball-handling skills, and he quickly opened up the gap with children of the same age. It's hard to see a kid commanding four other teammates on the court, especially when he doesn't have the ball. But Joe can do this. He sometimes gets angry because his teammates are passing or cutting when they should. I had to take him aside and tell him that those kids couldn't understand what he already understood. ”

Evans and other neighbors took turns taking Hammond home and giving him food, clothes, etc., but Hammond never