The African American Experience 

Basketball at West 4th Street Playground

Courtesy of New York City Parks Photo Archive, Neg. 61771-33. Many aficionados believe that the best basketball in New York City is not played at Madison Square Garden, but at West 4th Street. Little more than two hoops, a patch of asphalt, and some chain link fence, this public space is animated by the remarkable athletes who grace the courts. Some professionals, notably Anthony Mason formerly of the New York Knicks, have honed their skills here; others who play here, although not members of the NBA, are of professional caliber.