Harlem's legendary Rucker Park at 155th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard, is a place where basketball greats like Dr. J and Wilt Chamberlain first proved their skills.
The public institution is at the center of this vibrant documentary about 8 of the highest ranked high school basketball players of 2006.
Beastie Boy member Adam Yauch uses clever baseball-card-style graphics to brand high school B-ball phenoms Jerryd Bayles, Michael Beasley, Tyreke Evans, Donte Greene, Brandon Jennings, Kevin Love, Kyle Singler, and Lance Stephenson as basketball's next NBA hotshots.
Although much of its archive footage from high school games shows up blurry, pixelated or in an otherwise raw form, it nonetheless clarifies the abilities of thoroughly committed young players executing their most impressive basketball skills.
The picture inevitably hits its stride during the Rucker Park Tournament were nicknames like "Wireless" or "Kevlar" can only be awarded to the players by the loquacious courtside announcer calling the game.
It’s the intelligent and gifted players that make the biggest impact derived from their respect for the opportunity before them.
Rated PG-13. 80 mins.
