Rucker Park Podcast

Gusto Wells

The Rucker Park Podcast takes you courtside to the most legendary streetball playground in the world. From historic matchups to untold stories, this show brings the culture, the players, and the moments that made Rucker Park a global symbol of basketball.

  1. 4d ago

    Coach Dee talks about how he recruited NBA players to play on his team inside Rucker Park

    Coach Dee is a basketball coach and player development specialist whose experience spans youth programs, NBA camps, and Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park. He has worked with NBA players including James Harden, Brandon Jennings, and Anthony Morrow. With 20 years of experience at the YMCA and eight years working with Brooklyn Nets Summer Camps, Coach Dee has dedicated his career to developing players and teaching the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Coach Dee talks about how he recruited NBA players to play on his team inside Rucker Park

  2. 6d ago

    Duke Tango talk about how he left Rucker Park and became the voice of and1

    Thomas “Duke Tango” Mills is a legendary streetball announcer whose voice became part of the identity of Harlem’s Rucker Park and the AND1 Mixtape Tour. As one of the original announcers at the Entertainers Basketball Classic, he teamed with Al Cash as “Tango & Cash,” helping develop an announcing style that brought together basketball, hip-hop, humor, and crowd participation.   Known for his booming delivery, creative player nicknames, and signature call “Oh, baby!”, Duke made every crossover and dunk feel like a major event. He later became the official announcer of the AND1 Mixtape Tour, taking that playground energy to audiences around the world. His work helped make the announcer an essential part of the streetball experience—entertaining the crowd while building the reputations of the players on the court. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Duke Tango talk about how he left Rucker Park and became the voice of and1

  3. Oct 23

    Coach Tookie talks about how the hustlers all had teams at the beginning of Ebc and Rucker Park

    Edward Allen, Jr. is a Harlem-born motion picture producer, screenwriter, and real estate entrepreneur. Raised through the New York City public school system, he pairs decades of property receivership and urban business operations with authentic community storytelling. An ordained deacon in the Church of God in Christ and the patriarch of four generations, Edward serves as a principal at 140th Street Production, developing historical urban dramas, stage productions, and digital broadcast media. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Coach Tookie talks about how the hustlers all had teams at the beginning of Ebc and Rucker Park

  4. Oct 21

    Taking it back with Jim Jones

    Jim Jones taking us back to his earlier days inside Rucker Park Jim Jones is a Harlem-raised rapper, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He released his debut solo album, On My Way to Church, in 2004 and gained nationwide recognition with his 2006 hit “We Fly High,” famous for its “Ballin’” catchphrase. His music and signature style helped bring Harlem’s street culture to audiences around the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Taking it back with Jim Jones

  5. Oct 16

    Brotherly love inside Rucker Park the Philadelphia story

    The Brotherly Love Pro-Am League is a Philadelphia basketball program that brings professional players and local talent together while supporting the community.   How it started: Novar Gadson and former Temple standout Ramone Moore developed the idea during the pandemic. The league began playing in 2021, with Stefan Thompson and Brett Oslon also identified as co-founders in the original reporting. Where it began: Its first two seasons were held at the Kroc Community Center in Camden, New Jersey, because of Philadelphia’s pandemic restrictions. It moved into Philadelphia in 2023, playing at Benjamin Franklin High School. Its purpose: Along with competitive summer basketball, the program promotes mental health awareness, supports mental health organizations, and provides food for people experiencing homelessness. Rucker Park connection: A 2023 “Legacy Day” was announced featuring Brotherly Love League all-stars against Rucker League stars from New York.   Novar Gadson is a key person behind the program, serving as founder and CEO of the Brotherly Love League Pro-Am Foundation. He is a Philadelphia native who played at Bartram High School, Rider University, and professionally overseas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Brotherly love inside Rucker Park the Philadelphia story

  6. Oct 14

    The man who created the rock Basketball now with his newest Basketball invention, he calls it the goat basketball

    John G. Stote III, the creator of The Rock basketball   His basketball roots are in Kingston, New York. In a 2018 interview, Stote said he attended John A. Coleman High School and invented The Rock around 1982. Rucker Park inspired the name. He described taking the bus to Harlem, watching streetball legends, and playing in the later games. Hearing players call the basketball “the rock” gave him the idea for the brand name, which he said he trademarked. His connection included running the business. That interview identifies him as president of Anaconda Sports, which produced The Rock, and also refers to him as the owner of Rock Basketball. The business changed hands. DIRT’s official company history states that Genesco acquired Anaconda Sports in September 2010, through Hat World/Lids Team Sports. GOAT’s current website separately confirms that Stote invented The Rock and that the former company was sold. These references establish the sale history, although they do not detail his personal ownership stake or a separate sale of The Rock brand. He also supported youth basketball. Stote discussed helping bring Smush Parker to Kingston for youth clinics and helping install baskets at Block Park around 2000. Today, GOAT credits him with basketball construction and material development alongside co-founder Heather Swart.     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The man who created the rock Basketball now with his newest Basketball invention, he calls it the goat basketball

  7. Oct 9

    Hip Hop Meets Street Basketball

    LaVaba Edouard Vonzell Mallison     THE VISIONARY Since his formative years as a member of the CBS Records group " Kids At Work" alongside Teddy Riley; DougE. Fresh and the "Get Fresh Crew"...and long before he became a solo artist at Sugarhill Records; ack for anticipating the "next cutting edge, big picture". Long before the Grammys, and American Music Awards recognized Rap music; LaVaba was producing New York's Urban Teen Music Awards at the famed Apollo Theater. Mentored by the entertainment and financial industry's iconic movers and shakers; LaVaba's roster of strategic alliances and mentors includes: Sugarhill Records joe Robinson, Quincy Jones, Kenny Gamble, Motown Records Joe Medlin, International Financier Marc Rich, Mark Cristini, Esq and Norby Walters. Their guidance taught him how to leverage every technology, colleague and contact to augment his skills in order to produce optimal outcomes From A&R consultant for Jive and Motown Records; to a publishing and production deal with Qwest Records; to CEO of Roof Top Records; "Market-Maker" LaVaba was responsible for over $300 million dollars in record sales. Helping shape the music and/ or careers of Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Steve Arrington, Kool Moe Dee, R. Kelly and 3X Dope; his influence, explicit or otherwise, is a fundamental part of making "their music" engage with a global audience. With each new project LaVaba continues to reinvent himself anew. His latest venture, Gen-Muni, is a film and music production company for linear and non-linear platforms. "This company will create impactful conversations for a global culture" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Hip Hop Meets Street Basketball

  8. Oct 7

    The man behind the camera inside Rucker Park

    Visual Stimulations is a cultural visual storyteller whose work captures the people, energy, and culture that shape communities. Best known for his impact at Rucker Park, he has built a reputation for documenting basketball culture and the stories surrounding it with an authentic, cinematic eye. His creative experience includes collaborations with SLAM, Skechers, Monster Energy, Ballislife, Jr. Knicks, DRNX, and more. Beyond photography, Visual Stimulations is passionate about short film, music, art, and exploring the ways creative expression can influence and preserve culture. Through his work, he continues to build a visual archive that connects sports, art, music, community, and cultural impact. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The man behind the camera inside Rucker Park
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About

The Rucker Park Podcast takes you courtside to the most legendary streetball playground in the world. From historic matchups to untold stories, this show brings the culture, the players, and the moments that made Rucker Park a global symbol of basketball.

Information

  • Creator
    Gusto Wells
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Podgo LLC All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Rucker Park Podcast

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