Its funny how this whole "streetball" concept has taken on the proportions of a major event in terms of scope and media coverage. I can't remember any time before maybe the mid-1990's when "organized" streetball meant anything. When I want to catch some streetball action I go to where its at its purest and most unadulterated best, literally in the streets. Sure, there will always be the usual complaints about how basketball courts on the streets are taking up already limited space in the Metropolis's traffic-cursed roadways. As a motorist myself I cannot help but swear to the high heavens everytime a street game is in progress thereby impeding MY progress and travel. So I do the only thing a true hardcore junkie would do: pull over, park and catch a glimpse of the game.

There is something very primal yet sophisticated about a game on the streets. You know there's hardly any defense, not even a play, guys rarely if ever screen for one another, and of course its all-honesty as far as calls and violations go. But the street game is the stadium for millions of serious ballers and weekend hoopsters, their Big Dome, their homecourt. Here you will see the baller ethic of respect and "face" at its best.

Commonly you'd catch guys who've been balling with each other since they were snot-nosed little urchins. They'd bust moves on each other, taunt each other, talk trash in the usual banter of chums who've known each otehr for the longest time. There is no embarassment here, just a lot of laughs and the usual bit of friendly irritation that comes from being taken to the rack by a guy you've known since you were both running around without your breeches.

But the real fun comes when guys from other communities and neighborhoods come over to play the locals. These are games to love for. Friendly (a few times serious) wagers are made, anything from picking up the tips for the community leeches to cold, hard cash. Here it becomes a matter of honor, as each team is here not emrely to break a sweat but to play hard, play tough and win. Its mortal combat on a very primordial, hoopsdom level. Guys just seem to pass sharper, go up stronger for rebounds and blocks, and take defense more seriously. Fisticuffs have been known to break out from time to time, all to be settled peacably in one way or another. Except in extreme cases, everyone walks away with their dignity, their pride and their faces as intact as when the game began.

No corporate sponsors, no photo ops, no media coverage, no segments in the local sports and games programs, no mention in the papers or TV. Your gallery is basically the usual neighborhood coterie of toughs, drunks, slobs and the smattering of (in the words of one hardcore streetballer) "skanks".

This for me is the real world of streetball, where the game is the focal point and the street is your stadium.