“Basketball is a religion. The park is my church.”

Outdoor basketball on New York City’s 700+ courts exploded in the ’70s and ’80s, right alongside the rise of hip-hop and sneaker culture. Bobbito García came of age during this golden era, catching a feverish love for the game that shaped his style, mindset, movement—and his identity. He went everywhere with a ball in hand, practice shorts under his jeans, and sneakers ready for action, even to his first job interview.

In the 1990s, Bobbito became a world-renowned hip-hop radio host and the pioneer of sneaker journalism, yet his heart never left the blacktop. As streetball aesthetics gained commercial power in sports, music, and fashion, Bobbito stood at the crossroads of culture—not just as a player, but as a historian, photographer, filmmaker, and creative force. Nike’s legendary “City Attack” campaign was just one example of how brands leaned on his deep roots and vision.

By 2013, The New York Times hailed him as “an ardent ambassador for New York City street basketball.”

This book is both a personal journey and a cultural archive—an ode to the soul of the outdoor game. It celebrates the unspoken folklore of NYC pickup basketball and the creative spirit it unleashed worldwide, from the playground to the pros.

Año: 2025 | Páginas: 216

Edge of Sports