Holcombe Rucker

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Holcombe Rucker (1926-1965) was the founder of the New York City basketball tournament that now bears his name. [1]. He started the his tournament in 1946 and is now argued to be the most famous street park in the world. [2] [3]. He helped instill in others his motto of each one teach one. [4] Many NBA stars including Wilt Chamberlain played in his tournament. [5] . Park legends included Earl Manigault, Pee Wee Kirkland, (Cornelius) Connie Hawkins. Holcombe worked as a school teacher in Harlem and other greats [6] . Thru his efforts over 700 individuals were able to obtain basketball scholarships to help finance their education. [7] . Rucker Park currently bears his name in dedication to his community efforts. Holcombe attended City College of New York and graduated in 1962 with a degree in Education. [8] He died of Cancer in 1965 at age 38.