THIS SUNDAY: RUCKER ON WOOD OPEN GYM SERIES!

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19 Aug

Since 2001, the final Sunday(s) of August would serve as a day of hoop refuge for many of the area's top basketball prospects.  It all started at Hightower HS, then coached by Greg Wise, wanted to host an open gym.  But not for everyone, he wanted some of the top kids to be contacted and come hoop.  He asked, and I certainly delivered. 

The following year, it was a top shelf crop of talent in the building.  Plus, there were at least two Division 1 coaches wrongly in that gym (whom I will not name - as a matter of fact - I don't remember their names or schools... LOL) because it was a violation for them to be in attendance.  Per NCAA rules, D1 college coaches are only permitted to view open gyms on the campus of the prospective student athlete.  Therefore, if there are players from other schools participating, the D1 coaches should have vacated the building.  

Understand one thing, there was no cell cameras or videographers during those days.  Teenagers still talked on the phone, and more importantly, they answered when I called (as they should).  The word began to spread with folk wondering when will the next "Open Gym" take place, and where will it be. Dozens of folk wanted their players to be in attendance, and I felt that after two years at Hightower HS, it needed to prevent the preventable.  So, I decided to move locations of the "Open Gym" to Jones HS (at that time Daniel Gibson was a nationally known rising Junior).  One team wore shirts while the other was "skins".  No coach, no referees, no clock.  Just plain ol' hooping.  There was so much talent in the building that I used two courts (both adjacent gyms), and as the sun began to fade below the row of windows atop each court, those kids did not want to stop playing, and most grown ups didn't want to stop watching.  For the local basketball community, THIS was Sunday Funday twenty-something years ago. 

I would later dub the open gym series, "Rucker On Wood" in respect the famed outdoor park located in New York City.  Every two years, Nike sent me 100 sets of reversibles, and I used them at "Rucker On Wood".  That helped everyone to identify the players while providing a layer of organized aura to the platform.  Around 2012, I was contacted by one of the Rucker Park / And 1  administrators.  They wanted a "Cease and Desist" of "Rucker On Wood".  After exchanging messages, we agreed to speak over the phone, and he understood my passion about these kids, as well as absolutely zero intent on copyrighting their product.  He even flew to Houston the following year to evaluate this infamous platform which was held at Fall Brook Church.  Impressed is an under-statement.  The rep was so marvelled that he offered to supply 200 full set of reversible dry fit uniforms.  Plus, then Houston Rocket, Isaiah Cannon had just signed with And1 and attended "Rucker On Wood" to support the cause.  We still use those uniforms annually during each of the last two Sundays of August.

Throughout the years, "Rucker On Wood" doubles as a defacto photo shoot for our prized publication, "Da Magazine".  Other pics are published on our website www.RcsSports.com.  

Fast forward to 2026, much has changed or improved with the entire "Rucker On Wood" platform.  This open gym gives the players a chance to compete / audition their talents on an actual college campus.  The University of St Thomas program volunteer to assist with stretching, team selection, and as bench coaches.  We have 1 ref on each court (not seeking to call all fouls) but to maintain a steady flow of basketball with respect to the game.  Admission $10 is charged for spectators, and that helps to pay volunteers, certified medical personell, photographers, uniform crew, while maintaining crowd control.  What used to be the best kept secret in Houston is very much public knowledge today.  

YOU ARE INVITED to come out and create more memories THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON at University of St Thomas - Jerabeck Center (4000 Mt Vernon Street / Houston TX 77006)

CLASS OF 2028: CONFIRMED PLAYERS 
1:00   Player Check In (Last name A - H)
1:15   Player Check In (Last name I - Q)
1:30   Player Check In (Last name R - Z)
1:45   Wait List / Stand By Clearance
4:00 - 5:00  Each Team That Loses is Done

CLASS OF 2027: CONFIRMED PLAYERS
4:00   Player Check In (Last name A - H)
5:15   Player Check In (Last name I - Q)
5:30   Player Check In (Last name R - Z)
5:45   Wait List / Stand By Clearance
7:00 - 8:00 Each Team That Loses is Done