“We don’t Ball—We Battle.” This powerful slogan encapsulates the spirit of the West 4th Street League, a defining force in street basketball culture since 1977. Nestled at the intersection of West 4th Street and 6th Avenue, the West 4th Street Courts, famously known as “The Cage,” are not your average basketball courts. Significantly smaller than regulation size, these courts present a unique and intense challenge, even for the most seasoned amateur basketball players in New York City. The confined space, surrounded by chain-link fences, demands rapid-fire decision-making and elevates the game to a different level of competition. Forget easy layups and fancy trick shots; at West 4th Street, the game is about grit, physical defense, and unwavering assertiveness. This is street basketball at its rawest and most compelling.
Spectators engrossed in a fast-paced game at the iconic West 4th Street Courts.
The magnetic pull of a West 4th Street game is undeniable. Passersby are instantly captivated, drawn in by the raw energy and passion emanating from the court. While the play is known for its aggressive edge, it’s an aggression fueled by a deep love for the game and an intense competitive drive. West 4th Street has served as a proving ground and launchpad for numerous talents, including NBA stars like Stephon Marbury and Rod Strickland. Strickland himself, in an interview with All the Smoke, emphasized the crucial role of NYC street basketball in shaping some of the most formidable and electrifying point guards, with Marbury being a prime example. The unique intensity forged on these very courts has a profound impact on a player’s development and style.
To understand the unusual dimensions of The Cage, one must delve into the geographical tapestry of Greenwich Village. This historic neighborhood is characterized by its unconventional block shapes, a result of the organic growth of the city over centuries, intertwined with modern urban planning. Sixth Avenue’s original terminus was around West 3rd Street. In the 1920s, a city expansion project extended the avenue down to Canal Street. The resulting irregular land parcels, remnants of the avenue’s extension, were designated for parks in 1934. For two decades, this space functioned as a modest, unremarkable playground, waiting for its destiny to unfold.
Aerial perspective of West 4th Street basketball courts illustrating their unique shape within Greenwich Village.
Historical records regarding the park’s early days are scarce, but local lore suggests that basketball hoops first appeared in the 1950s. Around this time, a park expansion proposal was rejected, fatefully preserving the courts’ distinctive, compact size. The park’s strategic location, adjacent to the West 4th and Christopher Street subway stations, played a pivotal role in its ascent to streetball fame. Word of this distinctive Greenwich Village court spread rapidly, attracting street basketball enthusiasts from every corner of the city, eager to test their skills in this unique arena.
Vintage photograph of spectators watching a lively basketball game at West 4th Street in the 1970s.
This vibrant tradition thrives to this day. The West 4th Street League, established by Kenny Graham in 1977, draws teams from all five boroughs – Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. Each summer, the league hosts the renowned Kenny Graham’s Pro Classic tournament, a highlight of the streetball calendar. While top-tier players are often scouted and recruited for teams, others must undergo tryouts, fiercely competing for a spot to prove their talent. The tournament showcases a diverse range of talent, featuring men’s, women’s, high school boys’, and high school girls’ divisions. Kenny Graham remains at the helm, continuing to oversee the tournament with the same passion and dedication that started it all.
Brooklyn Stompers in red jerseys fiercely contesting against Members of the Faith team during a 2021 West 4th Street League game.
Another iconic figure deeply woven into the fabric of West 4th Street was James Worthy, affectionately known as the ‘Mayor’ of the courts. Hailing from Jamaica, Queens, Worthy was a constant source of support and enthusiasm for the streetball community. He was best known for his vibrant game announcements, providing water for the players, and simply being a consistent, positive presence. His passing in December 2023 marked a significant loss for the West 4th Street family.
West 4th Street courts extend a warm welcome to all spectators (provided they remain on the sidewalk and out of the players’ way). The basketball season ignites in April and electrifies the neighborhood throughout the summer months. With over 70 teams participating in the league, there’s a continuous stream of thrilling streetball action to witness. The Cage is more than just a set of courts; it’s a living monument to the spirit of street basketball, a place where legends are made and the love of the game battles on.
