[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 74 (Monday, May 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING GREG MARIUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 1, 2017

  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Greg Marius.
  Known affectionately as ``the Commissioner'', Mr. Marius founded the 
Entertainer's Basketball Classic (EBC) at Holcombe Rucker Park in 
Harlem in 1982. Originally conceived of as a way for rival hip-hop 
crews to establish blacktop bragging rights, the EBC has evolved into 
the world's premier streetball basketball showcase.
  A highlight on the City's summer calendar for decades, the EBC pits 
playground standouts against the country's most talented professional 
players, all provided free of charge to the delight of thousands of 
exuberant fans. NBA stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Vince 
Carter have all played in the tournament, facing off against the best 
streetballers Harlem has to offer.
  As one of the first people to connect basketball and hip-hop music, 
Mr. Marius created an all-inclusive atmosphere that celebrated the 
game, its culture, and its fans. Through his aggressive promotion, Mr. 
Marius enlisted hip-hop stars like Jay-Z, Sean ``Diddy'' Combs, Fat 
Joe, and others to sponsor teams, helping to attract corporate sponsors 
like Reebok and Gatorade and raise the profile of the EBC to an 
unprecedented level.
  By remaining committed to keeping the EBC in Harlem, Mr. Marius had a 
far-reaching impact on our community. A lifelong Harlem resident, he 
often spoke of how fortunate he was to create memories in the 
neighborhood where he grew up. He also prided himself on keeping alive 
the legacy of Holcombe Rucker, the park's namesake who founded his own 
tournament in 1946 that provided neighborhood youths a positive outlet 
to keep them off the streets.
  Further, by taking a touring version of the EBC on the road to other 
cities Mr. Marius played an integral role in broadening streetball's 
audience. Without Greg Marius, it is safe to say that New York City, 
specifically Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, would not be the 
international symbol of basketball prowess that it is today.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay remembrance to Mr. Marius and ask 
that we continue to carry along his legacy and love for streetball in 
Harlem.

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