"We got next!"
Anyone who's spent time playing pick-up hoops knows that phrase, meaning your squad's gets to play the winner of the current game. So, what do you say; are you ready to break out those gym shorts and dust off your handle?
Philadelphia is renowned as a center for playground basketball, as the city has produced stars like Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant.
So, where can you test your game like the greats? There's no shortage of courts to ball at, but some are better than others. Here's four of the best outdoor courts for pick-up basketball in Philly.
Capitolo Playground
9th Street and Passyunk Avenue
The basketball courts at Capitolo Playground in South Philly. (Daniel Craig/PhillyVoice)
Located in the bustling area of East Passyunk, you can do some serious people watching while playing here. Players looking for a game usually flock here when the weather is nice, meaning your chances of getting a full court, five-on-five matchup are high. Plus, after sweating through all of those missed mid-range jump shots, you can reward yourself with a cheesesteak from Pat's or Geno's across the street.
Hancock Playground
Master and Hancock streets
The court at Hancock Park in Olde Kensington. (Daniel Craig/PhillyVoice)
Nestled in an Olde Kensington playground, the baskets are exactly what you'd expect for an outdoor court: rigid and unforgiving. Yet just like Capitolo, the courts are always bustling, with games often continuing into the wee hours of the night. There's only one full court, but there is one half court available for you to warm up on if you're rusty.
Schuylkill River Park
26th Street and Delancey Place
People playing basketball at the Schuylkill River Park courts. (Daniel Craig/PhillyVoice)
This one's all about the scenery. Nowhere else in the city can you play ball with the beautiful backdrop of the Schuylkill River, the river trail, and a vibrant park. There's also two full courts, giving you plenty of opportunities to play. But more importantly, all of the aesthetic distractions will help you forget how unathletic and winded you are.
Clark Park
Chester Avenue, between 45th and 43rd streets
A man shoots a jumper at Clark Park. (Daniel Craig/PhillyVoice)
Get ready to be tested. As basketball website
BallnRoll.com puts it, Clark Park is infamous for its "no blood, no foul" gameplay. If you think you've got the skill, this is one spot in the city to prove your metal. If not, you might be better suited working off your training wheels at one of the aforementioned courts.
