HB 3X3 - NYCHA League
The catalyst — Patterson
Patterson community members of all ages filtered into the room, grabbed a slice, and took their seats for the first collaborative design meeting.
Introductions circled the room as people shared why the Patterson court mattered to them and soon, ideas began to flow. The design needed to represent a generational community. It should include educational elements. The center should feel like a nucleus - the sun. Suggestions bounced around the table: glow-in-the-dark lines, bold color, even Hello Kitty.
The meeting wrapped with excitement and anticipation for what the artists, Cekis and Bianca, would create.
A design by Madorie - a young girl at Patterson
Meeting 2:
At the next meeting, progress was the goal. A final image needed to be confirmed. Cekis and Bianca presented digital mock-ups as tweaks and adjustments were called out around the table - more color, fewer lines, darker shades. After careful back-and-forth, a design was agreed upon. Now it was time to bring it to life.
Patterson members after the final meeting - Madorie front and center
history & novelty
Patterson’s Wave Court is unique. Inspired by a design installed on the iconic beachside court in Venice - where White Men Can’t Jump was filmed - the Wave Court is something new. A compass in the lower-left corner orients players to the greater world. Stars in the upper-right create shooting spots. At center court, the basketball acts as the nucleus of the community—the sun. The Wave Court syncs history and novelty, connecting impact from coast to coast.
The Wave Court solar center
Bronx, NY: Patterson Projects Wave Court
Venice, CA: Venice Beach Basketball Court
3X3
The court hosted its inaugural 3x3 tournament in New York City, drawing countless teams of boys and girls from across the city. The day began with sweeping stray acorns and leaves off the court. Before long, it was full - kids competing, neighbors watching. Grandmas set up folding chairs along the sideline and settled in. Parents hovered near the three-point line, cheering and yelling. Hip-hop, screetchy sneakers and Majesty Da Rebel’s voice melded together creating a new song.
As the sun set, the Hoopbus team laced up and took the court. A few players from the winning team earned Hoopbus jerseys and were invited to play with the All-Stars - a Hoopbus tradition. The court stayed alive long after the final basket fell. People who had met just hours earlier ended the night embracing, making plans to stay in touch. You could feel the love.
The tournament lives on hosted monthly at different locations around the city. As months go by more and more people come to play, having heard about the tournament. Come hoop with us next month!
So far 3X3 has been:
OCT. Cooper Park, Bronx, NY
NOV. Polo Grounds, Harlem, NY
DEC. Mitchell Houses, Bronx, NY
JAN. Common Point, Bronx, NY
Coming Up!
FEB. Jamaica, Queens, NY (sign up for the 28th @ 3PM)
Team APR
Coach EJ (in red), a crucial organizer of the tournament teams, with U16 winners: Team Patty Hoopers Ray, Kayshaun and Antonio
SPecial Thanks
A big thank you to the NYCHA, Innovating Justice, Public Housing Community Fund, BK Network and Neighborhood Saftey Initiatives.
As always thanks to the Hoopbus team that made this court special: Nico, Toby, Jeremy, Giovanni, Fresh Prince, Fat Boy, Majesty Da Rebel, Zay, Ray, Chuck and Alia.
Wave Court Refurbishment Team: Cekis, Bianca, Jeremy and Christopher
Images By: Charlie TreyMasters
Written By: Coco Barton
HB NYC