SI Full Frame: The Cage

Take a look inside “The Cage,” where the action never stops and stripes are earned.
SI Full Frame: The Cage
SI Full Frame: The Cage /

When playing pickup games at “The Cage” on West 4th Street in Manhattan, nothing about the experience is normal. It’s a place where bringing your “A” game and being physical are an understatement. Located in Greenwich Village, a 20-foot chain-link fence surrounds a smaller than normal basketball court where people come to see ankles broken in crossovers, jaw-dropping dunks, unbelievable Eurosteps and fast-paced action in which the crowd gets involved to let players know they got schooled.

This streetball destination is where some of the greatest raw hoopers have earned their stripes, where current and former NBA players and celebrities like Stephon Marbury, Anthony Mason, Dwight Howard and Spike Lee have graced the court with their presence. But, the iconic court is also the home for the Kenny Graham West 4th Street Classic, where high-school-aged boys and girls showcase their skills in a series of summer games in the heart of Manhattan. 

01_X163766_TK2_00289
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
02_W4th_Comp1
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
03_X163766_TK1_00020
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
04_X163766_TK2_00079
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
05_W4th_Comp2
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
06_X163766_TK1_00040
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
07_X163766_TK2_00112
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
08_W4th_COMP7
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
09_X163766_TK1_00016
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
10_X163766_TK2_00044
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
11_W4TH_COMP8
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
12_X163766_TK2_00294
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
13_X163766_TK1_00055
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
14_W4th_Comp5
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
15_X163766_TK1_00045
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
16_X163766_TK1_00062
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
17_W4th_Comp6
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
18_X163766_TK2_00311
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
19_X163766_TK1_00005
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
20_W4th_Comp3
21_X163766_TK2_00141
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
22_X163766_TK1_00051
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
23_W4th_comp4
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
24_X163766_TK1_00088
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Published