07/12/2026
As a longtime Harlem baller, student of the game, and streetball proponent, I am in shock and, on some level, mourning the recent shooting at Friday night's pro-am game at King Towers on Lenox Avenue. Kinu Rochford, a 35-year-old graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, was shot and killed during a melee that left two others wounded
Formerly known as the "King Dome", the tournament offers the highest level of talent, on par with that of the Rucker and Dyckman scenes. While it has been many years since I visited, I vividly recall seeing Rafer"Skip to my Lou" Alston and "AliMoe" doing some next-level stuff in this venue that has now, sadly, been blighted by murder.
I have been following Harlem's streetball culture since the mid-sixties Riverton tournament, led by the great Cal Ramsey, soon after witnessing the newly anointed "Doctor J" in Holcolmb Rucker's inspired platform, and later the EBC tournament led by my friend, "The Commissioner" Greg Marius.
The level of electricity at these games has been nothing short of indescribable. Sadly, that incredible energy has sometimes been accompanied by violence.
I hope that NYCHA and NYPD will have solutions that will allow these competitions to safely continue, as they are valued and for the most part, positive contributors to the community.
Prayers go out to Mr Rochford, those injured, and the kids just out for a good time.
