Watch the trailer for the documentary that explores the never before told story of the rise and fall of one of the nations greatest playground basketball leagues of all time once located at 16th Street and Susquehanna Ave in North Philadelphia, titled ‘16th and Philly’. The film is will premiere February 2014 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, which will launch a month of free viewing of the film in neighborhoods throughout the city in honor of Black History Month.  Watch the trailer above.

Diamond Eye Sports released the official trailer for “16^th and Philly”; a documentary exploring the never before told story of “16^th Street”, a legendary playground basketball league which has been compared to New York City’s “Rucker Park” league located at 16^th stret and Susquehanna ave. in the heart of North Philadelphia.  The trailer, viewable at http://www.16thandphilly.com/ provides a glimpse of the caliber of history and entertainment of the film.  Interviewees of the documentary feature both league legends and Philadelphia basketball historians such as Littel Vaughn, Joe Parham, Dave “Dr. Foot” Scheiner, Aaron “AO” Owens, Rodney “HotRod” Odrick, and Rahim Thompson to name a few.

 

“16th and Philly” is set to premier February 6^th, 2014 at the African American Museum to be followed by free viewings in neighborhood centers throughout Philadelphia in honor of Black History Month.  This documentary depicts the rise and fall of one of the nation’s renowned playground basketball leagues held at 16^th Street and Susquehanna Avenue in the heart of North Philadelphia.  From the late 1980’s, throughout out the 1990’s and into the to early 2000’s “16^th Street” was the paramount and regularly compared to New York City’s “Rucker Park”.  Many greats frequented the league including Wilt Chamberlain, Hank Gathers and Doug Overton, but three in particular made themselves legends; Rodney “Hotrod” Odrick, Aaron “AO” Owens, and Bryant “Sadeye” Watson.

 

Rid with economic despair and devastating conditions, 16^th Street playground was a beacon of hope for the North Philadelphia community as well as the city at large. These games brought fans from across the city and tri-state area to witness the level of competition unmatched by any other league.  The league at 16^th Street shaped Philadelphia basketball history forever.  There the legends paved the way and created a lane for the new stars of today.

 

A portion of the proceeds from the ’16^th and Philly’ documentary will go to a fund dedicated to rebuilding the facilities at the 16^th Street basketball courts and the indoor basketball courts at 25^th and Diamond in Philadelphia.

 

“I’m proud that we are able to bring a glimpse of Philadelphia basketball history to Philadelphia and the nation.” says Isaiah Nathaniel ” Excited that we were able to capture, document, and memorialize an institution that so many of us not only in the Philadelphia basketball community, but the basketball community as whole, hold dear to our hearts, The 16^th Street Games”

 

Those interested in learning more about 16^th and Philly or receiving updates about the film and its viewings should visit http://www.16thandphilly.com/ or contact npurvy@lidyr.com.   Community and business leaders interested in supporting the film or hosting a viewing please email npurvy@lidyr.com or call 267.519.7514

 

About Isaiah Nathaniel

Isaiah Nathaniel, a Philadelphia native and Central High School graduate is a 16th Street league alum and former D1 basketball player at Delaware State University. Currently he is the Founder/CEO of Calcom Technologies and Partner at Diamond Eye Sports.

 

About Diamond Eye Sports

Diamond Eye Sports is the premier sports media agency that covers regional and national high school sports. From the perspective of our photographers and videographers catch some of the brightest young stars as they make the journey from high school to college and the pros.  For more information visit Diamond Eye Sports at http://diamondeyesports.com or contact info@diamondeyesports.com.