08/26/2026
In Cinema – Maysles Documentary Center
HARLEM LEGENDS
Friday, August 28th, 2026 at 8PM
DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC
Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau, 2013, 83 min.
DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC explores the history, culture and social impact of New York’s summer “b-ball” scene, also known as “pick-up ball” and “playground basketball.”
Co-directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau visited 180 courts throughout NYC’s five boroughs—within 75 hot summer days—to create their debut documentary. The filmmakers traveled to a majority of the locations by bicycle, carrying cameras and a ball in their backpacks. The film’s title refers as much to the subject matter as it does to the method of filmmaking, providing an unprecedented perspective on America’s most popular, and accessible, free recreation, which has influenced an international lifestyle.
In New York City, pick-up is not just a sport. It is a way of life. There are 700+ outdoor courts, and an estimated 500,000 players, the most loyal of which approach the game as a religion, and the playground as their church.
DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK lovingly uncovers this movement through the voices of playground legends, NBA athletes, and most importantly the common man and woman, including those incarcerated and handicapped, who loyally look forward to experiencing the raw energy of the game at their local outdoor court.
“You can play high school or college for four years. You can play Pro for a decade. You can play pick-up... for life.”
