In partnership with NYC Parks, Legends, and the NBPA, we reimagined the Greg Marius Court, honoring its legacy while creating a new stage for the next generation. I led art direction across court design, color story, and physical brand moments for the grand reopening, ensuring the community’s heartbeat stayed at the center of every decision.
The renovation went far beyond paint. Funded by the NBPA, the project included repairing and leveling the pavement, replacing bleachers, backboards, baskets, and the scoreboard, and introducing new team benches. Custom Spalding backboards and baskets were designed specifically for the court. As NBPA executive director Michele Roberts shared, “The Rucker is legendary in the basketball world… Through this renovation, we aim to preserve the rich history of the park while ensuring that future generations of players and the Harlem community as a whole can further enhance its incredible legacy.”
The reopening was a revival that blended design, history, and community. Local leaders, players, and fans came together to celebrate, while coverage from outlets like ESPN amplified the moment far beyond Harlem. The project was part of a larger lineage of reimagined cultural spaces, showing how design can recharge legacy and transform public courts into global stages.
Through design, collaboration, and storytelling, we shaped an experience that connected generations. Rising players were given a platform to leave their mark, continuing a tradition built by those who turned local dreams into global legacies. At Rucker, design became more than visual direction. It became a tool for history, identity, and impact.