The west 4th street basketball courts in the village has welcomed countless hoops legends of the years, it's also home to a local celebrity of sorts, he's known as the Mayor of the West 4th Street Courts. His name is James Worthy, not the James Worthy of the LA Lakers.
The Court is known as "The Cage." The regulars here all have nicknames, too, Like AI for Allen Iverson. Future, Speedy Gonzales and Woody, as in Woody Harrelson in the movie, White Men Can't jump.
All names bestowed by the unofficial mayor of the West Fourth Street courts, James Worthy.
"I set the tone. You give respect, you get respect," he told us.
The cage is one of the most iconic outdoor courts in America, known for its high-quality pick-up games and annual tournament. And Worthy is its unofficial general manager, announcing games, selling water, making sure everyone gets a chance to play - and show respect, which is not-so-easy sometimes. Because The Cage is small, the games can get physical.
“A lot of names and hearts have been made or broken here. People have been dunked on and crossed over. It's a place to make a name for yourself," said Ed Pinckney, a former NBA Player from the Bronx.
"Legendary, plenty of big names have played here. Doctor J, Smush Parker, Anthony Mason," said Jason Curry, Founder of Big Apple Basketball.
The Cage also has been featured in movies and ad campaigns. But these days, Worthy is the local celeb. And if you don't know him, he'll introduce himself.
Worthy first came to the Cage 35 years ago, joining a friend to play ball.
"From the day that he brought me here I never looked back I just kept coming," said Worthy.
James Worthy might be a nickname, too. But he'll never tell.
He lives in Jamaica, Queens and works as a home attendant, but spends about eight hours a day here in warm weather, for the love of the game.
"There's so much to do with that basketball. If you share the ball anything can happen," he told us.
There's always an audience that comes from far and wide. I asked how many more times do I have to come to get a nickname? And guess what he told me.
"You don't have to come to get a nickname you've got a nickname- 'New York 1!'
“If someone wants to see great basketball they really need to come here exactly that's no question do you wanna good game you wanna play some good pick up all come to West 4th Street, make a name for yourself, I'll give you a name,” said Worthy.
And that might be the big draw.