Must Hoop : Prahran Park in Australia

If you’re looking for a court, look no further than down under. Australia isn’t just one of the best basketball countries in the world, they also boast some of the most unique courts we have ever seen. With a wide range to choose from, there are a select few streetball courts that have become famous over the years. One of those is Prahran Park located in metropolitan Melbourne, our featured “Must Hoop” basketball court.

Prahran Park visited by AND1 Team in November 2007

Prahran Park is one of the most popular and sought-out courts in the country, and ballers from all states and territories jump at the opportunity to play there when in Melbourne. Located on the outskirts of the city centre, Prahran Park is a melting pot for individuals of all ages and races to come together and get buckets.

The court was built over 20 years ago, and has since hosted must-see pickup games every Saturday. The ultimate place to be in summer, Prahran Park is the mecca of street basketball in Australia.

Recently, it hosted potential number one pick LaMelo Ball, as the 19-year-old acquainted himself with the Australian basketball culture after signing for National Basketball League (NBL) franchise Illawarra Hawks.

As its reputation has grown, Prahran Park has hosted some of the biggest basketball events on the map. In 2004, the courts hosted the world famous AND1 Mixtape Tour squad which included universally recognized names such as Hot Sauce, The Professor, Springs, Escalade and Silk. On the day, over 500 fans came to watch the AND1 team take on the local talent, with sports media powerhouse ESPN filming the event.

“Every Sunday, there is a group of locals and park legends that come together for one purpose. They call it home. Some call it Church Sundays. Some dominate at the Summer Jam, some spectate, and some run the event itself. Ballers across the nation know this place as the best court in Australia. Prahran Park has hosted the And1 mixtape. Espn. Ball Up. Global legends, Hot Sauce, Bone Collector and Professor. This is the home of the Prahran Summer Jam. The Sunday culture has existed for 20 years. These are some of the guys that carry the torch and set the trend for the next generation of park legends. Join the family. See you Sunday.” – Prahran Park Basketball Court, Melbourne, Australia

The courts received an upgrade in 2006, and following the refurbishment, it became the annual host for Australia’s famous Prahran Summer Jam – a competition which hosts former and current pros from around the world. Summer Jam brings thousands to Melbourne, and has transformed into one of the most anticipated sports events on the Australian calendar.

Summer Jam’s reputation has developed so much over the years, it caught the attention of world reknowned dunker Jordan Kilganon, who flew to Melbourne to join the event. Kilganon put on a dunk-fest for the crowd, which included jumping over a car to throw it down in front of thousands.

Just last year, the Park also welcomed NBA champion and future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce. The Boston Celtics legend joined the locals for games of one-on-one, before taking photos and answering questions about his illustrious career. Piece then ran a basketball clinic for underprivileged kids as part of his “You’re a legend” tour.

As you can tell, Prahran Park is the leading streetball venue in all of Australia. For many it’s their home away from home, and for others it’s a bucket list item for any basketball lover visiting Melbourne. 

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