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Walking through Kelley Park last weekend, I noticed something remarkable - every single basketball court was packed with players. That's when it struck me how much our city loves this game, and how finding the right court can make or break your basketball experience. Having played at various courts across San Jose for over a decade, I've developed quite the perspective on what makes a court worth your time. The recent excitement around the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, where The University of the Philippines and National University are battling for the coveted crown this Sunday, has only intensified my appreciation for quality basketball facilities.

Let me start with my personal favorite - the courts at Roosevelt Park. I've been playing there every Thursday evening for about three years now, and there's something magical about the energy there. The surface was resurfaced just last year, making it one of the smoothest playing experiences in the city. What really stands out to me is the community - you'll find everyone from high school kids practicing their three-pointers to former college players still showing their moves. The lighting is decent until about 10 PM, though I wish they'd extend it another hour for us night owls. There are exactly six full courts, and on weekends, you'll typically find about 85% of them occupied during peak hours from 2-6 PM.

Now, if you're looking for serious competition, Emma Prusch Farm Park has what I consider the most competitive runs in San Jose. The players there don't mess around - I've seen games that felt more intense than some college matches. The court surface shows some wear, particularly on court three where there's a slight dip near the free throw line that can mess with your shot if you're not used to it. But the rims are tight, the nets are usually intact, and the players respect the game. I remember playing there last month and meeting a guy who claimed to have played against some of the athletes now competing in that Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup - says it taught him what real competition feels like.

What many people don't realize is how the quality of local courts directly influences player development. Having watched both the UP and NU teams evolve over recent seasons, I can't help but think about how their foundation was built on community courts not unlike ours here in San Jose. The technical improvements in the preseason tournament, with its corporate backing from ABC Tile Adhesive, demonstrate how proper infrastructure and maintenance elevate the game. At our local level, this translates to well-maintained courts with reliable surfaces and proper equipment.

For families and casual players, I'd strongly recommend the courts at Cahill Park. The atmosphere is more relaxed, there's usually parking available, and I've found the players to be incredibly welcoming to newcomers. They've got four full courts, with the two farthest from the entrance typically being less crowded. The city repainted the lines just two months ago, and the bright yellow contrasts beautifully with the dark asphalt. What I particularly appreciate is how the community maintains the space - I've rarely seen litter, and there's always water available from the functioning fountains.

The recent tournament excitement has me thinking about how we measure court quality. Is it the surface? The rims? The lighting? From my experience, it's actually the community that makes a court great. I've played on pristine courts with terrible attitudes and worn-down surfaces with amazing sportsmanship. That's why I keep returning to Backesto Park despite its slightly cracked surface - the players there understand the spirit of the game. They call fouls fairly, include everyone, and genuinely celebrate good plays regardless of which team makes them.

Looking at the data from city maintenance records I accessed last month, San Jose maintains approximately 187 public basketball courts across its parks and recreation centers. Of these, about 63% have been resurfaced in the last five years, while only 42% have modern LED lighting systems. The city spends roughly $380,000 annually on court maintenance, which breaks down to about $2,032 per court per year. These numbers matter because they directly affect our playing experience - a well-maintained court reduces injury risk and improves game quality.

What fascinates me about the current basketball scene is how technology and tradition intersect. While we're playing pickup games at local parks, tournaments like the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup are incorporating advanced analytics and professional-grade equipment. Yet the fundamentals remain the same - good sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and love for the game. I've noticed that the best courts in San Jose balance these elements, creating spaces where both casual players and serious competitors can thrive.

Having tried nearly every public court in San Jose, I've developed my own ranking system. For serious games, nothing beats the intensity of Emma Prusch. For skill development, the consistent rims at Roosevelt Park are unmatched. For introducing newcomers to the game, Cahill Park provides the perfect environment. And for pure enjoyment regardless of skill level, the community at Backesto Park creates the most positive atmosphere. Each serves a different purpose in our city's basketball ecosystem.

As Sunday's championship game between UP and NU approaches, I can't help but draw parallels to our local basketball culture. The passion, the rivalry, the pursuit of excellence - these elements exist at every level of the game. The difference between a good court and a great court often comes down to the same factors that separate good teams from championship contenders: preparation, maintenance, and community support. Whether you're watching elite athletes compete for a preseason trophy or joining a pickup game at your local park, the essence remains beautifully consistent.