Basketball star OG Anunoby partners with Council to revamp court

A basketball court in Argyle Square Gardens is set for a major refurbishment thanks to a partnership between Camden Council, the New York Knicks basketball star, OG Anunoby, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. 

The King’s Cross court, one of the few outdoor basketball courts in central London, is located close to the Cromer Street Estate and is popular with Camden residents and visitors from across the capital, who come to play basketball, socialise and enjoy the surrounding gardens.  

However, we know from speaking to the local community that it needs a refresh.   

Thanks to funding from OG – the most high-profile British player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) – alongside contributions from our Green Space Investment Programme, the Mayor of London and the NBPA Foundation, a global basketball charity, we will work with the local community over the next year to deliver a range of improvements. 

Specifically, we will be renovating the court to provide a safe and welcoming space to help nurture local basketball talent and improving the gardens, with new landscaping and measures to support local wildlife. 

We have four bold Missions that set out our long-term goals for improving life in the borough. We are working with local people and partners across every sector to deliver mission-led projects that make a meaningful difference for Camden’s communities. 

The planned transformation of Argyle Square basketball court supports two of these Missions. By improving the court and surrounding gardens, the project will help create healthier neighbourhoods and provide a welcoming space where young people can stay active, feel inspired and be safe. 

The project also forms part of a wider effort to strengthen grassroots basketball in London. 

As a pilot project under the Mayor of London’s Basketball Taskforce, Argyle Square will become part of a network of grassroots basketball hubs across the city, helping to raise the profile of the sport and encourage participation among people of all ages. 

 To mark the launch of this exciting project, we were delighted to welcome OG, who was born near Camden and remains closely connected to the area, and the Mayor of London to Argyle Square Gardens, where they met local young people and other court users.

OG said: “I’m very excited to partner with the Mayor of London to refurbish the basketball court in Camden. Access to a court and facilities is key for young, aspiring basketball players.  

“Basketball can lead to a career, education but for so many it can also be a path to community and way to connect with others.” 

The court is home to the community basketball group, the Argyle Kings, who support local talent.  

Following the visit to the court, on Tuesday 4 August 2026, OG and representatives from the Argyle Kings – our community partners in this project – were invited to Camden Town Hall to view early design proposals and to share their feedback. 

Speaking after the event, group member, Ray Akpofure said: “I’m proud, because we worked hard to get to this point.  

“I’m also very gratified because OG didn’t have to invest in this project. He’s not only investing the funds, but his time and energy.  

“We’re also honoured that the Mayor of London paid special attention to who we are and what we are about. 

“Looking at the design plans and seeing what the court could become was a moment.” 

Ray said he was grateful to the Council for listening to their views.  

He said: “This is literally a true testament to how hard Camden Council work. They want to improve life and the environment for the people.  

“For Camden to be invested in the project, is a joy to behold and we can’t wait for the outcome.” 

Former Argyle Kings member, Anthony ‘TJ’ Hibbert, who went on to play for the Essex Rebels, tragically died in a car crash in February 2025 at the age of 24.

We hope to work with the Argyle Kings to ensure the redevelopment honours TJ’s memory and creates opportunities for future generations of players to discover and develop their love of the game, just as he did.