6/26/09 - JONNY FLYNN SELECTED #6 IN NBA DRAFT!
BAB INVITATIONAL STANDOUT TAKEN IN LOTTERY, GREEN HEADS TO CAVS
New York, NY - Jonny Flynn was taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-0 point guard was one of the top players in the Big East this past season for the Syracuse Orangemen, averaging 17 points per game as a sophomore.
He was selected to the All-Big East Second Team and was an Honorable Mention All-American. During his freshman campaign, Flynn was also named the Big East co-Rookie of the Year.
In his two seasons at Syracuse, Flynn averaged 16.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists, including 17.4 points and 6.7 assists per game during his sophomore campaign. In the epic six overtime, Big East tournament game versus UConn, he played a game-high 67 minutes and scored 34 points.
Danny Green, who was a participant in the 2005 BAB Invitational was also selected in the draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. Green who was a McDonald's All-American and standout at North Carolina is still amongst the leaders for blocks in a game in BAB Invitational history.
6/23/09 - BIG APPLE BASKETBALL ON MSG'S SUMMERBALL!!
New York, NY - Check out the complete video from the MSG television show featuring Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry and the BAB Training Program.
5/16/09 - BAB STANDOUT BRANDON KNIGHT #1 NATIONALLY
INVITATIONAL PARTICIPANT STOCK SOARS TO TOP SPOT NATIONALLY!
Coral Springs, FL - 2009 Big Apple Basketball Invitational participant, Brandon Knight, is now ranked the No. 1 overall high school player in the nation, according to Rivals.com. He was previously rated as the top point guard nationally and No. 2 prospect overall.
Knight becomes the second consecutive point guard to be ranked No. 1 overall by Rivals.com, following his Florida AAU teammate, John Wall this season.
Knight, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound point guard from Pine Crest High School in Coral Springs, FL, played two games in this season's Invitational. He scored 23 points in a 70-53 loss to Rice High in their first game and bounced back with a strong 43 point and 10 rebound performance versus Bishop Loughlin High in their second game.
Based solely on his performance in the BAB Invitational, Knight was named 2nd Team All-Tournament for the 2009 showcase.
5/11/09 - LAMBERT SHELL RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE!!
GUEST SPEAKER AT U. BRIDGEPORT GRADUATION
Bridgeport, CT - Lambert Shell, a member of the Big Apple Basketball 35-n-over team, and former University of Bridgeport basketball star, was recently the principal speaker at the UB graduation ceremony. Shell also received an honorary degree from University President Neal Albert Salonen.
Below is an excerpt from a Connecticut Post article on Shell's honor!
BY CHRIS ELSBERRY:
The lives of the women that came into the treatment center where Lambert Shell worked in Queens, N.Y., were in a shambles. Many of these women had been sexually molested. Others had been physically abused. They came seeking help. They came seeking support.
Some women were as old as 21 but others were as young as 12. They were women looking to rebuild everything that had been taken away from them. That's where Shell came in. He was working to help these women find some light in what had become for them, a world of darkness.
He worked with these women. He counseled them, educated them. It was the education part of the job that Shell liked best. Finding programs for these women, getting them back in tune with the real world, that's what Shell enjoyed most.
And it was about continuing that education portion of his job that first brought Shell to the Queens Library almost a decade ago. And it is that education, that empowerment, which continues to drive him today. On Saturday, Shell will be the principal speaker at UB's 99th graduation ceremony at the Arena at Harbor Yard and will receive an honorary degree from President Neal Albert Salonen.
"I'm both (excited and nervous)," Shell said. "I was excited when they first asked me to do it and now I'm starting to get a little nervous because this has nothing to do with sports or my basketball career, this is all about what I've done off the court."
You remember what Lambert Shell did on the basketball court, don't you? In the long and storied history of basketball at the University of Bridgeport, Shell is the program's biggest and best chapter. He scored 3,001 points, was a three-time Division II All-American, was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year as a senior and he led the Purple Knights to back-to-back national championship games in 1991 and '92.
4/25/09 - CURRY GUEST SPEAKER AT HARLEM CHILDREN'S ZONE
BAB PREZ TO SPEAK TO YOUTH AT ATHLETE'S FOR CHARITY EVENT!
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry will be a guest speaker today at the Athlete's for Charity and Harlem Children's Zone's Sports Symposium in Manhattan.
Curry will take part in a meet and greet, a question and answer session, and speak to an expected audience of approximately 250 youth. He will talk about his personal background, his career pathway to sports, and offer advice to youth exploring careers in sports.
The symposium, titled, "How to Slam Dunk without a Basketball: Exploring Career Opportunities in the World of Basketball," will feature several panelists involved in basketball in different career capacities. The panelists will include, Curry, Ben Osborne (SLAM), Shannon Joyner (NBA), Cal Ramsey (Knicks), Jeff Scott (Nets), Daryl Smith (D-Trained), Jamone West (ESPN) and Juel Wiggan (New Heights).
4/22/09 - JONATHAN SCHMIDT NAMED 1ST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN
FORMER BAB SCHOLARSHIP PARTICIPANT EARNS PRESTIGIOUS HONORS
Brookville, NY - (from CW Post website) Two organziations released their basketball All-America honorees, and Jonathan Schmidt recieved kudos from both organizations. Basketball Times named the senior a First Team All-American, while Division II Bulletin placed him on the Third Team.
Schmidt capped of a phenomenal career for the C.W. Post Pioneers with a senior season that saw him start all 31 games, averaging 19.0 points per game and 5.96 assists per game, both tops of the team. The East Coast Conference Player of the Year helped lead the Pioneers to an undefeated season, an ECC Regular season and Championship Title, and the team’s first NCAA East Region Championship, earning the Pioneers an appearance in the Elite Eight.
The senior guard ended his career with 1,980 career points, setting a new school record for career points scored. Schmidt broke several other career records including three pointers made and free throws made. He also had 512 rebounds and 649 assists and never missed a game, playing 4465 minutes. A four-year starter and two-time ECC Player of the Year, Schmidt also earned Daktronics All-Region First Team honors.
Schmidt was a participant in the 2005 Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games showcase.
4/19/09 - 6TH ANNUAL BAB SCHOLARSHIP GAMES A SUCCESS!
WATCH GAMES ONLINE!!
The event, featured many of the top unsigned seniors in the New York City metro area, and was highlighted by two showcase games in Baruch's athletic and recreation building.
This one-day expo was designed to showcase the top unsigned seniors in the New York City metro area -- based upon their academic achievements and basketball ability -- to college coaches for scholarship opportunities. The event was free of charge to the student-athletes, as Big Apple Basketball continues to establish the "bridge" between college coaches and NYC area student-athletes.
All student-athletes were academically eligible to compete in varsity athletics during the 2008-2009 season.
The Scholarship Games combined drills and games for an accurate assessment of the high school players by the coaches.
Check out complete information on the Scholarship Games, including viewing games online, participants, ordering player profiles and more.
4/15/09 - CHARLES JENKINS NAMED MET PLAYER OF THE YEAR
FIRST SOPHOMORE TO WIN AWARD SINCE CHRIS MULLIN IN 1983
East Rutherford, NJ - Charles Jenkins of Hofstra was named winner of the 76th Haggerty Award as the 2008-09 All-Met Division I men’s college basketball player of the year, presented by the National Invitation Tournament and the Met Basketball Writers Assn.
A sophomore guard from Queens, N.Y., Jenkins led the Pride with 19.7 ppg (second in the CAA), 137 assists/4.3 apg, 46 steals, 40.4 percent shooting from the floor and 82.1 percent from the free throw line.
Named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association first team, Jenkins is the first sophomore to win the Haggerty Award since Chris Mullin of St. John’s in 1983.
4/2/09 - STEPHENSON, ORIAKHI PLAY IN MCDONALD'S AA GAME
TWO BAB PARTICIPANTS PLAY IN ALL-AMERICAN SHOWCASE
Miami, FL - Two Big Apple Basketball participants, Lance Stephenson and Alex Oriakhi played in the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game. The McDonald's showcase, arguably the most prestigious high school All-American game, was won by the East 113-110 over the West.
Stephenson was a participant in the 2009 BAB Invitational and 2006 BAB Challenge with Lincoln High, while Oriakhi played in the 2007 BAB Invitational with Winchendon Prep.
Two of the most highly touted players in the country teamed up for the difference-making bucket. Derrick Favors, who's headed to Georgia Tech, slammed home an alley oop pass from Stephenson to give the East a 111-110 lead with 42 seconds remaining.
Xavier Henry, who's received plenty of attention this week because of John Calipari's move from Memphis to Kentucky, confirmed he would not be attending Memphis next year. He was signed and ready to join his older brother, C.J., and the Tigers, but had a clause in his agreement that allowed him to back out if Calipari left the program.
Favors led the East with 19 points, while the West's Keith Gallon led all scorers with 20 points. Stephenson contributed 12 points and Oriakhi scored five points for the East. Stephenson, rated a top 10 player nationally, is undecided on his college, while the 6'9 Oriakhi, who has been compared to Xavier McDaniel, will be attending UConn next season.
3/30/09 - RICE WINS STATE "AA" CHAMPIONSHIP
DEFEATS LINCOLN & NEWBURGH FREE ACADEMY IN GLENS FALLS
Glens Falls, NY - Big Apple Basketball Invitational participant, Rice High School defeated Newburgh Free Academy to win the New York State High School "AA" championship.
After dismantling Lincoln High School by 27 points in the semi-finals, the Rice Raiders needed overtime to get by the gutsy Newburgh team, 70-68. Rice's Durand Scott (Miami) led all scorers with 23 points and was named the MVP, while James Stukes added 18 points.
The Raiders had jumped out to a 21-5 lead to start the game, but Newburgh battled back in the second quarter to cut the deficit to four and led throughout most of the fourth quarter, until Scott hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
3/29/09 - L.I. LUTHERAN WINS CLASS 'A' STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
DEFEATS BAB PARTICIPANT JAMESVILLE-DEWITT TO WIN CROWN
Glens Falls, NY - Two Big Apple Basketball Invitational participants squared off for the Class 'A' state championship. Led by nationally ranked junior, Tobias Harris and super-sophomore Achraf Yacoubou, Long Island Lutheran defeated Jamesville-Dewitt High School, 68-51.
Harris scored 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and had three blocks and two steals. Yacoubou scored 16 points and held Jamesville-Dewitt superstar Brandon Triche to eight points (almost 20 below his average). Triche has committed to attend Syracuse next season.
Long Island Lutheran, who played without Harris, went 0-2 in the 2009 BAB Invitational. Lutheran lost a close contest to New York City power Thomas Jefferson and was never in the game versus "AA" state champ Rice in their other BAB contest.
Jamesville-Dewitt was extremely sharp in their lone NYC game versus Lincoln and Lance Stephenson, handing the New York City PSAL champs a 75-63 defeat in front of the capacity crowd at Baruch College.
3/25/09 - BAB BOARD MEMBER WHITTAKER AUTHORS BOOK!!
CELESTE WHITTAKER TO APPEAR AT PHILADELPHIA BOOK FESTIVAL
Cherry Hill, NJ - (from the Africana Homestead Legacy Publishers Newsletter)
Join us in our booth in the Literary Marketplace at the Philadelphia Book Festival from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19.
In its third year, this event is sponsored by the Free Library of Philadelphia and other supporters. AHLP associates will sell the company's books and book accessories at a great price. Some AHLP authors also will be on hand to meet and greet the public, read from their works, sign books, and give media interviews.
For more information you can call 856-773-0694 ext. 206
3/25/09 - FISHER'S BODY OF WORK STRONG FOR VILLANOVA
By CELESTE E. WHITTAKER • Courier-Post Staff
(ARTICLE BY CELESTE WHITTAKER, BAB BOARD MEMBER)
Corey Fisher's game has grown by leaps and bounds this season for Villanova.
The second-year guard's body has been reshaped, too.
"He changed his eating habits," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "For a kid that age to be able to do that is very, very impressive."
A year ago, Fisher weighed 205 pounds; today, he's 192. Perhaps that's one reason why he has emerged as one of the team's top players off the bench.
"I had to get my weight down to be as quick as I am and to be able to defend," Fisher, from the Bronx, N.Y., explained.
Not only has the guard lost weight, he seems to be in complete control on the court. He plays much better defense, and he takes good shots without forcing them.
In Saturday's 89-69 win over UCLA in an NCAA tournament second-round game at the Wachovia Center, Fisher had 13 points, five assists and three rebounds in 25 minutes. He also had zero turnovers.
3/22/09 - LINCOLN MAKES HISTORY AT MSG!!
WIN FOURTH CONSECUTIVE PSAL CITY CHAMPIONSHIP VS. KENNEDY
New York, NY - The Lincoln Railsplitters dominated John F. Kennedy High School en route to their record setting fourth consecutive PSAL city championship at Madison Square Garden.
The game was never in doubt as Lincoln, led by senior star, Lance Stephenson, cruised to a 78-56 victory. He earned MVP honors for the fourth straight year, posting 24 points, 10 rebounds and five steals in his final high school game in New York City.
Lincoln (22-10) will face another 2009 BAB Invitational participant, Rice High in the AA semifinals of the state federation tournament on Saturday in Glens Falls, New York. Rice, led by senior Durand Scott, headed to Miami, earned two victories in the BAB Invitational, with wins over Pine Crest (FL) and L.I. Lutheran.
3/19/09 - 29 BAB PLAYERS COMPETE IN 2009 NCAA TOURNEY!
Indianapolis, IN - This season's NCAA Men's Basketball Division I tournament features 27 student-athletes that have participated in Big Apple Basketball programs. Since 2003, Big Apple Basketball has showcased many high school boys basketball players in the Scholarship Games, High School Invitational and High School Challenge.
See the list below of the 29 former BAB players that are in the 2009 NCAA tourney!
Matthew Bryan-Amaning (Washington/South Kent); Anthony Brown (Oklahoma State/Benjamin Banneker); Darryl Bryant (West Virginia/St. Raymond); Da'Sean Butler (West Virginia/Bloomfield Tech); Devin Ebanks (West Virginia/St. Thomas More); Kim English (Missouri/Notre Dame Prep); Levance Fields (Pittsburgh/Xaverian); Jonny Flynn (Syracuse/Niagara Falls); Danny Green (North Carolina/St. Mary's); Luis Guzman (Temple/Paramus Catholic); Paul Harris (Syracuse/Notre Dame Prep); Lazar Hayward (Marquette/Notre Dame Prep); Patrick Hazel (Marquette/Blair);Jamelle Horne (Arizona/San Diego); Kris Joseph (Syracuse/Archbishop Carroll); Marcus Morris (Kansas/Apex); Markieff Morris (Kansas/Apex); Antonio Pena (Villanova/St. Thomas More); Steven Priestley (Siena/Uniondale); Ryan Rossiter (Siena/Monsignor Farrell); Rakim Sanders (Boston College/St. Andrew's); Edgar Sosa (Louisville/Rice); Kyrie Sutton (Binghamton/Boys and Girls); Isaiah Thomas (Washington/South Kent); Edwin Ubiless (Siena/St. Thomas More); Kemba Walker (Connecticut/Rice); Alexis Wangmene (Texas/Blair); Brian Williams (Tennessee/Columbus); Sean Williams (Syracuse/Notre Dame Prep).
3/18/09 - DAVIS SETS NCAA DOUBLE-DOUBLE RECORD!!
New York, NY - (from Baruch college website) Junior forward Kalea Davis continues to be recognized for a successful 2008-09 season by being named to the D3Hoops.com Atlantic Region Second All-Star Team.
Kalea had a record-breaking season by recording 18 straight double-doubles to finish as the all-time NCAA Division III leader in consecutive double-doubles.
Overall, the team captain finished with an average of 16.4 points and 12.2 rebounds to lead the Bearcats (24-6) into the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
She also played a major part in keeping the team undefeated in the CUNYAC regular season and tournament with a perfect 16-0 record. Her 2008-2009 accomplishments included CUNY Athletic Conference First Team, CUNY Athletic Conference All Tournament Team, NCAA Div. III record of 18 consecutive double-doubles, 26 total double-doubles this season, first in CUNYAC with 12.2 rebounds per game.
Davis has been a participant in the BAB Training program during the summers and falls of 2007 and 2008.
3/15/09 - JONNY FLYNN NAMED BIG EAST TOURNEY MVP
FORMER BAB STAR EARNS PRESTIGIOUS HONOR FOR SYRACUSE
New York, NY - Syracuse sophomore point guard, Jonny Flynn was named the Big East Tournament MVP after a spectacular four day performance at Madison Square Garden.
Flynn played almost every minute of every game during Syracuse's four games, including victories over Seton Hall, Connecticut and West Virginia before losing to Louisville in the championship.
He played 67 out of 70 minutes against UConn in a six-overtime game during Thursday's quarterfinal, and played all 45 minutes the next night in another overtime win versus West Virginia.
He averaged 19.8 points and 9.3 assists over the four games, and became just the fourth player from the losing team to win the Most Outstanding Player award in the tournament's 30-year history.
Flynn is a former three-time MVP in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational, in a total of four games. As a junior for Niagara Falls High School, he set BAB records, posting 32 points versus Robeson High (featuring Malcolm Grant) and 31 versus St. Dominic's on back-to-back days. As a senior Flynn returned to New York and set the BAB Invitational assist record with 11 versus Cardozo.
3/15/09 - RICE HOLDS OFF CTK TO WIN CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
THE RAIDERS EARN ANOTHER CATHOLIC LEAGUE TITLE
Bronx, NY - Rice High School defeated Christ the King 67-58 at Fordham University to win the CHSAA "AA" city championship.
Rice was led by Miami-bound Durand Scott with 27 points. The win made Rice head coach, Maurice Hicks, the first CHSAA coach to win six city titles. In addition, Hicks has one PSAL city championship.
The Rice Raiders (22-3) led from the beginning, taking a 29-22 halftime lead and going up 13 in the third quarter. But CK (25-4) stormed back behind sophomore Corey Edwards, who scored 10 fourth quarter points.
The Royals eventually closed the gap to 59-58 with just over a minute to play, but Scott scored on a floater to make it 61-58 and seal the victory.
Both Rice and Christ the King were participants in this season's Big Apple Basketball events. Christ the King lost a tight contest to Boys and Girls High School in the BAB Challenge, while Rice earned two victories over Pine Crest (FL) and L.I. Lutheran in the BAB Invitational.
3/10/09 - FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT NAMED ACC ROY
SYLVEN LANDESBERG LEADS UVA DURING '08-'09 CAMPAIGN
RALEIGH, N.C.— (from UVa website) Virginia freshman guard Sylven Landesberg is the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year.
Landesberg received 55 votes and Al-Farouq Aminu of Wake Forest was second in the voting with 20 votes.
“Coming in as a freshman, I wanted to make an impact as big as I could,“ Landesberg told The Associated Press. “I wasn’t expecting it, and I don’t think anybody else expected it to be this big.“
Landesberg is the fourth Virginia men’s basketball player to be named ACC Rookie of the Year joining Ralph Sampson (1980), Bryant Stith (1989) and Chris Williams (1999).
“I think I prepared myself very well for this,“ Landesberg told The Associated Press. “After my high school season ended, I went through numerous workouts, day in and day out, just to get ready to play ACC basketball. I knew it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, so I tried to put myself through the toughest workouts I could find, and that helped me out a lot to get to this position.“
Landesberg leads ACC freshmen in scoring (16.8 ppg) and minutes played (34.1 mpg). He is ranked third among conference rookies in rebounding (6.0 per game) and assists (2.7 per game). Landesberg was named ACC Rookie of the Week six times this season, a total that is tied for third in conference history.
He has scored in double figures 22 times and his 12 20-point games are a UVa freshman record.
3/12/09 - DARREN DUNCAN NAMED FINALIST FOR COUSY AWARD
FORMER BAB SCHOLARSHIP GAMES PARTICIPANT THRIVING IN DIVISION II
North Andover, MA – (from Merrimack College website) Merrimack College captain, Darren Duncan has been named a finalist for the prestigious Bob Cousy Award given to the top collegiate male basketball point guard in the country.
Duncan, a junior, is one of 16 finalists, and one of two players from Division II, to be named as a finalist. Twelve of the 16 finalists are from Division I while two each are from Division II and III.
The Bob Cousy Award is given to the top collegiate male basketball point guard annually spanning across all divisions within the game by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Duncan leads the Northeast-10 conference in scoring with 20.1 points per game and assists with 7.3 per game. He leads the conference in free throws attempted and made and is on pace to set the school record for free throws attempted and made in a season and in a career. The junior captain reached the 1,000 point milestone on November 24. He ranks third nationally in assists per game and 25th nationally in scoring.
Previous winners of the award include D.J. Augustin (2008) of the University of Texas, Acie Law IV (2007) of Texas A&M, Dee Brown of Illinois (2006), Raymond Felton from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2005) and Jameer Nelson from St. Joseph’s University (2004).
The 2009 finalists include, Sheron Collins, Kansas; Darren Collison, UCLA; Stephen Curry, Davidson College; Toney Douglas, Florida State; Levance Fields, Pittsburgh; Jonny Flynn, Syracuse; Dominic James, Marquette; Ty Lawson, North Carolina; Eric Maynor Virginia Commonwealth; Patrick Mills St. Mary’s College; Jeremy Pargo Gonzaga; AJ Price, Connecticut; Jeff Teague Wake Forest.
DIVISION II - Virgil Buensuceso BYU – Hawaii; Darren Duncan Merrimack
DIVISION III - David Arseneault Grinnell College; Sean Wallis Washington University
Duncan was also a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games, showcasing the top 40 unsigned seniors in the New York metro area to college basketball coaches for college scholarship opportunities, based upon their academic achievements and basketball ability.
3/3/09 - NYIKA WILLIAMS NAMED JUCO LEAGUE MVP
FORMER LOCAL STANDOUT EARNS MVP HONORS
Great Bend, KS - Former Monsignor McClancy star, Nyika Williams has been voted the MVP of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.
The 6'8 sophomore forward, averaged 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game in leading Barton Community College to a 28-5 record. That is the most wins by Barton since they won 29 games in 2001 and finished 7th at the NJCAA National Tournament.
Williams played on the BAB Pro Summer Team in 2008 and will be attending Pacific University in the fall.
3/2/09 - CONGRATULATIONS TO BAB PLAYER, DAVID CAPERS
NEWBORN BABY, LAYLA JASLENE
Greenwich, CT - Congratulations to Big Apple Basketball player, David Capers and his wife Diana, on their newborn daughter, Layla Jaslene.
The healthy newborn was 6 pounds, 8 ounces and 19 inches long. Both mother and daughter are doing well.
2/27/09 - WATCH BIG APPLE BASKETBALL WEBCAST!
BAB INVITATIONAL...PINE CREST (FL) VS. RICE (NYC)
New York, NY - Check out the webcast of the 2009 Big Apple Basketball Invitational!
The webcast features the matchup between The Pine Crest School (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Rice High School (Harlem, NY) during the January invitational. Pine Crest features the #2 rated junior nationally in Brandon Knight and Rice senior, Durand Scott who committed to the University of Miami.
Rice defeated Pine Crest 70-53, as Scott earned MVP honors with 26 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, while Knight took home the Sportsmanship Award, scoring 23 points.
2/25/09 - DAVIS SETS NCAA RECORD!!!
BAB PARTICIPANT, KALEA DAVIS SETS WOMEN'S DOUBLE-DOUBLE RECORD
New York, NY - Baruch College junior forward, Kalea Davis set a women's NCAA Division III record with 16 consecutive double-doubles.
Davis scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Baruch's 87-75 victory over Brooklyn College to advance to their conference championship.
In a statement posted on the Baruch College website: "It's an amazing accomplishment," said Davis. "It feels like a big boulder has been lifted off my shoulders now and I can concentrate on our team goal, and that's to win another CUNYAC championship, then head on into the NCAA tournament and make some noise."
Davis has scored in double figures in all of Baruch's 23 games this season, and in each of the three games she did not get a double-double, Davis grabbed nine rebounds!
2/24/09 - TWO BAB WOMEN PLAYERS TOPS IN NATION!
MONIQUE SALMON LEADS IN ASSISTS, KALEA DAVIS 23 DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Sophomore point guard, Monique Salmon (pictured) is leading the nation in assists (DIII), averaging 8.8 per contest. She is also a first-team all conference (CUNY) selection.
Junior forward, Kalea Davis is currently tied for first all-time NCAA Div. III with 15 consecutive double-doubles. Davis has scored in double figures in all of Baruch's 23 games this season, and in each of the three games she did not get a double-double, Davis grabbed nine rebounds!
Like Salmon, Davis is also a 2008-09 CUNY Athletic Conference First Team selection, finishing second in scoring (17.2) and first in rebounding (12.6) in the conference. She also finished second in the league MVP voting.
Baruch finished the CUNY Athletic Conference schedule unbeaten for the second time in three years. Davis is 41-1 overall in conference regular season games throughout her career. The team enters the CUNYAC Tournament as the #1 seed, seeking their third NCAA berth in four years.
2/23/09 - DEVIN EBANKS TABBED BIG EAST ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
DA'SEAN BUTLER NAMED TO BIG EAST WEEKLY HONOR ROLL
It is his third time this season being named Rookie of the Week by the Big East. Ebanks averaged a double-double last week in wins over Notre Dame and Rutgers. He had 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists against Notre Dame. Ebanks followed that up with 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals against Rutgers.
His teammate, Da'Sean Butler earned a spot on the Conference's "Honor Roll" last week after a 43 point performance versus Villanova. Butler was also a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Invitational.
2/11/09 - JOHN HOLLAND EARNS #1 PLAY ON SPORTSCENTER!
BAB SCHOLARSHIP GAMES PARTICIPANT DUNKS HIS WAY TO TOP SPOT!!!
Burlington, VT - Former Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games participant, John Holland earned the #1 highlight of the night on SportsCenter with his ferocious dunk versus the University of Vermont.
Holland, a 6-5 guard for Boston University dunked in transition over a Vermont defender and drew a foul! The play was rated as the top play of the night by ESPN from a collection of various NBA, college basketball and U.S. soccer games.
Holland, a sophomore, was a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games. He's currently averaging17.9 points per game and is third in the America East Conference in scoring. Holland also ranks in the Top 10 in several America East categories including scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, steals, 3-pt field goal percentage, 3-pt. field goals made, offensive rebounds and minutes played.
"On behalf of our family, I want to thank you and your staff for giving him and many other unnoticed basketball players an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents," said Holland's father, John Holland. "Playing with and against so many BAB players really helped him to gain confidence and esteem in his worth and ability. Keep up the great work in helping so many young men achieve their dreams through higher education and basketball."
2/8/09 - BIG APPLE BASKETBALL PRESIDENT ON WHCR
JASON CURRY WILL BE ON-AIR TODAY
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry will be a guest on WHCR radio today.
Curry will be on-air at 4pm to talk basketball. The discussion will revolve around the state of local NBA teams, college basketball, high school basketball and the BAB program.
Tune into WHCR on 90.3 FM. Curry will be on with host Stephanie Stepp, on the show "What's Going On".
2/4/09 - JOEL WRIGHT CHOOSES FORDHAM
BAB PARTICIPANT & THOMAS JEFFERSON FORWARD HEADED TO A-10
Brooklyn, NY - Thomas Jefferson 6-6 junior forward, Joel Wright has verbally committed to attend Fordham University. The athletic Wright chose the Rams over several Big East suitors.
Fordham coach, Dereck Whittenburg coached Thomas Jefferson head coach, Lawrence Pollard and Jefferson assistant Seldon Jefferson when they played at West Virginia in the mid-90's. Whittenburg was a WVU assistant at the time.
2/2/09 - BRANDON ROMAIN FEATURED IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATEDSCHOLARSHIP GAMES PARTICIPANT HIGHLIGHTED IN "FACES IN THE CROWD"
Waterbury, CT - 2008 BAB Scholarship Games participant, Brandon Romain was recently featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd".
Romain a freshman guard at Post University (CT) scored 41 points, on 17-22 shooting versus Division I South Dakota. Romain was also named Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference player of the week for the Division II Post University Eagles. It was the first win ever for Post over a Division I school.
1/29/09 - FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT DOMINATING IN PAC-10
ISAIAH THOMAS LEADS WASHINGTON IN PAC-10
Seattle, WA - Former Big Apple Basketball Invitational participant, isaiah Thomas is making his mark felt in the Pac-10. Thomas, a freshman at Washington, is headed towards Pac-10 Rookie of the Year honors and has the Huskies in the Top 25, while averaging 16.5 points per game.
Thomas has scored in double figures 17 consecutive games, which is tops in the conference! He also recently earned Pac-10 Freshman of the Week.
1/26/09 - STIX MITCHELL NAMED TO BIG EAST HONOR ROLL
South Orange, NJ - Congratulations to former Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games participant, Robert "Stix" Mitchell as he was selected to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll.
Mitchell, a sophomore, averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks during Seton Hall's 1-1 week. He is averaging 16 points and nine rebounds per game this season.
Mitchell was also a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Invitational when he played on a loaded Notre Dame Prep team that featured Paul Harris (Syracuse), Lazar Hayward (Marquette) and Derrick Caracter (Louisville/UTEP). Mitchell spent his freshman campaign at Duquesne and earned Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year honors before transferring to Seton Hall.
1/23/09 - NATE BROWN SIGNS WITH D LEAGUE
FORMER BAB PRO TOURING TEAM PLAYER JOINS AUTIN TOROS
Austin, TX - Nate Brown has signed with the Austin Toros of the NBA Developmental League.
In his first three game, the 6'1, 190 pound, Brown is averaging eight points and nine assists per game. During his last two contests he has posted 11 points, 12 assists and four steals in 38 minutes, followed by an 11 point, 11 assist and six rebound performance in 46 minutes.
1/19/09 - KNIGHT, SMITH BOTH SCORE 40+ ON MONDAY AND WIN!
RICE HANDLES LI LUTHERAN, BLAIR GETS BY STM + ALL TOURNEY TEAMS
New York, NY - Pine Crest's Brandon Knight and Archbishop Molloy's Russ Smith stole the show on Monday during day two of the Big Apple Basketball Invitational. Smith scored 41 during the first game of the day, and Knight, rated the #2 junior nationally pumped in 43 in the second game.
The first game featured Greenport and their high scoring guard Ryan Creighton versus Archbishop Molloy and the prolific scoring Smith. The game was never in doubt as Molloy raced to a 28-14 first quarter lead and went on to win 85-62. Creighton, who recently scored a school recorded 45 points, prior to the BAB Invitational, was held to 12 points on 4-17 shooting. Smith, the 6'0 senior guard, came to play and was extremely efficient in his 41 point outburst, shooting 16-28 from the field and 7-8 from the foul line. Smith also tallied eight assists, seven rebounds and four assists. Sophomore, Dantre Lanthorne led Greenport with 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
Game two pitted Pinecrest against Bishop Loughlin. Pine Crest outlasted Loughlin, 90-80, while converting 35-40 free throws, but the story of the game was Knight, who showed why he is one of the top juniors in the country, as his 43 points placed him second all-time in BAB Invitational history. Knight also grabbed 10 rebounds in earning MVP honors. Nationally ranked junior, Jayvaughn Pinkston was also impressive for Bishop Loughlin, as he finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in earning Sportsmanship honors.
The third game was not much of a contest as Rice blewout Long Island Lutheran, 71-45 on a balanced team effort led by 6'8 junior, Kadeem Jack's 11 points and eight rebounds. Jack earned MVP honors, while sophomore sensation Achraf Yocoubou (Sportsmanship) paced Lutheran with 24 points, four rebounds and three steals.
In the final game Blair broke open a close game in the second half and pulled away from St. Thomas More for a 65-51 win. Rutgers bound Austin Johnson (MVP) led Blair with 16 points, while Andrew Davis (Sportsmanship) paced St. Thomas More with 12.
Click on the links below for complete tourney information.
1/17/09 - JAMESVILLE-DEWITT SHOCKS LINCOLN AT BAB INVIT'NL
PINE CREST STRUGGLES, JEFF SURVIVES, NDP CRUSHES APEX, DOZO WINS
New York, NY - Day 1 of the BAB Invitational was spectacular at Baruch College. In front of a packed house, several high school teams demonstrated their talent in the Big Apple.
In Game 1, Benjamin Cardozo (Queens) outlasted St. Peter's (Staten island) as Cardozo erased a one point deficit at the end of the third quarter. Cardozo led by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter and went on to win 67-54. Cardozo's Reynaldo Walters was the MVP (20 points, five assists), while St. Peter's Lenny Ragaglia earned the Sportsmanship Award (18 points).
Game 2 wasn't much of a game as Notre Dame Prep (MA) was too talented for Apex (NJ) and cruised to a 100-69 blowout. NDP placed four players in double figures with Sean Kilpatrick (MVP, 21 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds), Johnny Lacy (17 points), James Southerland (15 points) and Jake Barnett (11 points). Apex was led by NYC native, Malcolm Pope with 19 points (Sportsmanship).
The 3rd game was the closest game of the day as a depleted Long Island Lutheran (L.I.) team (missing nationally ranked junior Tobias Harris due to injury) played New York City power Thomas Jefferson (Brooklyn) tough before falling 59-55. Jefferson was led by all-city candidate Keith Spellman (MVP 21 points, 10 rebounds), while Tyler Harris posted 23 points for L.I. Lutheran (Sportsmanship).
The 4th game was a surprisingly lopsided contest as Rice was never challenged by Pine Crest (FL) and their heavily touted junior, Brandon Knight. Rice blewout Pine Crest 70-53. Pine Crest got off to a slow start, posting only 13 first half points and never recovered. Durand Scott (Rice) earned MVP honors with 26 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, while Pine Crest's Knight took home the Sportsmanship Award on a night where he scored 23 points on 7-26 shooting.
The marquee matchup of the night lived up to its billing. The one exception is that Jamesville-Dewitt (Syracuse) came to New York City and shocked three-time city champs Lincoln High School (Brooklyn). Lincoln and their star, Lance Stephenson came out strong as Stephenson displayed several spectacular moves, passes, dunks and finishes early on. But Jamesville-Dewitt was not rattled led by senior point guard, Brandon Triche. Jamesville-Dewitt led by three heading into the fourth quarter, and Lincoln fizzled in the fourth and couldn't execute on either end. Jamesville-Dewitt outscored Lincoln 25-16 in the final stanza and was paced by Alshawn Hymes (28 points), MVP Triche (20 points, six rebounds, four assists) and freshman sensation, Dajuan Coleman (12 points, 10 rebounds). Lincoln was led on subpar performance by star, Lance Stephenson (15 points, eight rebounds, five steals and four assists).
Day 2 of the BAB invitational will take place on Monday, January 19 at Hunter College in Manhattan. To see event photos and additional info. CLICK HERE!
1/14/09 - HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOP 10 BAB INVITATIONAL PLAYERS!
WHO'S #1 OF ALL TIME...BEASLEY, FLYNN, CHANDLER, GREEN, EBANKS?
New York, NY - Check out highlight video of the Top 10 players of all-time in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational. This year will mark the 6th Annual BAB Invitational.
The showcase has featured many, many high profile players including, Mike Beasley (Miami Heat), Jonny Flynn (Syracuse), Danny Green (North Carolina), Corey Chandler (Rutgers), Antonio Pena (Villanova), Ronald Ramon (Pitt), Lazar Hayward (Marquette), AJ Stewart (Kentucky), Alexis Wangmene (Texas), Sundiata Gaines (Georgia), Dasean Butler (West Virginia), Devin Ebanks (West Virginia), Jamelle Horne (Arizona), Paul Harris (Syracuse), Alan Chaney (Florida), Marcus Morris (Kansas), Markieff Morris (Kansas), Sylven Landesburg (Virginia), Isaiah Thomas (Washington), Jordan Theodore (Seton Hall) and Kemba Walker (UConn).
1/8/09 - BAB PRESIDENT, JASON CURRY LIVE ON NY1
BAB INVITATIONAL GETS PROMOTION ON NYC TV SPORTS TALK SHOW
Curry was on NY1's daily sports talk show, Sports on 1 with host Tom McDonald, and spoke about the BAB program and fielded questions on the top New York City high school basketball players of all-time.
1/1/09 - INVITATIONAL TIPS WITH TOP H.S. TEAMS NATIONALLY!
LANCE STEPHENSON, BRANDON KNIGHT HIGHLIGHT FIELD - MLK WEEKND, NYC
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball will host the 6th Annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational on Saturday, January 17 at Baruch College and Monday, January 19, 2009 at Hunter College in New York City. The invitational features 15 top high school and prep school teams from New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida and Connecticut.
Said Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry: "This could be potentially the strongest field we’ve ever had in the Invitational. We’ve had a lot of big time players and teams over the past five years, but in terms of quality strength of schedule…from top to bottom, this might be the best!”
The invitational will feature New York City schools, Abraham Lincoln, Rice, Thomas Jefferson, Bishop Loughlin, Archbishop Molloy, St. Peter’s and Benjamin Cardozo; along with Jamesville-Dewitt (Syracuse), Pine Crest (Florida), Long Island Lutheran (Long Island), Notre Dame Prep (Massachusetts), Apex (New Jersey), St. Thomas More (Connecticut), Blair (New Jersey), and Greenport (Long Island).
Abraham Lincoln boasts arguably the best high school player in the country in Lance Stephenson, (uncommitted). Other notable players are Rice star, Durand Scott (committed to Miami); Brandon Triche (Jamesville-Dewitt, committed to Syracuse); Brandon Knight (Pine Crest - rated the #2 junior nationally by Rivals Hoops); Dan Jennings (St. Thomas More - committed to West Virginia); Notre Dame Prep’s Sean Kilpatrick (committed to Cincinnati); Blair’s Austin Johnson (committed to Rutgers); O.D. Anosike (St. Peter’s – committed to Rutgers); along with several other nationally ranked juniors and seniors.
Former participants in the BAB Invitational include: Michael Beasley (Notre Dame Prep/Miami Heat); Jonny Flynn, (Niagara Falls/Syracuse); Danny Green (St. Mary’s/North Carolina); Sylven Landesberg (Holy Cross/Virginia) and Justin Burrell (Our Saviour Lutheran/St. John’s).
All proceeds from this event support the Big Apple Basketball scholarship program which assists 40 NYC area unsigned seniors in gaining college scholarship opportunities based upon their academic achievements and basketball ability.
12/14/08 - CHSAA DOMINATES DAY TWO - WIN SERIES 5-4
W/ STRONG PERFORMANCES FROM MOUNT, ALL HALLOWS, XAVERIAN, FORD
New York, NY - Day Two of the 5th Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge proved to be a day where the CHSAA manhandled the PSAL, winning four of five games, with Thomas Jefferson getting the lone PSAL victory in the nightcap.
The first game of the day, between Curtis (PSAL-Staten Island) and Mount St. Michael (CHSAA-Bronx), was close until early in the 3rd quarter when Curtis ran out of gas and Mount stepped on the gas pedal, en route to a 78-55 victory. Peter Aguilar (Mt. St. Michael) was named MVP after posting 22 points with five assists. Curtis 6-8 center, Halil Kanacevic earned the Sportsmanship Award with 25 points and seven rebounds.
The second game of the day was the first of several close finishes. Underdog, All Hallows (CHSAA-Bronx) escaped with a 45-43 win over Kennedy (PSAL-Bronx) as Kennedy missed a breakaway layup and rebound putback at the buzzer! Michael Alvarado (All Hallows) earned MVP honors with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Kennedy sharpshooter Ross Vizcaino took home the Sportsmanship Award with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Xaverian (CHSAA-Brooklyn) outlasted Thomas Edison (PSAL-Queens) in the third game, 47-40. MVP Jamal Fuentes (Xaverian) scored 15 points with five rebounds, while Edison's Stephen Nwaukonii (Sportsmanship) posted a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
The fourth game between Forest Hills (PSAL-Queens) and Bishop Ford (CHSAA-Brooklyn) was another low scoring contest, as Ford held on for a 46-41 win. In front of former BAB Challenge MVP and current Hofstra star - Charles Jenkins, Hofstra bound Chaz Williams (Bishop Ford) took home MVP honors after scoring 23 points. Sportsmanship Winner Maurice Harkless (Forest Hills) had 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Sunday's finale lived up to the hype of being a tightly contested battle between two Brooklyn heavyweights. Thomas Jefferson jumped on Bishop Loughlin early, but Loughlin battled back in the second quarter, as the game remained close throughout. It was anyone's game until the end of the fourth quarter, but Jefferson prevailed with a 63-61 victory. Super sophomore, Davontay Grace (Jefferson) was named MVP with 21 points and five steals, while Loughlin senior, Antoine Brown (Sportsmanship) led all scorers with 26 points and five rebounds. Thomas Jefferson senior, Keith Spellman set a BAB Challenge record with seven steals.
12/13/08 - PSAL LEADS 3-1
T. MARSHALL, RAY'S, WINGS, BOYS WIN! BAKER TIES BAB SCORING RECORD
Queens, NY - The PSAL jumped out to an early lead over the CHSAA after Day 1 of the Big Apple Basketball Challenge. The public schools won three of four games, with three games throughout the day determined by six points or less.
In game 1 of the challenge, Holy Cross (CHSAA-Queens) led big throughout most of the game, but Thurgood Marshall (PSAL-Manhattan) mounted a furious fourth quarter comeback to edge Cross, 62-61. Thurgood Marshall's Jason Givens scored 21 points and earned MVP honors, while Holy Cross' Eric Klingsberg earned the Sportsmanship Award (24 points). Joseph Monahan (HC) and Anthony Ordonez (TM) Academic were the Academic Achievement winners.
Game 2 provided almost equal drama, as again the public school came back to nearly pullout a dramatic victory. St. Raymond (CHSAA-Bronx) led by double figures the majority of the game, but Campus Magnet (PSAL-Queens) got within two in the fourth quarter, before falling 70-64. Sidiki Johnson (St. Raymond) was the MVP after posting 14 points, with nine rebounds and a BAB Challenge record six blocks! Chad Coachman (Campus Magnet) was the Sportsmanship Award winner (18 points, four rebounds and four steals). Tyreak Johnson (St. Raymond) and Israel Vickers (Campus Magnet) earned the Academic Achievement Awards.
The third game was won by Wings Academy (PSAL-Bronx) 88-59 over St. Peter's (CHSAA-Staten Island). Wings broke the game open in the fourth quarter, as both teams held leads throughout the game, with Wings leading by single digits heading into the final stanza. Ronald Baker tied the BAB Challenge scoring record with 32 points and earned MVP honors. O.D. Anosike (Sportsmanship) led St. Peter's with 24 points and 20 rebounds. Michael Buffalo (Wings) and Rob Horai (St. Peter's) were the Academic Achievement Award Winners.
The final game of the day came down to a last second buzzer beater that didn't fall for Christ the King. CK (CHSAA-Queens) and Boys and Girls (PSAL-Brooklyn) battled back-and-forth all game, but Christ the King led comfortably most of the fourth quarter. Boys and Girls remained within striking distance, and took their first lead of the fourth quarter with under 30 seconds remaining. Down three points and possession of the ball, with 11 seconds left in the game, Christ the King got a great look for a three-pointer, but the shot bounced around the rim and rolled out, as Boys and Girls held on for the victory. was named MVP for Boys and Girls after posting 19 points with four assists. Sophomore, Corey Edwards earned Sportsmanship honors with 10 assists, four rebounds and four steals. Tyler Young (Boys and Girls) and Milka Dominykas (Christ the King) were named the Academic Achievement Award Winners.
12/10/08 - BAB CHALLENGE ANSWERS QUESTIONS
by Maurice Wingate, NYCHoops.net Publisher
New York, NY - Saturday and Sunday will be full days of basketball with nine of the top Catholic Schools going up against nine of the top Public Schools in New York in the annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge. Jason Curry (pictured) is B.A.B's President and Director of Operations.
When asked about what continuously makes the event one the most anticipated tournaments of the year, Curry says, "The thing that keeps it fresh is that every year there's a new crop of kids that's looking to make a name for themselves."
Read the complete article and preview on the Big Apple Basketball Challenge by clicking on the link below...
http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=887577
12/6/08 - BAB PRO MEMBER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
JASON HOOVER HONORED AT MANHATTAN COLLEGE
Bronx, NY – (taken from Manhattan College website) Former Manhattan College Jasper, Jason Hoover was inducted into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Hoover, a 1997 graduate, was part of the Manhattan College basketball resurgence in the 1990s. A powerhouse center even as a freshman, he started 23 games and averaged 8.6 points to become MAAC Rookie of the Year. As a sophomore, Hoover was a key factor in the Jaspers earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and then beating Oklahoma in the first round.
He finished his career in with 1,250 points, 865 rebounds and a 52.0 field goal rate from the floor.
12/1/08 - JONNY FLYNN NAMED BIG EAST PLAYER OF WEEK
FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT GARNERS HONORS AFTER LEADING ORANGE
Syracuse, NY – Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn was named the Big East Player of the Week, after leading the Orangemen to three wins, including victories over Florida and Kansas.
Flynn scored 18 points against Florida, then a day later, nailed a three-pointer at the end of regulation to force overtime with Kansas. Against the Jayhawks, he led the team with 25 points and five assists and earned tournament MVP honors for his performances in the two games.
The next game, Flynn led a second half comeback against Virginia after trailing 49-29 at the half. He scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half, along with six assists to lead the Orangemen to victory.
Flynn is a former three-time MVP in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational, in a total of four games. As a junior for Niagara Falls High School, he set BAB records, posting 32 points versus Robeson High (featuring Malcolm Grant) and 31 versus St. Dominic's on back-to-back days. As senior Flynn returned to New York and set the BAB Invitational assist record with 11 versus Cardozo.
11/20/08 - DURAND SCOTT CHOOSES MIAMI
New York, NY - Durand Scott, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Rice High, will attend Miami.
Scott had narrowed his choices to Miami, UConn and Pittsburgh.
People close to Scott said last week he had ruled out Pitt and was torn between UConn and Miami. Scott apparently expressed a desire to go to school far from home. Scott was high school teammates with UConn freshman point guard Kemba Walker.
"UConn, I have a friend there, but that was definitely not a reason to pick a school," Scott said during his announcement at SNY studios in New York. "Just being around a Hall of Fame coach [ Jim Calhoun] and knowing the things I could become at that school, that was one of the main reasons I looked at that school. I made my decision because of comfort-ability, just the type of person I am and where I believe I best fit. When I took my visit to Miami, I knew it was the place I wanted to be."
Scott will participate in the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Invitational for Rice High School on Saturday, January 17 versus The Pine Crest School (FL) and Long Island Lutheran (NY) on Monday, January 19, 2009.
The complete schedule will be posted shortly.
11/17/08 - SYLVEN LANDESBERG SETS UVA RECORD!
SETS UVA FRESHMAN DEBUT SCORING RECORD
Charlottesville, VA -In the locker room minutes before Virginia's season opener against Virginia Military Institute, freshman guard Sylven Landesberg learned he would start his first collegiate game. Coach Dave Leitao did not plan on starting Landesberg until witnessing VMI's upset of Kentucky on Friday.
The plan worked. using a guard-oriented lineup, Virginia outran VMI in a 107-97 victory. Among the benefactors was Landesberg, who scored 28 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists in his debut. The scoring total was a record for a Virginia freshman debut.
Landesberg, the first McDonald's all-American to sign with Virginia in almost 10 years, was the story of the game. Landesberg didn't exhibit a hint of nerves, and his poise most impressed Leitao. His 28 points surpassed the 24 that former Cavaliers star Jeff Lamp scored in his first game in 1977.
"Whatever I wanted to do," Landesberg said, "I was able to do."
11/14/08 - OMARI LAWRENCE SIGNS WITH ST. JOHN'S
Bronx, NY - Former St. Raymond High School and current South Kent School guard signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at St. John’s University.
“I would mean a lot to the program and my family,” Lawrence said. “I’d like to bring the school back to where it was in the past.”
Lawrence, a 6-4, senior at South Kent (Conn.), averaged 18 points for St. Raymond in the Bronx last season and was named to the Daily News' All-City first team.
Lawrence had been recruited by UConn, Memphis, Clemson, Virginia, Marquette, Louisville, Arizona and Xavier.
11/10/08 - BAB H.S. CHALLENGE TIPS WITH 18 BOYS TEAMS!!
NYC PUBLIC & CATHOLIC LEAGUE COMPETE FOR CITY BRAGGING RIGHTS
The challenge, which will feature 18 of New York City’s top PSAL and CHSAA teams, is a two-day event designed to show the supremacy of New York City’s PSAL or CHSAA league on the basketball court.
“It (the Big Apple Basketball Challenge) is a great format and the perfect tip-off for the season.,” said high school basketball scouting guru Tom Konchalski. “For the New York City hoops junkie, it's the first chance to see a lot of high quality city teams. It should be a lightning rod for high school basketball fans across the city.”
The challenge will feature, PSAL schools Thomas Jefferson, Boys and Girls, Wings, Forest Hills, Thomas Edison, Campus Magnet, John F. Kennedy, Curtis and Thurgood Marshall, along with CHSAA schools Bishop Loughlin, Christ the King, Bishop Ford, St. Peter’s, St. Raymond, Xaverian, All Hallows, Holy Cross (defending CHSAA city champion) and Mt. St. Michael’s.
Former event standouts include: Edgar Sosa (Rice/Louisville); Kemba Walker (Rice/UConn); Charles Jenkins (Springfield Gardens/Hofstra); Sylven Landesberg (Holy Cross/Virginia), Erving Walker (Christ the King/Florida) and Malcolm Grant (Robeson/Miami). Over the first four years of this event, the catholic league has had the upper hand, posting an overall record of 26-12.
"We’re very excited about the parity in this year’s event," said BAB President, Jason Curry. “Overall, both leagues have a lot of talent and depth, which should make for a very competitive two days.”
Founded in 1999, Big Apple Basketball is a not-for-profit organization designed to use basketball as a “tool” to assist young people in their athletic, educational, professional, and life skill development. Since its founding, Big Apple Basketball has grown steadily, launching a full slate of athletic and educational programming in 2003.
Proceeds from this event support the Big Apple Basketball scholarship program which assists 40 NYC area unsigned seniors in gaining college scholarship opportunities based upon their academic achievements and basketball ability.
11/07/08 - BAB STANDOUTS SELECTED IN D-LEAGUE DRAFT
GAVIN GRANT HEADS TO UTAH & GARY ERVIN TO SIOUX FALLS
Atlanta, GA - Gavin Grant, a member of the 2004 Big Apple Basketball Junior Select Team was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NBA Development League draft. Grant was the eighth pick of the round and selected by the Utah Flash. Gary Ervin played on the 2008 BAB Pro Summer Team and was selected in the 4th round by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
The NBA Development League is a minor league system for players to develop in hopes of being called up to the NBA. The Utah Flash is the minor league affiliate for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, while Sioux Falls is affiliated with the Timberwolves and Bobcats.
Grant was an all-city selection at St. Raymond High School (Bronx) before heading to North Carolina State where he finished with 1,342 points, including a career high 26 versus Duke. He also finished his N.C. State career third in school history in games played (132).
While playing for BAB, Grant scored a game high 21 points versus the Chinese Junior National Team at Orchard Beach in an exhibition contest. Ervin averaged 17.5 points and 3.5 assists for the Pro Summer Team.
10/15/08 - BISHOP LOUGHLIN COACH HEADS TO THE NBA
LEAVES LOUGHLIN TO BECOME SCOUT FOR NJ NETS
Brooklyn, NY - Bishop Loughlin head coach, Khalid Green has resigned to take a scouting position with the New Jersey Nets. Green will be the Nets East Coast college scout.
Green has coached at Loughlin for the past five seasons and has coached his program in several Big Apple Basketball events.
Below is an excerpt from a recent NY Daily News article:
Green previously had analyzed talent and conducted background checks on recruits for the Nets during the past two offseasons, but he is expecting a heavier workload in his new position. Green told the Daily News that he will primarily be scouting Big East games and some Atlantic 10 games, as well as enough Nets games to learn what players need on the NBA level.
Green, who starts his new job Nov.1 first made inroads with the Nets four years ago when his father, former Brooklyn assemblyman Roger Green, casually introduced him to Nets owner Bruce Ratner in downtown Brooklyn.
"He plugged me in and let me shake hands with people that normally I wouldn't have been able to meet," Green said. "I took it from there. I know how to grind. One thing led to another. I'm happy to leave Loughlin better than I found it and eager to learn more with the Nets."
6/26/08 - MIKE BEASLEY SELECTED #2 IN NBA DRAFT!
MIAMI HEAT TAKE 2007 BAB MVP!
New York, NY - The Miami Heat selected Kansas State phenom, Michael Beasley with the #2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft. Beasley who had a remarkable season for the Wildcats, averaged 26.2 points and led the nation with 12.4 rebounds per game.
In his lone season at K-State, Beasley had the second-most rebounds and third-most points of any freshman in NCAA history and led the Wildcats to their first NCAA tournament victory in 20 years.
2/25/08 - BAB PRESIDENT, JASON CURRY TO BE HONORED
YMCA & QNS NEWSPAPERS WILL HONOR CURRY, OLIVA AND PEPONAKIS
Queens, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry; legendary Christ the King Boys Basketball Coach Bob Oliva; and current Queens College Men's Basketball Coach, Kyrk Peponakis will be honored today in the first inaugural Long Island City YMCA "Strong Coaches, Strong Kids" Awards Ceremony.
The event will take place at O'Neill's Restaurant in Maspeth, Queens and the three basketball lifers will be recognized for their dedication, positive values, and importance to our community and to the game of basketball.
In addition to honoring these three individuals, the evening will feature a symposium on basketball moderated by Sports Editors from the QUEENS LEDGER, QUEENS COURIER, and TIMES LEDGER newspapers, as well as food, drink, and a basketball-themed raffle. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 at the door. All proceeds benefit the LONG ISLAND CITY YMCA's Strong Kids campaign.
For more info, you can contact Tom Sylvester at the LONG ISLAND CITY YMCA 718-392-7932 or Nick D'Arienzo at the QUEENS LEDGER Newspapers 718-426-7200.
8/9/07 - H.S. SCOUTING EXPERT SPEAKS TO BAB YOUTH!
LEGENDARY TOM KONCHALSKI STOPS BY QUEENS COLLEGE
Queens, NY - Nationally recognized high school basketball scouting expert, Tom Konchalski stopped by Queens College to talk to participants in the Big Apple Basketball training program.
Konchalski, who has been a full-time high school scout since 1980, talked to the kids about a wide variety of educational, professional and goal attaining topics. Viewed as one of the primary scouts on the east coast, Konchalski spoke for about 45 minutes, then answered questions from all of the participants.
"I thought it was great. He gave us statistics and let us know that education is the key to success and knowledge is the food for thought. It gave us a life long lesson and I thought it was good for us."
When asked, he mentioned Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) as the best high school player he has ever seen, while stating that LeBron James is the best high school player he has seen in the past 10 years. He also stated that Stephon Marbury is the best New York City high school player he has seen in the past 10-12 years, while adding that former Archbishop Molloy and Georgia Tech star, Kenny Anderson was the best guard he has ever seen in the NYC high school circuit.
"Tom Konchalski is someone who I have a tremendous amount of respect for," said Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry. "I've known him since I was a young basketball camper and he is one of the true good guys and historians on the high school basketball scene. To have someone of his caliber speak to our kids was truly an honor."
11/9/06 - BAB HALFTIME ENTERTAINER GUEST STARS ON VH1
WRITER/MC LB WILL BE ON NEW ICE-T TELEVISION SHOW ON FRIDAY
New York, NY - 13 year old writer/MC, LB, will be featured on Ice-T's VH1 television show "Rap School" on Friday, November 10 at 9 pm. The young entertainer performed at halftime of the Grady vs. Bishop Loughlin game during the 2005 Big Apple Basketball Challenge at Baruch College.
In "Ice-T's Rap School," Ice-T invades York Prep, an exclusive private school in Manhattan's upper west side. And in just six weeks, he tries to transform a small class of 8th grade kids into big-time rappers.
10/22/06 - VOLUNTEER COACH SPEAKS TO BAB KIDS
LONNIE BRADLEY TALKS TO YOUTH ABOUT LIFE AND ACHIEVING GOALS
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball Volunteer Coach, Lonnie Bradley spoke to youth participants during the Big Apple Basketball School at Baruch College today.
Bradley talked to the youth about his experience of being a non "blue-chip" recruit and his challenging journey as a student-athlete through high school, prep school and junior college, before settling at Division II, St. Michael's College (Vt.).
Aside from volunteering his time to helping youth through Big Apple Basketball, Bradley currently works full-time as a pharmaceutical sales representative, and owns both a Real Estate Investment company and legal service company. He related to the kids how a lot of the tools he learned as a student-athlete have enabled him to become a successful businessman. Bradley was recently ranked the #1 national pharmaceutical sales representative in his company.
"I would love in a year from now for a kid to say, 'I've seen a difference since I've started setting goals or I've seen a difference since I've starting believing in myself'', said Bradley.
Bradley's three points of emphasis to the BAB youth were to have a positive attitude, set goals and take action.
"He told us not to give up, not to get frustrated, set our minds, and work to achieve it (goals)", said high school sophomore, Sean Reynolds Jr.
1/16/06 - BACK IN THE MIX
by Adam Zagoria - Herald News
NEW YORK - Paterson Catholic's most famous alumnus made his way on Sunday from his home at Trump Plaza on the West Side of Manhattan to watch his old team play at Baruch College on the East Side.
During Tim Thomas's storied career at Paterson Catholic, before he began earning millions of dollars in the NBA, he estimates that he only lost six or seven high school games, "if that."
The current incarnation of the Cougars are playing a national schedule just like Thomas did, but they have already lost half as many games this season as he did in his entire career. The Cougars are without 6-foot-8 twins Jerrell and Terrell Williams, who transferred to a Massachusetts prep school after Paterson Catholic freed itself from the B-PSL in order to play elite competition year-round.
Entering Sunday's game against Our Savior Lutheran of the Bronx at the Big Apple Basketball High School Invitational, the Herald News No. 3 Cougars were 1-3 and sorely in need of a couple of wins.
1/1/05 - CURRY NAMED ONE OF TOP NEW YORKERS OF THE YEAR
NY1 NEWS TABS BAB PRESIDENT W/ PRESTIGIOUS HONOR
Queens, NY - Jason Curry has been selected as one of the top New Yorkers of the Year by NY1 News and a segment about Curry and his company, Big Apple Basketball, will begin airing on Saturday, January 1 on the television station. The segment will air initially during the 6:30pm newscast entitled "Best of New York" and will be repeated at various times throughout the week.
Curry was originally selected by NY1 News as their New Yorker of the Week during the week of May 28, 2004. New Yorker of the Week is a weekly feature on the station, which is Time Warner's 24-hour newschannel in New York City and covers the city's five boroughs, which focuses on a New Yorker who is making a difference in his or her community by assisting others.
Curry, a former New York City and Connecticut prep standout player, gave up a career as a video-editor and has used his own money to start Big Apple Basketball. Now in its fifth year of existence, the organization gives young men the opportunity to gain exposure for their basketball skills and academic achievements, which in turn leads to collegiate scholarship opportunities and professional opportunities for the players.
For a complete recap on Curry and the NY1 News New Yorker of the Week segment, click here.
