4/20/08 - 2008 SCHOLARSHIP GAMES A SUCCESS!
New York, NY - The 5th Annual Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games (view 2. min highlight video) featured the Top 40 boys unsigned seniors in the New York metro area on Sunday at Baruch College.
The event selects the participants based upon their academic achievements and basketball ability. The Scholarship Games was approved by the PSAL, allowing Division I coaches to attend, and the showcase attracted Division I, II, II and Junior College coaches.
A partial list of schools in attendance were, Division I - St. Francis, New Hampshire, Marist, Central Connecticut and St. Peter's, Division II - Queens, Merrimack, Adelphi, Kentucky State, CW Post and Molloy, Division III - Baruch, College of Staten Island, Farmingdale, Rutgers/Newark, Potsdam, Morrisville and Hunter, Junior Colleges - Fashion Institute of Technology and Hostos.
Big Apple Basketball thanks the PSAL, Baruch College, CHSAA, HOT 97, POWERade, New York Knicks, Spaulding, DC Sports, Fashion Institute of Technology and the many supporters who helped make this year's event a success for the deserving student-athletes in the New York City metro area!
4/14/08 - MIKE BEASLEY DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT!
Manhattan, KS - Kansas State freshman phenom, Michael Beasley has announced he will enter 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.
As a high school senior, Beasley participated in the 2007 Big Apple Basketball invitational for Notre Dame Prep. He earned MVP honors and posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in 22 minutes of action versus Laurinburg Prep.
Many expect Beasley to be the top pick in this year's draft. According to the Kentucky Democrat Newspaper, "There's no question in my mind who the best player in the country is," said Kansas coach Bill Self. "It's Michael Beasley. He may not win all the player of the year awards, but he's the best player."
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.
3/26/08 - SYLVEN LANDESBERG, MCDONALDS ALL-AMERICAN
RICE'S WALKER ALSO SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS ALL-STAR GAME
Milwaukee, WI - Holy Cross senior Sylven Landesberg and Rice guard, Kemba Walker were selected to play in the 2008 McDonald's All-American game in Milwaukee.
Both players have participated in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge and Big Apple Basketball Invitational. Earlier this season, Landesberg led his team to a thrilling 2-OT win over Boys and Girls High School, posting 29 points and 20 rebounds.
Walker, who has a career 2-1 record in BAB events, most recently played during his junior year versus Thomas Jefferson High and Niagara Falls High School. Walker had an impressive outing versus Niagara Falls who featured New York State Mr. Basketball, Jonny Flynn. Walker slowed Flynn down and led a steady Rice attack en route to a 20 point blowout victory.
3/18/08 - 27 BAB PLAYERS COMPETE IN 2008 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 27 former BAB players that are in the 2008 NCAA tourney!
Danny Green (North Carolina/St. Mary's); Tyrone Nash (Notre Dame/Lawrence-Woodmere Academy); Idris Hilliard (St. Joseph's/The Hun School); Edgar Sosa (Louisville/Rice); Derrick Caracter (Louisville/Notre Dame Prep); Brian Williams (Tennessee/Columbus); Malcolm Grant (Villanova/Robeson); Antonio Pena (Villanova/St. Thomas More);Casiem Drummond (Villanova/Bloomfield Tech); James Carr (Siena/Wings); Chris De La Rosa (Siena/All Hallows); Steven Priestley (Siena/Uniondale); Edwin Ubiless (Siena/St. Thomas More); Michael Beasley (Kansas St./Notre Dame Prep);Stephen Rossiter (Davidson/Monsignor Farrell); Levance Fields (Pittsburgh/Xaverian); Ronald Ramon (Pittsburgh/All Hallows); Austin Wallace (Pittsburgh/LaSalle); Luis Guzman (Temple/Paramus Catholic); Lazar Hayward (Marquette/Notre Dame Prep); Patrick Hazel (Marquette/Blair); A.J. Stewart (Kentucky/Arlington Country Day); Alexis Wangmene (Texas/Blair); Curtis Kelly (Connecticut/Rice); Sundiata Gaines (Georgia/Archbishop Molloy); Da'Sean Butler (West Virginia/Bloomfield Tech) and Jamelle Horne (Arizona/San Diego).
3/12/08 - FORMER BAB STANDOUT EARNS BIG EAST HONORS!
SYRACUSE GUARD, JONNY FLYNN NAMED CO-ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Syracuse, NY - Syracuse freshman point guard Jonny Flynn was named Big East co-rookie of the year. Flynn and Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair shared the award.
He averaged 16 ppg and lead the Orange in assists (163). The freshman also led the Big East in minutes per game averaging 39.2 minutes per game!
Flynn was also an honorable mention All-Big East selection. He joins Pearl Washington, Derrick Coleman, Lawrence Moten and Carmelo Anthony as former Syracuse Rookie of the Year winners in the Big East.
In 2006 and 2007 Flynn played for Niagara Falls H.S. in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational. He is currently ranked in the Top 5 in assists, points, free throws and 3-point field goals in the BAB Invitational. In four games, Flynn averaged 27 points and set an Invitational record with 11 assists. The Niagara Falls star was also an excellent student, earning several Academic Achievement Awards during the Big Apple Basketball Invitational, posting over a 90 academic average!Big Apple Basketball Invitational.
3/9/02 - 2 BAB PARTICIPANTS FACEOFF IN CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
HOLY CROSS TOPS CHRIST THE KING TO WIN CHSAA CHAMPIONSHIP
Bronx, NY - Holy Cross High School surprised most of New York City en route to a 56-48 victory over Christ the King to win the CHSAA AA championship. It is the school's first city title in 40 years!
The HC Knights were led by the senior star, Sylven Landesberg who scored 24 points and earned MVP honors. Landesberg, who is headed to Virginia next season, was helped by the play of seniors Blaise Ffrench and Kayvon Roberts.
3/7/08 - FORMER BAB SCHOLARSHIP GAMES PLAYER UPDATE!
JOHN HOLLAND NAMED AMERICA EAST ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Binghamton, NY - John Holland, a freshman guard/forward at Boston University was named America East Conference Rookie of the Year. Holland was a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games, an event designed to showcase NYC area seniors to college basketball coaches for scholarship opportunities.
In addition, Holland earned spots on the All-Conference Third Team and the All-Rookie and All-Defensive teams.
A six-time America East Rookie of the Week, Holland averaged 11.5 ppg. He scored a career- and America East season-high 38 points versus Hartford. Over his last eight games of the season, he averaged 19.4 points and 7.0 rebounds.
"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."
2/27/08 - BAB THANKS SPALDING FOR THEIR SUPPORT
Queens, NY - Big Apple Basketball would like to thank Spalding for their support of the 2008 Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games. Spalding has donated a dozen basketballs to BAB for the Scholarship Games on Sunday, April 20 at Baruch College.
"The Scholarship Games is the staple of Big Apple Basketball's youth programming," said BAB President, Jason Curry. "Unfortunately, last year for the first time since its inception in 2003, we were not able to host the showcase due to lack of funding. We are all extremely excited about the return of the program and the support of group's such as Spalding, that help to make it a reality."
The Scholarship Games is aimed at assisting the Top 40 unsigned seniors in the NY metro area, based upon their academic achievements and basketball ability, in securing college scholarship opportunities. The participants are chosen from a group of over 200 applicants, during a four-week academic and athletic screening process conducted by the BAB staff.
“Spalding is proud to have its TF-1000 Zk Pro as the Official Game Ball of the Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games," said Spalding Director of Consumer Marketing, Bob LLewellyn. "From the courts of the NBA, WNBA, D-League, top collegiate and high school programs and now the Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games, Spalding is proud to supply basketball's to New York City area's top student-athletes."
Please click here for more information on how you can help support the upcoming Scholarship Games or call (718)575-3342.
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.
2/22/08 - JOHN JAY COLLEGE CAPTURES CUNY CHAMPIONSHIP
ADVANCES TO DIII NCAA TOURNEY - LED BY 2 FORMER BAB PLAYERS
New York, NY - John Jay College earned its first ever men's basketball CUNYAC championship, in the 43 years of the tournament, by defeating #1 seed York College, 68-54. The John Jay Bloodhounds will now advance to the NCAA Division III tournament.
#6 seed John Jay (13-15) shocked everyone, but themselves, as they beat two-time CUNYAC champs, York College (20-8).
Two of John Jay's main contributors, Godfrey Mascall (pictured left) and Miguel Garcia, are former BAB Scholarship Game participants.
"We were the underdog, but we believed," said Mascall. "Coming to John Jay was a great decision for me...I'm glad I listened to my father for once."
John Jay coach, Charles Jackson - who is a regular at BAB events - spoke highly of the BAB showcases. "There are so many kids in New York City. To see student-athletes collectively in a venue where we (college coaches) know we can recruit kids with good grades is important," said Jackson.
Mascall added, "It (the BAB Scholarship Games) was a great experience for me. It was competitive and gave me the opportunity to show myself to colleges."
The Bloodhounds next game will be on Thursday, March 6. They will find out their opponent and location on March 3, when the NCAA announces it selections.
2/16/08 - JAVONE "BAM" MOORE INDUCTED INTO CANISIUS HOF
FORMER BAB PRO TOURING TEAM PLAYER HONORED BY ALMA MATER
Buffalo, NY - Former Big Apple Basketball Pro Touring Team player, Javone "Bam" Moore was one of five athletes inducted into this year's Canisius College Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held on-campus during halftime of the men's basketball game.
Moore, a New York City native, graduated in 1997 with a degree in Business Management. According to Canisius College, in order to be eligible for their Sports Hall of Fame, a student-athlete must be a graduate of the College, been acclaimed as an undergraduate as one of the outstanding athletes in the history of the school and, since graduation, the athlete’s life must have continued to reflect favorably on the College.
Moore, who is currently an Assistant Vice-President for Chase Bank, still holds the school’s all-time record for career assists with 550 and is one of only two players in program history to post 500 career assists. He played on the 1994 MAAC regular season championship team, the 1995 team that earned a trip to the NIT Final Four in New York City and the 1996 MAAC Championship team that went to the NCAA Tournament. He was an All-MAAC and MAAC All-Academic honoree after the 1996-97 season and earned a spot on the 1997 MAAC All-Tournament Team as a senior. He was also recognized for his work in the classroom, earning GTE-CoSIDA District I Academic All-America accolades and NABC District II Second Team Academic All-Star recognition.
2/11/08 - HIP HOP HAS HEART CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS BAB!
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball would like to thank the Hip Hop Has Heart Foundation for their financial contribution towards Big Apple Basketball programming for 2008.
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.
"Each year we strive to give back to the community to show we care about each generation," said Promotions & Community Relations Director, Donyshia Benjamin. "Please continue to reach out to the youth in New York because it does make a difference in their lives."
For more information on how you can make a tax deductible donation to assist BAB in fulfilling its mission please click here. We thank all of you for your support as we continue to make a difference in the lives of youth!
1/26/08 - FORMER BAB COACH INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
SHANDUE MCNEILL, ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY, 1993-1997
Oleon, NY - Former Big Apple Basketball Pro Touring Team Player and youth coach, Shandue McNeill was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Athletic Hall of Fame. McNeill, who had a prestigious four-year career at St. Bonaventure (1993-1997), graduated as the programs all-time leader in assists and steals.
McNeill also scored 1,049 career points! He was the lone student-athlete honored at the ceremony, in addition to Enrique Barrera (the school's first men's varsity soccer coach) and Don McLean (former St. Bonaventure play-by-play announcer).
"Each of these guys has a special place in our school's athletic history, so it's only fitting that they join this prestigious family," said Director of Athletics Steve Watson. "Their accomplishments are amazing, but it's their passion and dedication for St. Bonaventure that separates them from the rest of the pack."
One of coach Jim Baron's first recruits, McNeill was the first in a long line of great point guards that played for the Brown and White since the early 90s. McNeill made an immediate impact in his first season with the Bonnies and was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team. One year later, he helped lead St. Bonaventure to its first postseason appearance in 12 years, an NIT berth that resulted in a win over Southern Mississippi at the Reilly Center.
McNeill was named to the A-10 All-Defensive team as a senior and was a three-time Academic All-Conference selection.
1/21/08 - DAY 2 RESULTS FROM BAB INVITATIONAL
PACKED HOUSE AT BARUCH - NBA GREAT RON HARPER STOPS BY
11am - Hills West (Long Island) def. All Hallows 57-46
12:45pm - Benjamin Cardozo (Queens) def. San Diego (CA) 71-49
2:30pm - Boys and Girls (Brooklyn) def. Queen of Peace (NJ) 63-44
4:15pm - Notre Dame Prep (MA) def. Blair (NJ) 77-67
6pm - American Christian (PA) def. St. Thomas More (CT) 83-72
For a complete recap of the 2008 Big Apple Basketball Invitational, including all-tournament teams, photos and more, click here.
1/19/08 - DAY 1 RESULTS FROM BAB INVITATIONAL
PENNSBURY'S PEPPER NETS 40 & WHITE PLAINS' KILPATRICK DROPS 44!
11am - Poly Prep (Brooklyn) def. St. Dominic's (Long Island) 46-36
12:45pm - Pennsbury (PA) def. Wadleigh (Manhattan) 74-49
2:30pm - White Plains (NY) def. Canarsie (Brooklyn) 82-79 (OT)
4:15pm - Apex (NJ) def. Hun (NJ) 61-40
6pm - San Diego (CA) def. New London (CT) 47-41
7:45pm - Cardozo (Queens) def. Archbishop Carroll (DC), 56-55
Monday's games feature the #1 player in the nation, Tyreke Evans, along with Devin Ebanks (Indiana); Terrence Jennings (Louisville); Patrick Jackson (Rutgers); Jarrett Mann (Stanford); James Southerland (Syracuse); Bilal Dixon (Providence), and the nation's #1 sophomore, Jeremy Tyler (San Diego), along with many other senior and underclassmen stars.
For complete info. including, recaps, photos and more, click here.
1/15/08 - NY KNICKS DONATE TICKETS TO BAB VOLUNTEERS
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball would like to thank the New York Knicks for their donation of tickets to the Knicks home game versus the Washington Wizards.
Big Apple Basketball has a plethora of volunteers during the year and the Knicks were generous enough to invite several of them and their families to The Garden.
"It was great and the Knicks won," said volunteer, Derrick Adams, who attended with his family. "The tickets were good and the kids loved it. My son said he wanted to be like Nate (Robinson)."
"We're extremely grateful for the generosity the New York Knicks have demonstrated to our organization," said Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry. "Their support has assisted us in continuing to maintain the high quality of programs and services that we have worked so hard to provide to youth, families, schools, and the athletic community at large."
Big Apple Basketball is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization designed to use basketball as a "tool" to assist young people in their athletic, educational, professional, and life skill development.
For more information on how you can contribute and assist BAB in fulfilling our mission please click here. We thank all of you for your support as we continue to make a difference in the lives of youth!
1/8/08 - BAB INVITATIONAL TIPS WITH TOP HS & PREP TEAMS
TYREKE EVANS, DEVIN EBANKS & JEREMY TYLER HIGHLIGHT FIELD
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball will host the 5th Annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational on Saturday, January 19 and Monday, January 21, 2008 at Baruch College in New York City. The invitational features 20 top high school and prep school teams from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and California.
The invitational will feature New York City schools, Boys and Girls, Benjamin Cardozo, Canarsie, Wadleigh, All Hallows and Poly Prep, along with American Christian (Pennsylvania), St. Thomas More (Connecticut), Archbishop Carroll (Washington, D.C.), New London (Connecticut), San Diego (California), Notre Dame Prep (Massachusetts), Blair (New Jersey), Queen of Peace (New Jersey), Apex (New Jersey), Hun (New Jersey), White Plains (New York), Hills West (Long Island), Pennsbury (Pennsylvania) and St. Dominic (Long Island).
1/2/08 - CHARLES JENKINS NAMED ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT HONORED BY CAA CONFERENCE
Hempstead, NY - Hofstra freshman guard, Charles Jenkins was named the CAA Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week for the second time this season. Jenkins, a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Challenge, led the Pride in games at Madison Square Garden versus Virginia Tech and Marist.
During the week he averaged 17 points, including a career high 21 against Marist. Jenkins is currently averaging 13.3 points and has scored in double figures in nine consecutive contests.
As a participant in the BAB Challenge for Springfield Gardens High, Jenkins scored an event record 32 points versus St. Raymond.
12/19/07 - ST. RAY'S CRACKS NATIONAL TOP 25
Bronx, NY - St. Raymond High School was ranked in this week's Super Top 25 by USA Today. After beginning the season unranked, St. Ray's earned impressive victories over Archbishop Carroll (DC), Thomas Jefferson and Christ the King. All three of St. Raymond's recent opponents are participants in either the 2007 Big Apple Basketball Challenge or 2008 Big Apple Basketball Invitational.
Fresh off of a strong appearance in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge, St. Ray's was able to catapult into the national rankings, in part, because of their 87-74 victory over Jefferson. After being down early in the game, the Ravens came back behind strong performances by senior guard, Darryl Bryant (West Virginia) with 27 points and highly-touted juniors, Omari Lawrence (24 points) and Kevin Parrom (22 points).
12/17/07 - COREY CHANDLER SCORES 23 IN LOSS TO UNC
2007 BAB PARTICIPANT NAMED TO BIG EAST HONOR ROLL
Piscataway, NJ - Corey Chandler, a participant in the 2006 and 2007 Big Apple Basketball Invitational's, was named to the Big East Conference weekly men's basketball honor roll.
Chandler, a freshman at Rutgers, put on a spectacular scoring display versus #1 ranked North Carolina during a recently televised ESPN game. He pumped in 23 points and also grabbed eight rebounds in a 93-71 loss to the Tar Heels.
During the week he averaged 19 points and six rebounds for the Scarlet Knights. He's averaging 14.1 points per game and has scored at least 20 points in two of Rutgers' last three games, including 25 points against Nebraska.
Earlier this year, Chandler, then a senior at Newark East Side (NJ) went 1-1 during the BAB Invitational. He earned Second-Team All Tournament honors after scoring 26 points, with five steals versus St. Dominic's.
12/9/07 - LEAGUES SPLIT ON SUN; CHSAA WINS SERIES 5-3
JOHN STARKS MAKES APPEARANCE - SEE EVENT PHOTOS
KENNEDY 73, MT. ST. MICHAEL 56
Coach Johnny Mathis' Kennedy squad had a strong showing to tip-off day 2 of the Big Apple Basketball Challenge. After a close first quarter, Kennedy outscored Mount by 12 in the second quarter and hold a 15 point halftime lead. Both teams played to a stand-still in the second half and Kennedy finished with the 17 point victory.
MVP, Jeffrey Arzu scored 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting for Kennedy, while Mount was led by Sportsmanship Award Winner Xavier Alder, who scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds.
(CHSAA 3, PSAL 2)
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XAVERIAN 57, WINGS 52
Xaverian had one of the better performances of the weekend. The Clippers looked sharp in handing Wings Academy a five point defeat. Xaverian led comfortably throughout, holding a seven to 10 point lead most of the game. Wings made it close at the end behind the play of Krystian Foriest (Sportsmanship) who had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Stuart Wallensteen (MVP) had 11 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers.
(CHSAA 4, PSAL 2)
CANARSIE 74, BISHOP FORD 62
Another tight match-up between the catholic league and the public league. The game was knotted at 49 after three quarters, but Canarsie pulled away in the fourth using full-court pressure to take Ford out of their game. Elon Howard led the way for Canarsie posting 17 points and 17 rebounds to take home MVP honors. Bishop Ford was paced by Samuel Haigler's 23 points and Tyrik Tucker's 17 points and 13 rebounds.
(CHSAA 4, PSAL 3)
ST. RAYMOND 87, JEFFERSON 74
The young Jefferson team gate out of the gate early with a 17-11 first quarter lead. St. Raymond's came back in the second quarter to go up 36-35 at halftime. The Ravens were too much in the second half, opening up a seven point lead at the end of three, and pulling away in the fourth quarter. Jefferson remained within striking distance, led by Keith Spellman's 22 points (Sportsmanship). St. Raymond's had three players score over 20 points with Darryl Bryant leading the way with 27 points, along with Omari Lawrence (MVP - 24 points) and Kevin Parrom (22 points).
(FINAL CHSAA 5, PSAL 3)
12/8/07 - CHSAA LEADS, IRV GOTTI CHECKS OUT THE ACTION!
CHSAA LEADS 3-1 AFTER DAY 1 & JOHN STARKS TO ATTEND SUNDAY
CARDINAL HAYES 53, THOMAS EDISON 49
A close game throughout Hayes held on for a 4 point victory for Edison. The largest lead for either team was 6, with 5 lead changes and the score tied on 6 different occasions. Jeff Paulino scored 24 points and had 7 assists to earn MVP honors for Hayes. Allan Thomas had 17 points in defeat to win the sportsmanship award. The academic achievement award winners were Lance Williams (Cardinal Hayes) and Stephon Hodges (Thomas Edison).
(CHSAA 1, PSAL 0)
SOUTH SHORE 53, ALL HALLOWS 47
Another nailbiter in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge. South Shore jumped out to a seven point first quarter lead, but the young All Hallows team cut it to five at the half and trailed by six at the end of three. The final stanza was played to a draw as Sharif Muhammad scored 20 points and had 8 rebounds (MVP), while sophomore Devon Coliier (Sportsmanship) had 20 in a losing effort.
(PSAL 1, CHSAA 1)
CHRIST THE KING 71, WADLEIGH 49
The lone blowout of the day. Florida bound Erving Walker (MVP) showed why he's headed to the SEC as he pumped in 20 points, with 8 assists (Big Apple Basketball Challenge record) and two steals in 24 minutes. His eight assists tied/broke.... For the PSAL, Wadleigh was paced by newcomer, William Harrison's 13 points and nine rebounds(Sportsmanship Award Winner).
(CHSAA 2, PSAL 1)
HOLY CROSS 78, BOYS AND GIRLS 73 (2-OT)
The game lived up to the billing as a packed house at Baruch College saw a phenomenal game. With celebrity, Irv Gotti sitting courtside, neither team disappointed with their effort. The game went back and forth throughout with 13 lead changes and 10 ties. Neither team capitalized from the foul line, but there several players from both teams that made key plays down the stretch.
Virginia-bound, Sylven Landesberg (MVP) scored 29 points on 9-24 shooting, and snatched 20 rebounds with 5 assists in 40 minutes. For Boys, Brandon Romain had 23 points with seven rebounds.
(CHSAA 3, PSAL 1)
JOHN STARKS and members of the New York Knicks organization are scheduled to appear on Sunday at the BAB Challenge with plenty of giveaways.
12/7/07 - RU's Jackson, UVA's Landesberg on Display at Big Apple
ZAGSBLOG ON BIG APPLE BY ADAM ZAGORIA
Fans of area hoops, especially those interested in the future of Rutgers, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida, should get to Baruch College this weekend to check out Big Apple Basketball Challenge
This great event is run by our man Jason Curry (left) and features eight of the top New York City public schools against eight of their Catholic school brethren. On display with be Virginia-bound SG Sylven Landesberg of Holy Cross (Queens); Rutgers-bound SG Patrick Jackson of Brooklyn Boys & Girls; Florida signee Erving Walker of Christ the King (Queens); and the St. Raymond's crew that includes West Virginia commit Darryl "Truck" Bryant and his talented teammates Omari Lawrence and Kevin Parrom, who are being recruited by area schools Rutgers, Seton Hall and St. John's among others.
12/5/07 - NY1 NEWS SPORTS HAS JASON CURRY IN STUDIO
CURRY IN STUDIO GUEST WITH TOM MCDONALD ON SPORTS ON 1
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry was a live guest last night on NY1 News. Curry sat in-studio with host Tom McDonald during the hour long show, Sports on 1.
Curry relayed his basketball expertise on New York City high school hoops and the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Challenge.
12/1/07 - QUEENS-LEDGER SITS DOWN WITH JASON CURRY
Q & A WITH BIG APPLE BASKETBALL PRESIDENT, BY NICK D'ARIENZO
Queens, NY - BIG APPLE BASKETBALL’S CHSAA vs. PSAL Basketball Challenge is always one of the first showcases of the season for city-wide hoops talent. (12/8 and 12/9, just visit BigAppleBasketball.com.) Jason Curry and his staff have been staging the event, the unofficial kick-off of the high school season, for four years now. (FYI, the Catholics have taken 21 out of 30.) BAB also hosts the High School Expo every Spring, to help provide qualified unsigned seniors the opportunity to play in front of interested college coaches. - Nick D’Arienzo.
1. Why is it you think basketball is always known as “The City Game”?
Curry: Primarily because it doesn’t take a lot of money. It’s not an expensive sport, and there are so many courts in New York City, all you need is a basketball.
2. Tell us a little about what BIG APPLE BASKETBALL is all about?
Curry: We’re a non-profit designed to use basketball as a tool to assist student-athletes in their athletic, educational, professional, and life skills development. We put together programs so as many local athletes as possible will be able to attain college scholarships. We also put together several team-oriented events, which serve a couple of purposes - we do some fundraising for our organization, showcase a lot of the premier teams and elite players in the metro area, and showcase some players who are not as popular on the circuit as many from around the country and expose them to as many college coaches as possible.
3. What led you to start this organization in the first place?
11/28/07 - CURRY SPICES UP BIG APPLE WITH A CHALLENGE
by Maurice Wingate- NYCHoops.net Publisher
Jason Curry has always been a fan of basketball in New York City, the Big Apple. First as a player, then as a coach.
In what started out three years ago as a vehicle to offer scholarship opportunities to local student-athletes who excelled both athletically and academically, The Big Apple Basketball Challenge has become the preeminent battle between the PSAL and the CHSAA. The BAB Challenge is a two day basketball event (Saturday December 8th and Sunday December 9th, at Baruch College in NY) to showcase the top high school public league and catholic league teams. The BAB Challenge is designed to show the supremacy of New York City's catholic or public leagues on the basketball court. The games are played at a very high level with bragging rights at stake. The 2007 BAB Challenge features 16 of the top New York City boys' catholic and public high school teams.
"It began in 2003 as the High School Scholarship Games," states Jason Curry, President and Director of Operations. "It was very successful for us but we wanted to create a unique theme so we came up with the concept of Catholic schools (CHSAA) versus Public schools (PSAL)."
The relevance of the Big Apple Basketball Challenge has been heightened in the last few years due to what some would call an exodus of players transferring from the CHSAA to PSAL schools. Just recently, four players transferred from Xaverian High School to various public schools. "Many say that the CHSAA is the dominant league in New York with the PSAL narrowing the gap," says Curry. "Some are saying that the PSAL has actually surpassed the CHSAA."
This will be the fourth-annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge. Curry, his staff and basketball experts such as Tom Konchalski (HSBI) design the match-ups to create the most competitive and entertaining games possible. As a result, the event has increased in anticipation, intensity and attendance every year. "Last year there were 200 people in the lobby of the college who couldn't get in," Curry says.
11/22/07 - MIKE BEASLEY AVERAGING 30 POINTS & 20 REB'S
FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT LEADS NCAA IN POINTS AND REBOUNDS
Manhattan, KS - Mike Beasley, a participant in the 2007 Big Apple Basketball Invitational is leading the NCAA Men's Division I in points and rebounds. The 18-year old freshman at Kansas State, is averaging a remarkable 30 points and 20 rebounds per contest.
The 6-10 Beasley has scored a least 30 points in three of his first four games, including a 42 point season debut versus Sacramento State. He was recently named Big 12 Player of the Week after also setting a conference record with 24 rebounds versus Sacramento State. His 24 rebounds topped the old Big 12 record of 23 set by Kevin Durant (Texas) and Nick Collison (Kansas), both currently playing for the Seattle Supersonics.
Notre Dame Prep will return to the BAB Invitational this season with future stars, Terrence Jennings (Louisville), Nate Miles (Connecticut), Melquan Bolding (Louisville) and James Southerland (Syracuse). They will face New Jersey power, Blair Academy with Stanford bound - Jarrett Mann.
11/12/07 - JOHNNY FLYNN SCORES 28 IN FRESHMAN DEBUT
SETS SYRACUSE SCHOOL RECORD
Syracuse, NY - Former Big Apple Basketball participant, Johnny Flynn set a Syracuse scoring record for most points by a freshman in his debut with 28 versus Siena at the Carrier Dome. Flynn eclipsed former Orange and current NBA star, Carmelo Anthony's mark of 27.
Flynn, who holds several Big Apple Basketball Invitational scoring and assist records, also tallied nine assists in his debut. During the 2006 and 2007 Invitational's, Flynn captured two MVP, two Sportsmanship, and one Academic Achievement Award for his excellence as a student-athlete while playing for Niagara Falls High School. He also ranks in the top five in BAB Invitational history in 3-point field goals and free throws made.
The 2008 BAB Invitational is set for January 19 and 21, 2008 featuring high school stars, Tyreke Evans (American Christian - uncommitted), Devin Ebanks (St. Thomas More - Indiana), Patrick Jackson (Boys and Girls - Rutgers) and many, many more.
10/20/07 - BOYS AND GIRLS FORWARD COMMITTS TO RU
PATRICK JACKSON HEADED TO RUTGERS
Brooklyn, NY - Former Xaverian standout, Patrick Jackson has verbally committed to attend Rutgers University. Jackson, who recently transferred to Boys and Girls for his senior year, is a 6-7 versatile small forward.
Jackson and his Boys and Girls teammates will play in both the Big Apple Basketball Challenge (Dec. 8 and 9) and Big Apple Basketball Invitational (Jan. 19 and 21) this upcoming season. They will face a tough Holy Cross team and standout Sylven Landesberg in the BAB Challenge. Landesberg, a nationally ranked 6-6 shooting guard, has committed to play at Virginia.
Complete schedule information for both the Big Apple Basketball Challenge and Big Apple Basketball Invitational will be posted shortly.
10/11/07 - BAB PRO PLAYER SIGNS TO PLAY IN FRANCE!
In his first few games, he has averaged 10 points, five assists in 19 minutes of action, while shooting over 50% from the field and 75% from the line.
"I'm excited and happy to be here," said Brown. "This is definitely a step forward in my career."
In addition to his Big Apple Basketball pro experience, Brown has played three years in Iceland, along with the ABA and USBL.
"I want to thank Big Apple Basketball for all the support over the years, " Brown added. "From workouts, to events, to opportunities, I really appreciate it."
10/8/07 - HOFSTRA LANDS CANARSIE'S YVES JULES
ANOTHER BAB PARTICIPANT COMMITTS DURING EARLY PERIOD
Brooklyn, NY - Yves Jules, a senior at Canarsie High School, has decided to attend Hofstra following his senior year. Jules will play in both the 2007 BAB Challenge versus Bishop Ford and the 2008 BAB Invitational against White Plains.
Jules who not only is a standout player, also received the Big Apple Basketball Academic Achievement Award last season for his academic excellence.
Jules will re-join former Canarsie star, Nathaniel Lester, now a freshman at Hofstra and 2005 BAB participant, Charles Jenkins of Springfield Gardens High.
Below is an excerpt from an article on caa insider...
“I chose Hofstra because I felt it was a perfect fit. I loved the environment around me, and I am real close friends with Nate (Lester) and Charles (Jenkins). So the night I committed, I had a long conversation with the two of them. We talked it over and had a long conversation with my parents. They wanted me to stay close to home and I agreed. NYC is the best place to play ball, and my family and friends can watch me play.”
Besides Hofstra, Yves also had a scholarship offer from the University of Houston, who competes in Conference USA. Due to his age, Houston wanted him to prep a year before signing. Hofstra offered Yves a year to red shirt and he felt this was a better deal than what Houston offered.
10/2/07 - LANDESBERG, GOULBOURNE COMMITT
2007-2008 BAB PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCE COLLEGE CHOICES
Queens, NY - Sylven Landesberg (photo left) and Lance Goulbourne, both participants in BAB events during the upcoming high school basketball season have announced their college decisions.
Landesberg, a 6-5 guard, out of Holy Cross High School, will attend the University of Virginia, while Goulbourne, a 6-7 forward from the Hun School, will head to Vanderbilt University.
Landesberg will play with Holy Cross in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge on December 8 versus Boys and Girls High. Goulbourne and his Hun school teammates will face of against Apex Academy (featuring heavily recruited twins, Marcus and Markieff Morris) on January 19 in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational.
9/29/07 - NYC STREETBALL LEGEND TALKS TO BAB YOUTH
SPEEDY WILLIAMS STOPS BY BARUCH TO CHAT WITH HIGH SCHOOL KIDS
New York, NY - New York City streetball legend, James "Speedy" Williams, made a surprise visit to the Big Apple Basketball Training session and talked to the participants. Williams, who most recently won the title as New York City's top 1-on-1 player in the "Last Man Standing", talked to the youth for approximately an hour.
His talked centered around his life as a Bronx youth to his development as a man, using basketball as his vehicle to achieve his life ambitions. He spoke of the many trials and tribulations he dealt with and how he overcame academic, basketball and life obstacles.
Many of the BAB players in attendance were in awe of how the 41 year old Williams still plays at a high level and how he has created a legendary status for himself, while standing only 5-9. Two weeks ago Williams earned a workout with the New York Knicks, as part of his "Last Man Standing" championship.
"It was inspirational," said 16 year old Xaverian sophomore, Paris McCants. "It gave me something to look forward to and try my best."
8/30/07 - ROBERT MITCHELL HEADED TO SETON HALL
SCHOLARSHIP GAMES PARTICIPANT TRANSFERS TO BIG EAST
South Orange, NJ - Robert Mitchell, a 2005 Scholarship Games participant, is transferring from Duquesne University to Seton Hall.
Below are excerpts from an article written by Adam Zagoria detailing the transfer. Zagoria is a staff writer at the Herald News in West Paterson, New Jersey.
Robert "Stix" Mitchell, a 6-6, 185-pound sophomore small forward who was the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year last season at Duquesne University, has decided to transfer to Seton Hall. He will sit out the upcoming season and have three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2008-09.
Mitchell, a Brooklyn native, averaged 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists last season. He was the ninth-leading scorer among NCAA Division I freshman last year. He hit for a season-high 29 points at Robert Morris and 28 at George Washington.
"I just spoke to Coach (Bobby) Gonzalez and Coach (Derm) Player and I decided to verbally commit to Seton Hall," MItchell, 21, said by phone Wednesday night. "I"m going to learn the position from Brian Laing. I'm going to work out with him, stay in the gym with him and get it done when he leaves."
Mitchell said he knows several Seton Hall players and was looking forward to rejoining them. He lives six blocks from Eugene "Nunu" Harvey in Brooklyn; attended Notre Dame Prep with Mike Davis; played AAU ball with Brandon Walters; and is good friends with Larry Davis.
"I got a connection with those guys," he said.
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."
8/3/07 - DARRYL BRYANT CHOOSES WEST VIRGINIA 
BAB PARTICIPANT HEADED TO THE BIG EAST!
Bronx, NY - Big Apple Basketball participant, Daryl "Truck" Bryant committed to attend West Virginia University. The 6'1 power guard, heading into his senior year at St. Raymond High, chose Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers over St. John's, Illinois, South Carolina, South Florida, Memphis and Rhode Island.
Bryant will team with another former BAB participant in DeSean Butler ('06) who will be a sophomore at West Virginia this upcoming season.
7/26/07 - MALACHI PEAY COMMITS TO MAINE
CAMPUS MAGNET SENIOR AND BAB PLAYER HEADED TO AMERICA EAST
Queens, NY - When his players are looking at college, Charles Granby always advises them to gauge the interest level from the school, not just the name. Sometimes, the longtime Campus Magnet basketball coach tells them, the smaller conference is the better choice.
“I try to tell the kids bigger is not always better,” he said. “Go someplace where they want you in the system.”
Malachi Peay, the Bulldogs’ talented 6-foot-4 wing who can play small forward and both guard positions, took that advice to heart. Es
