2/12/10 - 4 BAB PLAYERS NAMED MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICANS
KNIGHT, HARRIS, PINKSTON & LAMB TABBED FOR 2010 GAME IN OHIO
Columbus, OH - Four Big Apple Basketball participants have been selected to play in the prestigious 2010 McDonald's All-American game!
Brandon Knight (BAB Invitational 2009), Tobias Harris (BAB Invitational 2010 and 2008), Jayvaughn Pinkston (BAB Challenge 2009 & 2008 and BAB Invitational 2010 and 2009), and Doron Lamb (BAB Challenge 2007) will all be participants at this year's McDonald's all-star game in Columbus, Ohio.
Knight from The Pine Crest School in Florida and Lamb (Oak Hill Academy, VA) will compete for the West squad, while Harris (Hills West H.S., NY) and Jayvaughn Pinkston (Bishop Loughlin H.S., NY) will lead the East squad.
Knight, currently ranked the #1 player in the country by Rivals Hoops, earned MVP honors in the 2009 BAB Invitational versus Pinkston and Bishop Loughlin by scoring 43 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The 6-3 point guard is uncommitted, but many consider Kentucky, Miami and Florida to have the inside track in his recruitment.
The 6-8 Harris (Tennessee) and the 6-6 Pinkston (Villanova) recently competed against one another in their highly publicized matchup in New York City last month in the BAB Invitational. Harris' Hills West squad defeated Pinkston's Bishop Loughlin team in overtime as both stars put on spectacular performances with Harris netting 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, while Pinkston had a dominant showing with 34 points and 14 rebounds.
Game videos of Knight, Pinkston, Harris, Lamb and all BAB Invitationals and Challenges are available online!!
1/23/10 - MSG TO AIR HILLS WEST VS. BISHOP LOUGHLIN GAME!!
BAB INVITATIONAL MARQUEE MATCHUP TO BE TELEVISED ON SUNDAY
New York, NY - The marquee matchup from the 2010 BAB Invitational will be televised on MSG, Sunday, January 24th at 9am and will replay at 6pm.
The game was played on Monday, January 18 in a highly anticipated contest that featured Hills West High School (Long Island) versus Bishop Loughlin High School (Brooklyn).
BAB President, Jason Curry will be part of the MSG broadcast team during the 2nd quarter and will also have an exclusive halftime segment!!
The game was full of drama as All-Americans Tobias Harris - Hills West (committed to Tennessee) and Jayvaughn Pinkston - Bishop Loughlin (committed to Villanova) battled until the final buzzer in front of a capacity crowd at Baruch College in New York City.
Check your local listings for channels!
1/17/10 - PINKSTON/HARRIS HIGHLIGHT BAB INVITATIONAL WKND!!
BISHOP LOUGHLIN/HILLS WEST STEAL SHOW IN DRAMATIC FASHION + RECAPS
New York, NY - Bishop Loughlin and Hills West High School stole the show after a dramatic finish to cap off the 7th Annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational in New York City.
With the score tied at ...Bishop Loughlin All-American senior, Jayvaughn Pinkston buried a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime in front of a capacity crowd at Baruch College.
The overtime was decided by the spectacular play of Hills West lightening quick junior point guard, Tayvon Sledge who earned MVP honors posting 21 points.
In other games in the BAB Invitational Wings Academy (Bronx) defeated Peekskill High (NY) - NFHS sanctioned, 87-63 with Krystian Foriest (Wings), earning MVP honors with 18 points.
Winchendon Academy (MA) hammered Impact Academy (NV) - Exhibition, 84-53 with Eric Ferguson (Winchendon) stealing the show with 18 points (MVP).
Benjamin Cardozo (Queens) got by St. Raymond (Bronx) - NFHS sanctioned, 66-57, while Ryan Rhomes (Benjamin Cardozo) earned MVP honors with 14 points.
In the final game on Saturday, Boys and Girls (Brooklyn) pulled away from Long Island Lutheran (Long Island) late in the fourth, 53-40 - NFHS sanctioned - and Antoine Slaughter (Boys and Girls) took home the MVP award with 18 points and eight assists.
On Monday, Long Island Lutheran (Long Island) bounced back with a 60-49 decision (NFHS sanctioned) over Forest Hills (Queens) playing without star Maurice Harkless. Junior, Achraf Yacoubou (L.I. Lutheran) was named MVP after posting 19 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
In the second game of the day, Academy of the New Church (PA) sophomore Savon Goodman had a spectacular 32 point, 12 rebound performance over Impact (NV), 85-70 (Exhibition).
One of the top performers of the two-day event was 6'8 junior, LaQuinton Ross of Life Center Academy (NJ) as he put up 25 points with 13 rebounds in a 72-54 win over Hotchkiss (CT) - Exhibition.
The final game on Monday prior to the much anticipated matchup between Hills West and Bishop Loughlin featured Plymouth Whitemarsh (PA) versus St. Raymond (Bronx) - NFHS sanctioned. Plymouth Whitemarsh was able to hold off a furious second half rally by St. Ray's and earn a 63-54 victory. St. Joe's bound CJ Aiken (MVP) paced Plymouth Whitemarsh with 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks.
Click on the links below for additional tourney information.
1/13/10 - FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT SIGNS NBA CONTRACT!!
SUNDIATA GAINES GETS 10-DAY CALLUP TO UTAH JAZZ...WATCH VIDEO!!
Salt Lake City, UT - Former BAB Invitational participant, Sundiata Gaines signed a 10 day contract last week with the Utah Jazz. Gaines was playing in the NBA Development League for the Idaho Stampede prior to the callup.
Gaines was the standout player in the 1st Annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational in 2004 when he posted 30 points with four assists and four rebounds in a winning effort for Archbishop Molloy High School versus Milliken Mills (Canada). Gaines is still listed as one of the Top 10 performers in BAB Invitational history. See footage of Gaines in action during the 2004 Invitational, along with other top performers including Jonny Flynn and Michael Beasley.
See video of Gaines below actually receiving his callup from the Utah Jazz and his surprised reaction!!
1/12/10 - INVITATIONAL TIPS W/ 15 TOP HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS!!
HARRIS, PINKSTON, WAITERS HEAD TOP METRO AREA & NATIONAL TALENT
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball will host the 7th Annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational on Saturday, January 16 and Monday, January 18, 2010 at Baruch College in New York City. The invitational features 15 top high school and prep school teams from New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Said Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry: "We’re extremely excited about the combination of local stars, nationally ranked upper classmen, as well as top tier underclassmen in this year’s showcase. This continues to create a lot of excitement amongst the New York City basketball community, players, coaches, families and general spectators to bring some of the best talent from around the country to New York City.”
The invitational will feature New York City schools, Bishop Loughlin, Boys and Girls, St. Raymond, Benjamin Cardozo, Forest Hills and Wings; along with Hills West (Long Island), Long Island Lutheran (Long Island), Plymouth Whitemarsh (Pennsylvania), Impact Academy (Nevada), Hotchkiss (Connecticut), Life Center Academy (New Jersey), Academy of the New Church (Pennsylvania) and Winchendon (Massachusetts).
Hills West features 6’8 forward Tobias Harris, rated a Top 5 senior nationally (committed to Tennessee). Other notable players are Bishop Loughlin star, Jayvaughn Pinkston (committed to Villanova); Dion Waiters (Life Center Academy, committed to Syracuse); C.J. Aiken (Plymouth Whitemarsh - committed to St. Joseph’s); Jason Morris (Hotchkiss - committed to Georgia Tech); Academy of the New Church’s Rakeem Christmas (ranked #3 junior nationally); Winchendon’s Angel Nunez (nationally ranked junior); Long Island Lutheran junior guard, Achraf Yacoubou (verbally committed to Villanova); Forest Hills 6’7 junior, Maurice Harkless (committed to UConn), along with several other nationally ranked seniors and juniors.
Former participants in the BAB Invitational include: Michael Beasley (Miami Heat/ Notre Dame Prep); Jonny Flynn, (Minnesota Timberwolves/Niagara Falls); Danny Green (Cleveland Cavaliers/St. Mary’s); Sundiata Gaines (Utah Jazz/Archbishop Molloy) and Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati/Abraham Lincoln).
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.
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.
1/2/10 - DAVONTAY GRACE VERBALS TO ST. JOHN'S
JEFFERSON STANDOUT & BAB PARTICIPANT COMMITS TO RED STORM
Brooklyn, NY - Thomas Jefferson junior guard, Davontay Grace has verbally committed to attend St. John's University. The 6'1, 205 lb. Grace chose the Red Storm over Providence, Marquette and Hofstra.
He is currently averaging 10.5 points and 9.8 assists per game for Jefferson in one of New York City's most competitive divisions (PSAL AA Brooklyn).
Since 2007, Grace has participated in several Big Apple Basketball events, including both the BAB Challenge and BAB Invitational. In December 2008 he earned MVP honors in the BAB Challenge after posting 21 points with five steals in a thrilling 63-61 victory over Brooklyn power Bishop Loughlin.
12/28/09 - 3 FORMER BAB PARTICIPANTS HONORED BY BIG EAST!!
EBANKS PLAYER OF WEEK, TRICHE ROOKIE OF WEEK, PETERSON HONORED
Providence, RI - (excerpts from bigeast.org) The BIG EAST Conference has named West Virginia forward Devin Ebanks and Syracuse guard Brandon Triche the winners of the conference's weekly men's basketball honors for the week-ending Dec. 27.
Ebanks was chosen as BIG EAST Player of the Week after he led the Mountaineers to a 2-0 week with a 76-66 victory against No.15 Mississippi and a dramatic 90-84 win in overtime at Seton Hall in the BIG EAST opener. The 6-9 sophomore posted 14 points and 13 rebounds against Mississippi. He matched his career scoring high with 22 points against Seton Hall and pulled down a game-high 17 rebounds.
Triche was tabbed as BIG EAST Rookie of the Week after he poured in 27 points in a 92-60 win over Oakland. The rookie shot 9-of-11 from the floor, which included 6-of-6 from 3-point range, and added four rebounds and four assists. For the season, Triche is averaging 11.5 points.
Jamine Peterson, Providence, F, So. Posted 25 points and 13 rebounds in an 87-78 victory over Yale in the Friars’ only game of the week.
Ebanks (BAB Challenge 2004, 2005 & BAB Invitational 2006, 2008), Triche (BAB Invitational 2009) and Peterson (BAB Challenge 2005 & BAB Invitational 2007) were all participants in BAB events.
12/19/09 - BAB FEATURED IN THE WASHINGTON POST!!!
ARTICLE BY ALAN GOLDENBACH
Last week, my colleague Josh Barr touched upon the seeming reluctance of DeMatha and Montrose Christian, the area's preeminent boys' basketball programs, to meet on the court. While those two schools can hem and haw about getting together, I came across another event that the Washington-area hoops community could take a cue from and, done right, could become one of the biggest sources of sports community pride.
This weekend, a grass-roots basketball group in New York called Big Apple Basketball (BAB) will put on its sixth annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge at Manhattan’s Baruch College. Four games are held each day, each pitting a member of New York’s Public School Athletic League (PSAL) against one from the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA). The Catholic schools have had the edge the past three years, though, the past two have been close, 5-4, last year, and 5-3, in 2007.
“This event has gained a lot of momentum,” said BAB President Jason Curry, “and continues to be one of the premier tip-off events for New York City basketball fans, players, coaches and the general community.”
Curry hit on the key element here – the general community. Much like New York, basketball is central to the athletic identity of Washington. Also like New York, the District’s identity comes from three different municipalities – Washington, Maryland and Virginia, just like New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for the Big Apple.
12/18/09 - DAVID SAMUELS CHOOSES LOYOLA
2009 BAB CHALLENGE MVP SELECTS GREYHOUNDS
New Rochelle, NY - Blessed Sacrament senior forward, David Samuels committed to Loyola College (Md.) over Iona College, Drexel University and Fairfield University.
Samuels recently earned MVP honors in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge, posting 25 points and 13 rebounds in a 62-53 victory over Campus Magnet.
Click here to read complete article on Samuels' commitment!
12/14/09 - CHSAA/PSAL FINISH 2-DAY TIP-OFF IN A DRAW!!
BOTH LEAGUES SPLIT 4-4 IN BAB CHALLENGE
New York, NY - The 6th Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge ended in a 4-4 draw as the CHSAA and PSAL competed for New York City boys basketball supremacy. Each year, Big Apple Basketball features the top boys catholic and public school basketball programs in the city in a two day showcase.
This seasons event was held at Baruch College in Manhattan. On Saturday, the CHSAA started the day with a win as Blessed Sacrament (CHSAA-New Rochelle) got by Campus Magnet (PSAL-Queens), 62-53
...but the PSAL bounced back with two consecutive victories by Paul Robeson (PSAL-Brooklyn) over Bishop Ford (CHSAA-Brooklyn) 66-55
The CHSAA was able to earn a tie as St. Raymond (CHSAA-Bronx) handled Wings (PSAL-Bronx), 71-59.
On Sunday, the leagues remained deadlocked as Wadleigh (PSAL-Manhattan) cruised by Molloy (CHSAA-Queens) 71-59;
and in the nightcap, Bishop Loughlin (CHSAA-Brooklyn) won a tight battle in overtime 75-72 over Thomas Jefferson (PSAL-Brooklyn).
12/9/09 - FOREST HILLS JUNIOR, MAURICE HARKLESS TO UCONN
2ND BAB CHALLENGE PARTICIPANT TO SELECT BIG EAST SCHOOL IN WEEK!
Queens, NY - Forest Hills junior swingman verbally committed to attend the University of Connecticut. On the heels of Bishop Loughlin senior Jayvaughn Pinkston, Harkless becomes the second player in the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Challenge to select a Big East school within the week.
Harkless was also a participant in the 2008 BAB Challenge where he received Sportsmanship honors following a 17 point, 11 rebound performance versus Bishop Ford in 46-41 loss.
Forest Hills will be playing on Sunday, December 13 in the upcoming BAB Challenge versus Holy Cross High School at Baruch College.
12/3/09 - JAYVAUGHN PINKSTON CHOOSES VILLANOVA
BAB CHALLENGE PARTICIPANT HEADED TO BIG EAST
Brooklyn, NY - 2009 BAB Challenge participant, Jayvaughn Pinkston verbally committed to Villanova University. Pinkston a 6'6, 235lb. forward out of Bishop Loughlin High School is rated as the top player in New York City. Last season as a junior, Pinkston earned Sportsmanship Honors in the BAB Invitational, posting 28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in a 90-80 loss to The Pine Crest School (Fl.).
Pinkston was also being recruited by St. John's, Marquette, Seton Hall, Rutgers and Tennessee. He and his Bishop Loughlin teammates will face Brooklyn public school power Thomas Jefferson on Sunday, December 12 at Baruch College in the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Challenge.
11/23/09 - 2009 BAB CHALLENGE TIPS W/ 16 NYC BOYS TEAMS
NYC Catholic and Public League Compete for City Bragging Rights
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball, Inc. will host the Sixth Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge in New York City on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 at Baruch College.
The challenge, which will feature 16 of New York City’s top CHSAA and PSAL teams, is a two-day event designed to show the supremacy of New York City’s CHSAA or PSAL league on the basketball court.
“Even though the overall record has shown that the catholic league has the edge, the event is a great idea and the PSAL has closed the gap,” said high school basketball scouting guru Tom Konchalski. “There are a lot of good inter-borough rivalries in this years matchups and it's the first chance to see a lot of high quality city teams.”
The challenge will feature, CHSAA schools Bishop Loughlin, St. Raymond, Xaverian, All Hallows, Bishop Ford, Holy Cross, Archbishop Molloy and Blessed Sacrament, along with PSAL schools Thomas Jefferson, Wings, Abraham Lincoln, Boys and Girls, Forest Hills, Paul Robeson, Wadleigh and Campus Magnet.
Notable players include: Bishop Loughlin senior, Jayvaughn Pinkston (Villanova); Wadleigh's, Malik Thomas (Boston U.); Blessed Sacrament’s 6’6 senior, David Samuel; All Hallows senior, Mike Alvarado (Manhattan College); Boys and Girls highly touted junior guard, Mike Taylor; Thomas Jefferson backcourt, David Coley (senior, Stony Brook); Davontay Grace (junior); and Forest Hills 6’7 junior, Maurice Harkless (UConn).
Former event standouts include: Lance Stephenson (Lincoln/Cincinnati); Kemba Walker (Rice/UConn); Charles Jenkins (Springfield Gardens/Hofstra); Sylven Landesberg (Holy Cross/Virginia) and Erving Walker (Christ the King/Florida).
Thomas Jefferson, Wings, and Boys and Girls will all be favorites to capture the city crown this year. On the CHSAA side, Bishop Loughlin is expected to be one of the frontrunners for the city title.
"We’re happy once again to showcase many of the top programs and student-athletes in New York City," said BAB President, Jason Curry. “This event has gained a lot of momentum and continues to be one of the premier tip-off events for New York City basketball fans, players, coaches and the general community.”
Legendary Archbishop Molloy coach, Jack Curran begins his 52nd season for the Stanners, with an overall record of 913-389. John Carey returns to the sidelines for All Hallows as head coach in his 29th season. Holy Cross is coached by Paul Gilvary, beginning his 25th season on the sideline and 14th as the head coach.
Ruth Lovelace is the only woman boys’ varsity AA division basketball coach in New York City and has led Boys and Girls High to the city semi-finals five of the past eight seasons, including back-to-back city championship appearances in 2007 and 2008. Thomas Jefferson is led by two former Brooklyn All-City prep stars. Head Coach, Lawrence Pollard (Boys and Girls ’90) and assistant coach, Seldon Jefferson, who graduated as Bishop Loughlin’s all-time leading scorer (’93), also teamed at West Virginia University.
For a complete list of matchups, click here.
11/19/09 - BAB INVITATIONAL PARTICIPANT CHOOSES TENNESSEE
NATIONAL TOP 5 PROSPECT TO PARTICIPATE IN JANUARY BAB INVITATIONAL
Dix Hills, NY - Tobias Harris, a top 5 nationally rated senior, has made his college decision and will also be participating in the BAB Invitational. Harris will be featured in the marquee matchup of the event, along with Bishop Loughlin senior, Jayvaughn Pinkston when Hills West High School faces Loughlin on Monday, January 18 at Baruch College. Pinkston, the #1 rated player in New York City was rumored to have been committing to Tennessee prior to Harris' announcement, but will now make his decision at the end of the season.
Complete info. on the 2010 BAB Invitational on Saturday, January 16 and 18 at Baruch College in New York City, will be posted shortly.
(from Baltimore Sun)
Tobias Harris, the five-star forward from Dix Hills, N.Y., has made his decision.
“I’m going to be playing my college basketball at the University of Tennessee,” said Harris, who announced his decision live on ESPNU Thursday night.
Harris picked the Volunteers over Maryland, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse and West Virginia.
“I really had a great relationship with Coach [Bruce] Pearl and Coach [Tony] Jones,” Harris said. “It’s just a family atmosphere down there. I got along with the players real well and it’s just a great opportunity and fit for me.”
11/16/09 - FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT EARNS ACC ROY HONORS!!
(from hurricansports.com)
Coral Gables, FL - University of Miami freshman guard Durand Scott has been selected ACC Rookie of the Week after a strong debut in the Hurricanes' 83-53 season-opening victory over North Carolina Central.
In his first collegiate game on Saturday, Scott - a 6-3 freshman from New York City - handed out a game-high 10 assists with zero turnovers, and added four points and two steals. The 10 assists tie an ACC freshman record and are the most assists by a Miami player in exactly three years, since Anthony Harris finished with 10 assists versus Alcorn State on Nov. 14, 2006. In addition, Scott is just the second Hurricane in program history -- and the first since Thomas Hocker accomplished the feat in 1990 -- to record double-digit assists with no turnovers.
10/25/09 - WADLEIGH'S THOMAS SELECTS BOSTON UNIVERSITY!
MALIK THOMAS HEADED TO THE TERRIERS
New York, NY - Wadleigh forward, Malik Thomas verbally committed to Boston University following his senior campaign in 2009-2010. Thomas and his Wadleigh teammates will take on Archbishop Molloy in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge on Saturday, December 12 at Baruch College in New York City.
Click here for the complete two-day schedule!
(story below by ZACH BRAZILLER, NY Post)
In five years as the Wadleigh boys basketball coach, Mike Crump has
coached plenty of talented players, high-flying slam-dunk artists, 3-point specialists and fierce rebounders and defenders. He has had just as many exemplary students.
Malik Thomas is the first one that can fit into both of those categories.
The 6-foot-7 senior wing became Crump’s first Division I scholarship player, verbally committing to Boston University and first-year coach Patrick Chambers Saturday night.
“It does mean a lot because a lot of talented players have come to our school,” said Thomas, who averaged 11 points, six rebounds and three assists per game for Wadleigh last season, leading the Tigers to their third straight Manhattan A title. “I always thought it was possible, but I never thought it would happen so fast.”
He chose the America East program over FDU and Stony Brook because of its location in a large city and the possibilities under Chambers. A former associate head coach at Villanova under Jay Wright, Chambers plans to bring the same frenetic attack to Boston.
“It’s a Villanova-type system, run and gun, but scrappy and they play a lot of defense,” said Thomas, a Harlem native. “I felt I could fit in right away. I feel comfortable with that.”
Thomas said Chambers told him he could contribute immediately. “If I work hard, I’ll play,” he said.
Thomas didn’t receive much Division I interest until last summer. He enjoyed a breakout performance in the two-day Wheelchair Charities HS Basketball Classic alongside such city stars as Durand Scott (Miami) and Sean Johnson (Duquesne). He decided to play AAU basketball for the first time, traveling with New Heights to several tournaments where he was seen by hundreds of college coaches.
By that time, Thomas had begun to change as a player, adding new dimensions to his game. Crump saw the difference in the rail-thin forward late in the regular season, when he begun to toughen up and stopped settling for perimeter jumpers. He didn’t take a backseat to anyone, singlehandedly keeping Wadleigh in their second-round playoff loss to Transit Tech by scoring 16 second-half points.
“Something clicked with him,” Crump recalled. “He made that game go from us getting embarrassed to where we had a chance to beat them.”
Thomas began lifting weights and running consistently to get in better condition. He ate better, shedding his ‘Skittles’ nickname, given for his appetite for the bit-sized candy.
The two, Crump and Thomas, share a special bond, not just because he is Crump’s first scholarship player. Thomas attended Wadleigh’s junior high school, and played for Crump in middle school. He had opportunities as a talented eighth grader to play for other programs, Catholic schools
and public schools known for its high level of basketball.
“He will always hold a special place in my heart,” the coach said. “I’m very proud of him as a person, I’m very proud of him as a student and I’m very proud he stuck by me. You can’t get a more loyal kid.”
9/24/09 - WATCH VIDEO OF JASON CURRY HOF SPEECH!!!
2-PART VIDEO OF BAB PREZ INDUCTION SPEECH TO ST. MICHAEL'S COLLEGE
9/18/09 - BAB PREZ, JASON CURRY INDUCTED INTO HOF!!
SAINT MICHAEL'S COLLEGE NAMES CURRY TO ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
South Burlington, VT - Legendary former Saint Michael's College student-athlete, Jason Curry was inducted into the Saint Michael's College Athletics Hall of Fame tonight, at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Burlington.
The five members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2009 didn't just make their mark in their sports of choice, as each has gone on to live the College's mission as pillars of their communities. The class includes: Jason Curry. '95, an outstanding point guard and successful non-profit entrepreneur.
Jason Curry was a four-year starter at point guard for the Purple Knights' men's basketball team, and two-year team captain. He graduated as the program's all-time assists leader, and still holds the highest assists-per-game average. Upon graduation, he ranked in program history in assists (#1), free throw percentage (#1), 3-point percentage (#2) and steals (#3), and was a two-time All-State First Team honoree.
In 1999, founded Big Apple Basketball, Inc. (BAB), a non-profit organization dedicated to using basketball as a "bridge to discovery" to help youth achieve the dream of a college education. In addition to developing their basketball skills, BAB also successfully mentors these kids, developing their academic strength, life skills, and personal strengths. Over the last 10 years, Curry has personally assisted hundreds of kids in earning athletic and academic scholarships to colleges and universities nationwide. In 2008, he received the inaugural "Strong Coaches, Strong Kids" Award from the Long Island City YMCA, in recognition of his dedication and service to New York City children.
The event began at 6 p.m. with a reception, followed by the dinner and ceremony. This year's class is the 22nd inducted into the Saint Michael's Athletics Hall of Fame, which began in 1987.
8/31/09 - BAB's SPENCER ROSS TO BE RECOGNIZED BY NYC HOF!
VOLUNTEER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS HONOR FOR ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER
VOLUNTEER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS HONOR FOR ILLUSTRIOUS CAREERNew York, NY - On September 24, legendary sports announcer, Spencer Ross will be recognized with the 2009 class of the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony will take place at the New York Athletic Club in mid-town Manhattan. Ross is a nationally known Play-by-Play sportscaster, as well as a long-time Madison Square Garden announcer. He will receive the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame Trustees Award, the highest honor one can receive from the organization as a non-player or coach.
With the exception of the New York Mets, Ross has called play-by-play for every professional New York metropolitan area sports franchise, including the Yankees, Knicks, Nets, Jets, Giants, Rangers, Islanders and Devils. Nationally, he has worked for the NFL on NBC and Major League Baseball and has called games for the Florida State Seminoles and Boston Celtics.
Since 2007, Ross has regularly volunteered as a public address announcer at almost all Big Apple Basketball events and is looking forward to the ceremony.
"When I heard I was going in, I almost broke down crying," said Ross. "It's a tremendous honor and a great group I'm going in with. I hope I can continue to assist Big Apple Basketball. It's been my privilege and it signalizes all that's good about the game in New York City."
Ross attended Florida State University on a basketball scholarship and, while there, called baseball and basketball games for the Seminoles
7/27/09 - BAB VOLUNTEER CRACKS KFC RECIPE!!
RON 'DOUGLAS' DUCKETT FEATURED ON TELEVISION SHOWS & NEWSPAPERS
Glen Cove, NY - Big Apple Basketball volunteer, Ron 'Douglas' Duckett has received notable media attention for cracking the Colonel Sanders secret recipe for KFC's famous chicken.
Douglas, who has published a cookbook, "America's Most Wanted Recipes" was recently featured on Good Morning America, Good Day New York, Wendy Williams Show, Fox & Friends, Fox Studio B with Shepard Smith, NY 1 News, Inside Edition and WPIX 11. He also received publicity in People Magazine, Newsday and New York Post.
Douglas recently signed a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster and the cookbook will be on the upcoming New York Times Best Seller list.
Below is a clip of Douglas on Fox and Friends.
7/24/09 - FORMER CAROLINA STANDOUTS SPEAK TO BAB WOMEN
KATHY WILSON-DUPREY & CELESTE WHITTAKER VISIT NY STUDENT-ATHLETES
New York, NY - Two former women's basketball players from the University of North Carolina came to New York City to speak with college women in the BAB summer training program.
Kathy Wilson Duprey, who is the Founder and President of Unlimited Success Sports and Celeste Whittaker, an established sports journalist with the Courier Post (NJ) spoke to several women about a wide range of topics from being successful collegiate student-athletes to career transitioning after basketball.
Wilson-Duprey and Whittaker, who were teammates at UNC-Chapel Hill, focused on the importance of women taking control of their lives, decision making, accomplishing goals, leadership, becoming better people on and off the court, positive attitudes, capitalizing on opportunities and maximizing their abilities.
"It really helped me with my self-confidence and the mental part of my game," said Lorin Clarke of Brooklyn, New York. "Overall, it was really a positive experience for me."
"My goal in speaking to the women was to touch on the concepts that would help to make them successful not only as basketball players, but as young women," said Wilson-Duprey. "My experience with them far exceeded my expectations. I don't think I have ever had the privilege of speaking to a more engaged, committed, and caring group."
"I thought it was really good, it helped me a lot," said Alicia Soules of Rocky Point, North Carolina. "They gave me hope on what I want to do after basketball and helped me realize there's more to life than basketball."
Wilson-Duprey added, "There are so many players who need skill development and guidance, and BAB has consistently provided that."
Following her career at UNC, Kathy played professionally in Australia and was a women's college basketball assistant coach at The University of Mississippi for two years and The George Washington University for five years. She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Michael and daughter Elayna.
Celeste worked for eight years as a sports journalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the 1996 Olympics. She has also been a beat writer at the Courier Post covering the Philadelphia 76ers from 1998-2005.
Celeste is on the BAB Board of Directors and has written a book entitled, The Epitome of Fatherhood: The Life of Chester M. Whittaker.
7/1/09 - LANCE STEPHENSON COMMITS TO CINCINNATI
WILL JOIN FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT SEAN KILPATRICK AS INCOMING FROSH
Brooklyn, NY - Two-time BAB participant, Lance Stephenson has committed to the University of Cincinnati. The announcement was made today by Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin.
“We are very excited about Lance’s decision to become a Bearcat,” said Cronin. “Lance has terrific talent as a basketball player, and is also a fierce competitor on the court. His desire to win will help us compete for a BIG EAST Championship. As a big guard, Lance brings playmaking ability and versatility to our team, along with his talent for scoring. We look forward to getting Lance here for summer school and building our team for the upcoming season.”
The 6-6 Stephenson was one of the top seniors in the country this past season and was selected as a McDonald's All-American. He will team with fellow New Yorker Sean Kilpatrick as freshmen at Cincinnati for the 2009-2010 campaign.
Stephenson was a participant in the 2006 BAB Challenge and 2009 BAB Invitational, while Kilpatrick participated in the 2008 and 2009 BAB Invitational's. Kilpatrick holds the BAB Invitational single game scoring record with 44 points, while playing for White Plains High School.
During Stephenson's senior year at Lincoln High School he averaged 28.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists and earned Class AA New York State Sports Writers Association (NYSSWA) Player of the Year honors. He graduated as the all-time leading scorer in New York State history with 2,946 points. On the New York City high school basketball circuit, he will also most notably be remembered for his unprecedented four consecutive PSAL championships.
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.
Flynn was a participant in the 2006 and 2007 Big Apple Basketball Invitational. He is considered one of the Top 10 performers in Invitational history holding several records including, most assists in one game.
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!!
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball hosted their 6th Annual Scholarship Games on Saturday, April 18 at Baruch College in New York City.
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.
Jenkins was a participant and MVP during the 2005 BAB Challenge. Other Big Apple Basketball participants also recognized were; Jaytornah Wisseh, LIU (1st Team); Robert Mitchell, Seton Hall (2nd Team); Darryl Crawford, Manhattan (2nd Team); Chris Smith, Manhattan (3rd Team) and Scott Machado, Iona (3rd Team).
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.
Confirmed author appearances: Don Bragg and Theresa Bragg, Kamp Olympik, Kenneth Brown, The System Versus the Law, and Celeste Whittaker, The Epitome of Fatherhood: The Life of Chester M. Whittaker.
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.
The Railsplitters were a participant in the 2009 Big Apple Basketball Invitational, losing a tight contest to Jamesville-Dewitt from Syracuse before a capacity crowd at Baruch College.
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).
Click on the following links to see how these players have fared in the Big Apple Basketball Invitational! Individual Records and the Big Apple Basketball Challenge Individual Records.
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.
Landesberg was a participant in the 2005 and 2007 Big Apple Basketball Challenge, and 2007 Big Apple Basketball Invitational, earning MVP honors versus Boys and Girls and San Diego High Schools, and Sportsmanship recognition versus Campus Magnet.
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.
Capers has been a member of the BAB Pro Touring Team, as well as a participant in the Pro Expo and BAB Pro Summer Team.
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."
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.
Brown played collegiately at St. Peter's and was a member of the 2001, 2002 Big Apple Basketball Pro Touring Team, along with the 2004 and 2005 BAB Pro Summer Teams.
1/8/09 - BAB PRESIDENT, JASON CURRY LIVE ON NY1
BAB INVITATIONAL GETS PROMOTION ON NYC TV SPORTS TALK SHOW
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry appeared live on NY1 News last week to promote the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Invitational.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out video highlights of Beasley in the BAB Invitational All-Time Top 10 and order the complete game for your video archives.
2/25/08 - BAB PRESIDENT, JASON CURRY TO BE HONORED
YMCA & QNS NEWSPAPERS WILL HONOR CURRY
Queens, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry 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 Curry, 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 HONORQueens, 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.
