8/17/10 - BAB VOLUNTEER COACH NAMED ADELPHI ASSISTANT
DARIO HERNANDEZ TABBED AS ADELPHI U. WOMEN'S ASSISTANT COACH
Garden City, NY - Dario Hernandez, a volunteer assistant with Big Apple Basketball for the past four years has been named the Graduate Assistant Coach for the Adelphi University women's basketball program.
"I'm very excited and ready to learn and begin my career in college coaching," said Hernandez. "A lot of what I've learned has been through Big Apple Basketball."
Hernandez, a 2010 graduate of Shaw University (N.C.) has worked in a variety of capacities with the Big Apple Basketball Pro Teams, Scholarship Games, BAB Challenge, BAB Invitational and training program.
"After graduating high school, I worked for two years and didn't have any plans on going back to school," he added. "I probably wouldn't have been in school if it wasn't for Big Apple Basketball helping me get into college. Basketball became a tool to get me back into school."
"I first met Dario when he was finishing high school and his commitment to basketball in general has helped him learn a lot in a short period of time," said Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry. "He's very serious about his craft and I'm very happy for him! He's undoubtedly earned this opportunity and know he'll be successful in the basketball arena and helping players."
Below is an excerpt from the Adelphi University website on Hernandez' hiring.
Dario Hernandez begins his first season as an assistant coach for the Panthers' women's basketball team.
Hernandez received his degree in Recreation from Shaw University where he also served as a student manager for the men's basketball team. While serving as a manager, he would assist with individual workouts and player development, filmed games for the coaching staff, was solely responsible for perimeter player development, and tutored players in Math, English, Biology, and Spanish.
Hernandez also served as a coach/counselor at several basketball camps including Coach K's Duke Basketball Camp and Gary Williams Basketball Camp. Aside from his coaching experience, Hernandez played one season for Schenectady County Community College and Southern Vermont College.
7/18/10 - CORSLEY EDWARDS IN NBA SUMMER LEAGUE!
BAB PRO SUMMER TEAM FORWARD PLAYS FOR WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Las Vegas, NV - Big Apple Basketball forward, Corsley Edwards has been selected to play in the 2010 NBA summer league in Las Vegas. Edwards a member of the BAB Pro Summer Team will play with the Washington Wizards and John Wall, the #1 selection in the 2010 NBA draft.
"It (NBA summer league) was a good experience," said Edwards. "I was the oldest player in summer league. I've been working out with the Wizards coaches and trainers for the past three summers."
In preparation for the NBA summer league, Edwards, a Baltimore resident, traveled to New York regularly to compete with the Big Apple Basketball Pro Summer team in the Fireball Pro League held at Baruch College.
"Coming to New York was great exposure and it was good competition in the league," he added.
Edwards averaged 23.5 points and eight rebounds per game for BAB this summer. He was a 2002 NBA draft pick by the Sacramento Kings, played a portion of the 2004-2005 season with the Sacramento Kings and was also the #1 overall draft pick in the 2006 NBA D-League draft. During the 2009-2010 Edwards played professionally in China.
7/1/10 - BAB SUMMER TRAINING...REGISTER AT ANYTIME!!!
BASKETBALL SKILL DEVELOPMENT & PLYOMETRIC WORKOUT SESSIONS
New York, NY - The Big Apple Basketball summer training program will begin on Monday, July 5 and run through Sunday, August 29. Participants can register at any time.
Workouts are held four days per week at Baruch College in Manhattan and Queens College in Flushing.
The program assists players in ALL AREAS OF BASKETBALL SKILL DEVELOPMENT, along with plyometrics, to improving their speed, quickness, agility, power, balance, conditioning, concentration, vertical jump and flexibility.
Academic and team discounts are also available!
For complete info. on the program and registration visit http://www.bigapplebasketball.com/basketballschool.html
or call (718)575-3342
6/30/10 - BAB'S AKEEM SCOTT EARNS SPOT ON NATIONAL TEAM!
WILL REPRESENT JAMAICA IN CENTROBASKET TOURNEY
Orlando, FL - Akeem Scott, a 6'1 point guard, recently made the Jamaican National Basketball Team. Scott played for Big Apple Basketball's Pro Team this spring in the Fireball Pro Tourney in New York City.
In Scott's sole performance for Big Apple Basketball, he posted 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds in 26 minutes of action.
"Coming to NYC to workout with you (BAB President, Jason Curry) was just what I needed, especially right before my tryouts with the National team," said Scott. "I like being drilled by coaches who actually know the game and understand the players body. You weren't trying to kill me, you were testing me in many ways, physically and mentally and it helped a lot."
Scott continued, "Playing in the NYC Pro League, I was super hyped to prove myself, the competition was really good and a lot of big name players came out."
Scott and the Jamaican National Basketball team will compete in the Caribbean Basketball Championship (CBC) to be held June 30 through July 4 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The team is coached by Sam Vincent, former head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats who also played seven years in the NBA.
"My experience with the Jamaican team has been a really good one so far," added Scott. "I wake up everyday and get coached by a veteran NBA staff and I'm learning a lot. We're trying to qualify for the 2012 Olympics and it means a lot putting on this jersey everyday!!"
Read a complete question and answer article on Akeem and his journey to make the National Team, which was recently posted on Eurobasket!
6/27/10 - BAB HOSTS GIRLS TEAM FROM SINGAPORE
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball is hosting a girls basketball team from Singapore in New York City for five days! BAB has put together an itinerary for the Singapore Comets which includes private skill development training sessions, group training sessions with local college players, scrimmage games versus New York City high school girls teams, NYC tours, a guest speaker and a NY Liberty game at Madison Square Garden.
"We're excited to be hosting one of the premier girls teams from Singapore into our city," said BAB President, Jason Curry. "We've put together a complete basketball and social schedule that we're sure the girls, coaches and families will enjoy."
The team is widely regarded as the best school girls foreign team in Singapore. They recently defeated the Singapore National U17 team.
The Comets have come to New York City solely to develop their skills with Big Apple Basketball, and gain a complete basketball experience. The players range in age from 14-17 and have traveled extensively internationally.
Singapore coach, Dale Fisher was extremely pleased with his experience as the team arrived in New York. In a recent email he commented, "We are well settled in with Jason and Big Apple Basketball and it's fantastic!"
The Comets are scheduled to have two scrimmage games versus various high school players and teams from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. All games will be videotaped for the Comets to use as a tool to evaluate their skill level versus New York City players, as well as a memento. Many of the players are also hoping to gain college exposure to American schools.
6/24/10 - FIVE BAB PARTICIPANTS SELECTED IN 2010 NBA DRAFT!
HAYWARD, STEPHENSON, BUTLER, EBANKS & CARACTER ALL SELECTED
New York, NY - Five former Big Apple Basketball participants were selected in this year's NBA draft. Lazar Hayward (Washington Wizards) led the group as the sole first round selection, while Lance Stephenson (Indiana Pacers), Da'Sean Butler (Miami Heat), Devin Ebanks (Los Angeles Lakers) and Derrick Caracter (Los Angeles Lakers) were all chosen in the second round.
Hayward, Stephenson, Butler and Ebanks all earned MVP honors during their time as players in the BAB Challenge and BAB Invitational. Hayward and Caracter were teammates for Notre Dame Prep (MA) in the 2006 BAB Invitational. Butler was a participant in the 2006 Invitational as a senior at Bloomfield Tech (NJ), while Stephenson (BAB Challenge 2006, BAB Invitational 2009) and Ebanks (BAB Challenge 2004, BAB Invitational 2005, BAB Invitational 2008) were both multiple performers in Big Apple Basketball events.
Check out video of some of the Top 10 performers from previous BAB Invitationals, including Stephenson, Ebanks and NBA players, Jonny Flynn and Michael Beasley!
5/29/10 - BIG APPLE BASKETBALL PRESIDENT IN NY TIMES
JASON CURRY QUOTED IN NY TIMES ARTICLE ON NYC BASKETBAL RIMS!
New York, NY - Below is an excerpt from the NY Times article,
"Handmade Hoops Put Clang Into New York Courts." Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry was quoted in the article written by A.G. Sulzberger (excerpt below from nytimes.com).
The old steel rim that presides over this public basketball court absorbs missed shots with an angry clank, sending the ball careening upward and the wood and metal backboard into a rickety seizure.
Like generations before them, the young men who play at the ramshackle court in St. Nicholas Park in Harlem know the rim is so troublesome that they tend to avoid perimeter jump shots in favor of aggressive drives to the basket, where perhaps its vagaries will be less pronounced.
These unforgiving, practically unbreakable orange rims — built so simply that there are no hooks to accommodate a net — are longstanding fixtures of the public basketball courts throughout New York City, where they play a minor, if usually overlooked, role in countless pick-up games.
And while it is unclear what, if any, supporting role these immutable rims might have played, Jason Curry, president of Big Apple Basketball, which runs clinics and tournaments around the city, suggested that they might be one reason many of the best players who honed their games outside have historically been skilled at driving close to the hoop rather than shooting from distance.
“There are so many different variables that it makes it difficult to become a really good outside shooter on New York City playgrounds,” he said.
Click here to read the complete article.
4/11/10 - 7TH ANNUAL BAB SCHOLARSHIP GAMES!!
40 NYC AREA HS SENIORS COMPETE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
New York, NY - Article below written by Dylan Butler - NY Post.com
Kevin Nascimento was a starter on a Rice basketball team that was among the best in the city, playing with future Division I players Shane Southwell, Jermaine Sanders and Kadeem Jack.
While his teammates have their college basketball futures set, Nascimento’s is much more fluid. Two months from graduating, the senior guard isn’t sure where he’s going to go yet, which is why he played in the seventh annual
Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games Saturday afternoon at Baruch College.
“I’m just trying to keep playing, get myself some exposure,” he said.
“There are a lot of coaches here so it’s a great opportunity.”
3/20/10 - 31 BAB PLAYERS COMPETE IN 2010 NCAA TOURNEY!
Indianapolis, IN - This season's NCAA Men's Basketball Division I tournament features 31 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 31 former BAB players that are in the 2010 NCAA tourney!
Joey Accaouii (Vermont/St. Andrew's); OD Anosike (Siena/St. Peter's H.S.); Adam Braswell (Morgan St./Notre Dame Prep); Matthew Bryan-Amaning (Washington/South Kent); Darryl Bryant (West Virginia/St. Raymond); Da'Sean Butler (West Virginia/Bloomfield Tech); Derrick Caracter (UTEP/Notre Dame Prep); Devin Ebanks (West Virginia/St. Thomas More); Kim English (Missouri/Notre Dame Prep); David Gonzalvez (Richmond/Notre Dame Prep); Lance Goulbourne (Vanderbilt/Hun School); Luis Guzman (Temple/Paramus Catholic); Lazar Hayward (Marquette/Notre Dame Prep); Dan Jennings (West Virginia/St. Thomas More); Kris Joseph (Syracuse/Archbishop Carroll); Garrett Kissel (Vermont/St. Andrew's); Marcus Morris (Kansas/Apex); Markieff Morris (Kansas/Apex); Tyrone Nash (Notre Dame/Lawrence Woodmere Academy); Zamal Nixon (Houston/Boys and Girls); James Padgett (Maryland/Abraham Lincoln); Antonio Pena (Villanova/St. Thomas More); Dalton Pepper (West Virginia/Pennsbury); Steven Priestley (Siena/Uniondale); Ryan Rossiter (Siena/Monsignor Farrell); Edgar Sosa (Louisville/Rice); James Southerland (Syracuse/Notre Dame Prep & Benjamin Cardozo); Isaiah Thomas (Washington/South Kent); Brandon Triche (Syracuse/Jamesville-Dewitt); Edwin Ubiless (Siena/St. Thomas More); Erving Walker (Florida/Christ the King); Alexis Wangmene (Texas/Blair); Brian Williams (Tennessee/Columbus);
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.
3/14/10 - CHARLES JENKINS EARNS CAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Richmond, VA - Former Big Apple Basketball participant, Charles Jenkins won the 2009-2010 CAA Player of the Year award. Jenkins was an MVP during the 2005 BAB Challenge.
Below is an excerpt from the Hofstra University website on Jenkins winning the award!
Junior guard Charles Jenkins (Queens, NY/Springfield Gardens HS) was named the Colonial Athletic Association Men's Basketball Player of the Year in a vote of the league's coaches, sports information directors and media representatives.
Jenkins received 21 of a possible 46 first-place votes (coaches and SID's were not allowed to vote for their own players), earning the Player of the Year honor by a comfortable margin over second place Chaisson Allen (nine votes) and third place Gerald Lee (eight votes). He becomes the second Hofstra player to earn the honor in the last four years, as Loren Stokes was named the CAA Player of the Year in 2007.
Jenkins enters the CAA Tournament ranked 21st in the nation in scoring at 20.4 points per game. He is also one of only four players in the country who currently average at least 20 points, four rebounds (4.3 rpg) and three assists (3.8 apg) per contest. He has also played at a high level against Hofstra's toughest non-conference opponents, including 23 points against Kansas, 25 against Connecticut, 25 against Charlotte, and 24 against St. John's, as well as 38 against a Fairfield team currently in the top 100 of the RPI.
For his career, Jenkins already ranks eighth in Hofstra history in career scoring (1,698 points) and ninth in assists (316) with one full season still to play. He is 83 points ahead of the pace that all-time leading scorer Antoine Agudio (2004-08) had at the same stage of his career on his way to a school-record 2,276 points.
3/9/10 - STEPHENSON NAMED BIG EAST ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Providence, RI - Lance Stephenson, a former participant in the 2007 BAB Challenge and 2009 BAB Invitational, has been named as the Big East Rookie of the Year. Below is an excerpt a recent Associated Press article.
Stephenson came to the (Cincinnati) Bearcats after a heralded high school career. The BIG EAST head coaches chose him as the Preseason Rookie of the Year. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Stephenson led all freshmen in the league with a 12.0 scoring average. He was very productive late in the regular season by averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds over his last four games. He scored a collegiate-high 23 points in UC’s regular-season finale at Georgetown. Stephenson is the first Cincinnati player to win a BIG EAST individual award.
3/8/10 - 5 FORMER BAB PARTICIPANTS EARN BIG EAST HONORS
BUTLER, HAYWARD, WALKER, EBANKS & PETERSON EARN ALL-LEAGUE
Providence, RI - Five former Big Apple Basketball participants have been named All-Big East selections. Da'Sean Butler, who earned MVP honors in the 2006 BAB Invitational while playing for Bloomfield Tech (NJ), was named to the Big East first team after averaging 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds for West Virginia.
Other BAB participants to earn recognition were Lazar Hayward, Marquette, Big East Second Team (BAB Invitational, 2006 - Notre Dame Prep); Kemba Walker, Connecticut, Big East Third Team (BAB Challenge 2007 and BAB Invitational 2008 - Rice); Devin Ebanks, West Virginia, Big East Third Team (BAB Challenge 2004, BAB Invitational 2006 and 2008 - Bishop Loughlin and St. Thomas More); and Jamine Peterson, Providence, Big East Honorable Mention (BAB Challenge 2005 and BAB Invitational 2007 - Boys and Girls and Notre Dame Prep).
3/7/10 - BOYS AND GIRLS WINS PSAL 'AA' CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
CAPTURE PUBLIC SCHOOL TITLE!!
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball participant, Boys and Girls High School earned their first New York City public school championship since 1979 by defeating Benjamin Cardozo 55-50 at Madison Square Garden.
Both teams went a combined 3-0 in BAB events this season. Boys and Girls defeated Xaverian High School, 59-33 in the BAB Challenge in December. Both teams participated in the BAB Invitational in January with Benjamin Cardozo getting past St. Raymond's, 66-57 and Boys and Girls held on for a 53-40 win over Long Island Lutheran.
Below is an excerpt from the PSAL website with an article written by Adam Martini (PSAL reporter).
The tears started flowing as soon as the final buzzer sounded.
The second-seeded Boys & Girls Kangaroos defeated top-ranked Benjamin Cardozo, 55-50, on Saturday at Madison Square Garden to capture the school's first city basketball title in 31 years. The Kangaroos embraced each other in an emotional post-game celebration as they paid tribute to former Boys & Girls principal Frank Mickens, who passed away in July. It was Mickens who hired Kangaroos coach Ruth Lovelace 17 years ago.
“It means everything to me,” said Lovelace, who became the first female coach in PSAL history to win a boys city title. “No one would’ve ever hired a female back in that time. He had a vision for me I couldn’t see for myself. I wouldn’t be standing here If it wasn’t for him.”
Mickens coached Boys High to its previous city title in 1979, but is more known by many for his work as a teacher, dean and administrator at the Bedford Stuyvesant school. The Kangaroos were inspired by his legacy, but the storybook ending may not have happened if not for Michael Taylor. The sharp-shooting junior scored 20 of his game-high 25 points in the second half to bring Boys High back from 10 down.
“Words can't describe the feeling,” said Taylor, who erupted for 30 points in a semifinals win over No. 3 Wings Academy. “It means so much.”
“They're a good team,” Cardozo coach Ronald Naclerio said, “we're a good team. They were a little better than us today. We were right there.”
In the bonus … Boys & Girls has won 12 city titles overall … the Kangaroos lost to Lincoln in the 2007 and 2008 championship games … Cardozo last won the PSAL championship in 1999 … the Judges defeated the Kangaroos, 57-49, in the PSAL Midwinter Classic in January.
3/4/10 - BAB TRAINING PARTICIPANT EARNS 4.0 GPA!!!
New York, NY - Fanta Conde, a freshman guard on the Baruch College women's basketball team earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average in her first semester at the college.
Conde has been a regular participant during the summer and fall 2009 BAB Training sessions. She attributes much of her academic success to the same principals she uses in enhancing her basketball skill development.
"Success is all about wanting it and working hard for it," said Conde. "Everything is related between academics and athletics. Everyone starts at a certain level and tries to improve. I put the work in to get the 4.0...it wasn't easy."
She is a Finance major and during the semester studied English, Calculus, Art History, Political Science and Philosophy. She is also a math tutor.
Conde indicated her goal was to achieve a 4.0 during her first semester of college. "It takes discipline, determination and confidence," she said. "You have to choose your priorities and sometimes drop a party to study. I had to use my time wisely."
She also touched upon what makes her work hard and fully dedicate herself to academics and athletics. "How you behave on the court, is how you behave in the classroom, and that is how your coaches, teammates, classmates, parents and future employers will all view you."
2/19/10 - MONIQUE SALMON EARNS CUNY POY HONORS!!!
BAB TRAINING PARTICIPANT NAMED TOP LEAGUE PLAYER
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball training participant, Monique Salmon was named CUNY Women's Player of the Year after leading Baruch College to it's third consecutive league championship in her three years at the college. Salmon has been training with Big Apple Basketball during the past three off-seasons!
Two other BAB participants, Kalea Davis and Megan Bouwens also received post season honors. Below is an excerpt from the Baruch College website on the three players being honored!
Junior point guard Monique Salmon was named the CUNYAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. Monique averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds in leading the team to another first place finish in the CUNYAC standings.
Senior forward Kalea Davis was named a CUNYAC First Team All-Star for the second consecutive year. Davis averaged a double-double of 12.4 points and 10.4 rebounds in 24 games. In addition, she became only the third player in Baruch women’s basketball team history to record over 1,000 career points and rebounds each.
Junior center Megan Bouwens was named a CUNYAC Second Team All-Star. Megan led the Bearcats in scoring with 15.4 points and averaged 9.4 rebounds per game.
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 - BAB PARTICIPANT EARNS ACC ROW 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).
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."
1/8/09 - 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.
