Big Apple Basketball, Inc.
"Expanding Our Horizons"
Big Apple Basketball, Inc.
"Expanding Our Horizons"
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
1/3/12 - BAB INVITATIONAL - MLK WEEKEND, JANUARY 14 & 16
9TH ANNUAL BAB INVITATIONAL FEATURES TOP HS TALENT IN NATION
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball will host the 9th Annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational on Saturday, January 14 and Monday, January 16, 2012 at Baruch College in New York City. The invitational features 13 top high school and prep school teams from New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The invitational will feature New York City schools, Abraham Lincoln, South Shore, Benjamin Cardozo, Wings and Bayside; along with Mount Vernon High (Mount Vernon, New York), New London, (Connecticut), Robert Vaux (Pennsylvania), Notre Dame Prep (Massachusetts), Academy of the New Church (Pennsylvania), Long Island Lutheran (Long Island), Princeton Day School (New Jersey), and St. Thomas More (Connecticut).
Notable All-American players include Kris Dunn (New London High - committed to Providence), and Notre Dame Prep trio, Adonis Filer (committed to Clemson), Steve Adams (committed to Pittsburgh) and Myles Davis (committed to Xavier); along with several other nationally ranked seniors and juniors.
Former participants in the BAB Invitational include: Michael Beasley (Minnesota Timberwolves); Kemba Walker (Charlotte Bobcats); Brandon Knight (Detroit Pistons); Jonny Flynn (Houston Rockets); Sundiata Gaines (New Jersey Nets); Isaiah Thomas (Sacramento Kings); Devin Ebanks (L.A. Lakers); Danny Green (San Antonio Spurs); Markieff Morris (Phoenix Suns); Marcus Morris (Houston Rockets); Tobias Harris (Milwaukee Bucks); Derrick Caracter (Los Angeles Lakers); Lance Stephenson (Indiana Pacers); Lazar Hayward (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Jeremy Tyler (Golden State Warriors).
12/28/11 - JASON CURRY INTERVIEW AT MADISON SQ GARDEN
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry was recently interviewed by Bobby C with BronxNet at Madison Square Garden.
Curry spoke about the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Invitational, along with NBA guard, Kemba Walker and more!
12/12/11 - CATHOLIC LEAGUE AND PUBLIC LEAGUE SPLIT GAMES
PATHWAYS, MOLLOY, HOLY CROSS & WINGS ALL WIN TO EVEN SERIES 2-2
New York, NY - The CHSAA and PSAL split four games played on Sunday at Baruch College during the 8th Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge.
In the first game, Pathways (PSAL-Queens) defeated Bishop Ford (CHSAA-Brooklyn), 53-47. Anthony Jacobs (15 points, five steals) earned MVP honors for Pathways, while Bishop Ford's Joshua Blagrove (16 points) earned Sportsmanship honors.
Archbishop Molloy (CHSAA-Queens) earned the first victory of the day for the Catholic League, posting a hard earned 56-53 win over Bayside (PSAL-Queens), in the second game. Molloy's Brian Krugar (14 points) was the game MVP and Bayside's Daqauise Andrews was the Sportsmanship winner.
The CHSAA's Holy Cross won another close game for the Catholic league by defeating Gompers (PSAL-Bronx) 64-61. Holy Cross' Will Davis sank a three-pointer at the buzzer for the win. Mairega Clarke (12 points, nine and three blocks) was the MVP for Holy Cross. Gompers junior guard, Carlos Galan (Sportsmanship) led all scorers with 29 points.
The PSAL bounced back in the final game as Wings (PSAL-Bronx) held off a late rally by Bishop Loughlin (CHSAA-Brooklyn) to win 53-46. Justin Jenkins (22 points) took home MVP honors for Wings and Khadeen Carrington (Bishop Loughlin) was the Sportsmanship recipient with 18 points.
12/1/11 - 8TH BAB CHALLENGE TIPS WITH EIGHT NYC BOYS TEAMS
NYC CATHOLIC AND PUBLIC LEAGUE COMPETE FOR CITY BRAGGING RIGHTS
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball, Inc. will host the Eighth Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge in New York City on Sunday, December 11 at Baruch College.
The challenge, which will feature 8 of New York City’s top CHSAA and PSAL teams, is an event designed to show the supremacy of New York City’s CHSAA or PSAL league on the basketball court.
The challenge will feature CHSAA schools Bishop Loughlin, Holy Cross, Archbishop Molloy and Bishop Ford, along with PSAL schools Wings, Gompers, Bayside, and Pathways.
Notable players include: Pathways junior, Jordan Washington; Holy Cross seniors, William Davis, Mairega Clarke and Marquise Moore; Gompers junior, Carlos Galan; Bayside junior, Austin Williams; and Archbishop Molloy sophomore guard, Christopher ‘CJ’ Davis.
Former event standouts include: Kemba Walker (Rice/Charlotte Bobcats); Charles Jenkins (Springfield Gardens/Golden State Warriors); Devin Ebanks (Bishop Loughlin/Los Angeles Lakers); Lance Stephenson (Abraham Lincoln/Indiana Pacers); and Erving Walker (Christ the King/Florida).
Since 2004, the CHSAA leads the series 38-22 over the PSAL, including a 3-2 edge in 2010.
9/16/11 - BAB PRESIDENT FEATURED IN DIME MAGAZINE
JASON CURRY ARTICLE IN SEPT ISSUE OF MAG ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!!
BELOW IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE DIME MAGAZINE ARTICLE...
Words: Kyle Henry, Dime Magazine
For three days each January, the Big Apple Basketball (BAB) Invitational takes over Baruch College in New York City, showcasing some of the nation's best high school talent under one roof. And while it is the most high-profile event on the calendar for BAB, there is so much more to the nonprofit organization that makes it stand out.
9/6/11 - BIG APPLE BASKETBALL FALL WORKOUTS!!!
WKOUTS BEGIN SEPT 10 @ BARUCH COLLEGE (MANHATTAN)...REGISTER NOW
New York, NY - The Big Apple Basketball fall workouts will begin on Saturday, September 10 and run until Sunday, October 30. All training sessions will be on Saturdays and Sundays at Baruch College in Manhattan.
The program will consist of all levels of basketball skill development, as well as a plyometric program to assist players with speed, agility, power, vertical jump, quickness, balance, flexibility and conditioning.
Click here for complete info. or call (718)575-3342.
8/28/11 - EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF J. LUCAS 50 PTS VS RON ARTEST!!
New York, NY - Watch unseen, exclusive video of Chicago Bulls guard, John Lucas as he poured in a spectacular 50 points and his PDG Queensbridge team in the Nike Pro City Summer League.
Lucas starred for Big Apple Basketball throughout the summer.
Also, check out behind the scenes footage of Artest and Lucas following the game.
8/3/11 - BAB FALLS IN OVERTIME TO KEVIN DURANT & GOLDS GYM
CAPACITY CROWD WITNESSES LEGENDARY GAME AT BARUCH COLLEGE
New York, NY - below is an excerpt from The NY Post, by Zach Braziller
While New York City couldn't get enough of Kevin Durant's Rucker Park highlights on Tuesday, John Lucas III seethed. He was in too many of them, one of the players the NBA superstar effortlessly hung 66 on in the memorable scoring display.
"I slept all day to be ready for tonight," he said of the rematch at Nike Pro City on Tuesday night. "I treated it like an NBA playoff game. It sparked me, seeing all that stuff [on the internet]."
Lucas, the former Oklahoma State star who has bounced around the NBA and now plays for the Chicago Bulls, wasn't in the background Tuesday night as Durant continued his New York City tour at Nike Pro City at Baruch College. He was the co-star, putting on his own breathtaking performance - 60 points on 22-of-41 shooting for Big Apple Basketball - in a 146-143 overtime loss.
"It was really a mano-a-mano matchup," Big Apple Basketball coach Jason Curry said. "It wasn't The Kevin Durant Show."
Durant, of course, was still the main attraction. The Lower Manhattan gym was packed beyond belief in anticipation of the reigning NBA scoring champion. A few hundred fans were turned away, in fact, just hoping to catch a glimpse of the 6-foot-9 wing in action.
"It's bittersweet," Curry said. "From an entertainment standpoint, it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately for us, we needed this win to get in the playoffs."
He scored 41 points for The Franchise, including an overtime-forcing 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds remaining.
7/27/11 - BAB PLAYERS FEATURED IN NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
SUMMER HOOPS IN NEW YORK CITY, BY VINCENT M. MALLOZZI
(below is an excerpt of the NY Times article)
Zach Zarba, with eight seasons as an N.B.A. referee under his belt, is uncertain when or if he will get to start his ninth.
But determined not to lose touch with the game, or the demands of refereeing it, he was at Baruch College in Manhattan on Tuesday night.
“Hey, we have to stay on top of our games as well,” Zarba said. “This is as close to N.B.A. action as we’re going to get.
In the second game of a doubleheader, John Lucas III took a pass at the top of the key and darted through heavy traffic for a layup.
“That was Cool-Hand Luke of the Chicago Bulls,” the man behind the microphone told the roughly 2,000 spectators at the gym. “You know that Cool-Hand Luke has already dropped 50 points in a game out here.”
Lucas, a 5-foot-11-inch guard out of Oklahoma State University, is one of the many professional players from the N.B.A. and Europe scattered among the eight teams that make up the Nike Pro City League, an annual summer tournament staged at Baruch.
“Right now, with the N.B.A. lockout going on, fans cannot see this kind of basketball being played anywhere else in the country,” said Lucas, whose father, John Jr., was a longtime N.B.A. player and coach.
“I have played in the Baker League in Philadelphia and the Drew League in Los Angeles, and I have to say, this league here in New York is the very best.”
Lucas’s teammates include Jamario Moon of the Los Angeles Clippers and Sean Singletary, a former member of the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Bobcats.
7/22/11 - BAB DEFEATS DYCKMAN IN OVERTIME
New York, NY - The Big Apple Basketball Pro Summer Team (3-2) defeated previously unbeaten Dyckman (4-1), 125-123 in overtime last week in the Nike Pro City Summer League.
BAB trailed 95-80 at the end of the third quarter, but a furious 39-24 fourth quarter comeback was led by John Lucas (Chicago Bulls), Jamario Moon - pictured (LA Clippers), Andrew Washington aka 'SpongeBob', Justin Brownlee, Kyle Cuffe and Jarrid Famous.
Dyckman was led by a spectacular performance from NJ Nets draft pick Marshon Brooks, who led all scorers with 48 points!
Lucas paced Big Apple Basketball with 28 points, while Moon added 25. Washington (18), Brownlee (16) and Tyrell Biggs (15) also scored in double figures for BAB.
Brownlee led BAB with 10 rebounds, while Lucas tallied eight assists.
7/22/11 - NBA's JAMARIO MOON SUITS UP FOR BAB
L.A. CLIPPER FORWARD PLAYS WITH BAB IN NIKE PRO CITY
New York, NY - NBA forward, Jamario Moon played for Big Apple Basketball last week in the Nike Pro City Summer League.
Moon, who played the 2010-2011 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers, was in action for the first time in the New York City summer league.
"I've played all over the world and this summer league was one of the top leagues that I've played in," said Moon. "I'll definitely be back."
He finished with 25 points (10-18 FG, 3-7 3PT), six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
7/21/11 - BAB GUARD PARIS HORNE SIGNS PRO CONTRACT
HEADED TO GERMANY FOR 2011-2012 SEASON
Queens, NY - Big Apple Basketball guard, Paris Horne signed a deal to play with BG Gottingen in Germany.
BG Gottingen is the top league in the country and also participates in the high profile EuroChallenge.
Horne is a 2011 graduate of St. John's University where he scored 1,199 career points. He finished tied second all-time with Felipe Lopez, in the school's history with three-pointers made with 148.
Horne has played the 2011 spring season with BAB in the Pro Fireball League, as well as the summer season with BAB in the Nike Pro City League.
7/20/11 - MARSHON BROOKS DROPS 48 IN SUMMER LEAGUE
by Adam Zagoria
New York - A 15-year-old MarShon Brooks fan named Ethan Schorr appeared at Baruch College Tuesday night to root on his hero.
Schorr then proceeded to watch as the 6-foot-5 Brooks poured in 48 points on 17-of-32 shooting (6 of 12 from deep) in Dyckman’s 125-123 loss to Big Apple Basketball in the Nike Pro City league.
“I guess [the Nets] drafted me for my scoring and that’s what I do best,” Brooks, who was drafted by the Boston Celtics at No. 25 and dealt to the Nets on draft night, said before the game. “So I’m just going to try to help provide energy as a rookie and try to win more games than they did last year.”
“He looked awesome,” said Big Apple Basketball coach Jason Curry. “I have a whole new level of respect for him after seeing him in person, especially versus an NBA player.”
7/13/11 - BAB WINS VERSUS PRIMETIME
New York, NY - The Big Apple Basketball Pro Summer Team (2-2) defeated Primetime, 125-116 in the Nike Pro City Summer League.
With the game tied at 90 at the end of the third quarter, BAB outscored Primetime 35-26 in the final quarter.
John Lucas Jr. led Big Apple Basketball with 28 points, while also getting key contributions from new addition Ron Yates (19 points), Justin Brownlee (17 points), Sean Singletary (14 points), Tyrone Nash (12 points) and newcomer, Jarrid Famous (10 points).
Famous led BAB with seven rebounds, while Singletary had six assists.
Former University of North Carolina star and current NBA player, Danny Green paced Primetime with 34 points.
7/13/11 - WITH PRO CAREERS ON THE HORIZON, RED STORM PAIR
ENJOYING TIME AT PRO CITY, NY POST - By JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
READ EXCERPT FROM NY POST ARTICLE BELOW
New York, NY - Justin Brownlee helped make a name for himself and St. John’s University for many different reasons last season.
“Everybody knows me as the kid that threw the ball into the stands against Rutgers,” he said.
The two can laugh about it now as they enjoy their second summer playing together at Nike Pro City at Baruch College, considered one of the top streetball leagues in New York City. Brownlee and Horne, a 6-foot-3 guard, were in uniform Tuesday night for Jason Curry’s Big Apple Basketball team as it picked up a 125-116 win over Primetime at Pro City.
7/11/11 - R.I.P. ALFRED 'SID' JONES
NYC BASKETBALL COACHING LEGEND AND BAB SUPPORTER PASSES
Queens, NY - New York City basketball coaching legend and ambassador, Alfred Sidney Jones recently passed away. His death was a sudden blow to the many loved ones whose lives he touched.
Jones (January 21, 1951 - July 7, 2011) was the Founder and President of United Brooklyn Basketball and his affiliations included many organizations such as Nike Pro City, Pro-Am, WBLS Sure Shots and the USBL.
Sid, as he was commonly known, was a fixture at all NYC basketball events, and was a proud supporter of Big Apple Basketball. In January, 2011 Jones was honored by BAB for his loyal support over the years, including his contribution to sponsor all of the athletic, academic and coaches trophies and plaques for the 2011 Big Apple Basketball Invitational.
"Sid's loss will greatly impact the NYC basketball community, along with his numerous family and friends who he was so respected by," said BAB President, Jason Curry. "He was someone who was always there for help, offered tremendous wisdom and I constantly relied on for professional and personal advice. Words cannot express his impact on so many of our lives. He was a true leader, mentor and most of all friend."
Sid is survived by his wife, two daughters and a host of family and friends.
6/30/11 - BAB'S 'HOMICIDE' BACK W/ A VENEGEANCE - NY POST!!
BY ZACH BRAZILLER, NY POST
New York, NY - At this time last year, Corey Williams was telling everyone he was done. The man known simply as Homicide in streetball circles is speaking a very different tune these days.
“I’m calling this the summer of Homicide,” the explosive guard said after scoring 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting to lead Big Apple Basketball to a 132-124 win over X-Men at Nike Pro City at Baruch College Thursday night. “It’s the resurrection of Homicide.”
Williams, 33, who spent the last year playing for the Melbourne Tigers in Australia’s National Basketball League, couldn’t tear himself away from basketball, in the summer, winter or fall.
“I love the game too much,” said Williams, who has been to training camp with the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers. “It’s in my veins. As you can see, I’ve still got it.”
Williams had plenty of help Thursday night from Big Apple Basketball’s loaded roster.
6/29/11 - LUCAS SCORES 33 IN BAB WIN IN NIKE PRO CITY
New York, NY - Chicago Bulls guard, John Lucas Jr. followed up his phenomenal 50 point performance in Nike Pro City two weeks ago, with a strong 33 point game last week in leading BAB to its' first win of the summer (1-1).
Big Apple Basketball defeated X-Men 132-124. X-Men, who advanced to the semifinals in the 2010 Pro City season, held a one point lead heading into the fourth quarter before BAB pulled away, outscoring X-Men 34-25 in the final stanza.
Lucas also had help in backcourt from Corey "Homicide" Williams who finished with 30 points on 10-16 shooting from the field and 9-9 from the foul line.
Lucas, who shot 19-34 from the field, 8-16 from three and 4-4 from the foul line in his first game, continued his sizzling shooting as he shot 12-21 from the field, 7-9 from three and 2-2 from the foul line last week. He also added four assists and one steal, while only committing one turnover in 38 minutes.
BAB also received strong performances from former Pitt standout, Tyrell Biggs (20 points) and St. John's star, Justin Brownlee (18 points, eight rebounds). Sean Singletary just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Former Notre Dame standout Tyrone Nash had nine rebounds, while Williams, Singletary and Biggs all contributed five assists for BAB.
The Big Apple Basketball Pro Summer Team takes the court again on Thursday, July 7 at 6:30pm versus The Uptowners. All games are played at Baruch College in New York City located at 55 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan (on the corner of E. 24th Street and Lexington Avenue). Admission is free.
6/28/11 - FORMER BAB COACH ACCEPTS D1 POSITION
DARIO HERNANDEZ HEADED TO ST. FRANCIS UNIVERSITY (PA)
Loretto, PA - Dario Hernandez, a former Big Apple Basketball staff member has accepted an assistant women's coaching position at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania.
Hernandez, who is a 2009 graduate of Shaw University (NC), spent one year as an assistant women's coach at Division II, Adlephi University in New York during 2010-2011.
Prior to joining Adelphi, he had assisted BAB in various capacities since 2005. Hernandez served as a coach, administrative assistant, and an academic coordinator. He handled administrative duties and statistics for all summer league games, assisted with individual workouts and recruiting, managed players strength and conditioning workouts in the off-season, and monitored academic grade reports and tutored players in a variety of subjects.
6/23/11 - JOHN LUCAS SCORES 50 IN BAB DEBUT @ NIKE PRO CITY
New York, NY - Chicago Bulls guard, John Lucas, Jr. scored a phenomenal 50 points for Big Apple Basketball in his New York City debut in the Nike Pro City Summer League.
Lucas scored 21 points in the first quarter and had 15 points in the first three minutes of the game versus PDG Queensbridge, led by NBA star Ron Artest.
Artest paced PDG Queensbridge with 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists en route to a thrilling four point victory.
Lucas finished the game shooting 19-34 from the field, 8-16 from three and 4-4 from the foul line.
Big Apple Basketball's backcourt scored an astounding 96 points, with Eric Devendorf (25 points) and Sean Singletary (21 points, nine assists) also having strong games. Paul Nelson (12 points, 12 rebounds), Kyle Cuffe (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Tyrone Nash (12 points, eight rebounds) also scored in double figures for BAB.
BAB plays again on Thursday, June 30 at Baruch College in Manhattan vs. X-Men at 8:30pm. X-Men features current Denver Nugget guard Gary Forbes and former Los Angeles Laker guard, Smush Parker.
Nike Pro City, an NBA sanctioned summer league, has featured many NBA players over the past few seasons, including Michael Beasley, Brandon Jennings, Ben Gordon, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, JR Smith, Elton Brand, Richard Jefferson, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Charlie Villanueva, Sundiata Gaines, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Donte Green, Samuel Dalembert, Jamal Tinsley, Chris Douglas Roberts and more.
6/23/11 - 8 BAB PLAYERS SELECTED IN 2011 NBA DRAFT!!
Newark, NJ - Below are a list of Big Apple Basketball participants who were selected in the 2011 NBA draft!!
- #7 BRANDON KNIGHT - pictured (Kentucky), Detroit Pistons. Scored 43 points w/ 10 rebounds vs. Bishop Loughlin in the 2009 BAB Invitational.
- #8 KEMBA WALKER (UConn), Charlotte Bobcats. Scored 19 points with a great defensive effort versus current NBA guard, Jonny Flynn in 2007 BAB Invitational.
- #14 MARKIEFF MORRIS (Kansas), Phoenix Suns. 24 points, 15 rebounds versus The Hun School in 2008 BAB Invitational. 9-12 fg
- #15 MARCUS MORRIS (Kansas), Houston Rockets
- #19 TOBIAS HARRIS (Tennessee), Charlotte Bobcats...traded to Milwaukee Bucks. 19 points, seven rebounds, three blocks in televised game versus Bishop Loughlin in 2010 BAB Invitational.
- #39 JEREMY TYLER (San Diego H.S.), Charlotte Bobcats...traded to Golden State Warriors. 25 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks as a 15 year old freshman versus Holy Cross in 2007 BAB Invitational.
- #44 CHARLES JENKINS (Hofstra), Golden State Warriors. Set a BAB Challenge scoring record with 32 points versus St. Raymond's in 2005 BAB Challenge.
- #60 ISAIAH THOMAS (Washington), Sacramento Kings. 29 points and five assists versus St. Benedict's in 2007 BAB Invitational.
5/17/11 - JENNINGS TRAINS WITH JASON CURRY FOR NBA DRAFT!!
LOUISVILLE FORWARD TO ENTER NBA DRAFT
New York, NY - Terence Jennings, a 6-10 starting forward at the University of Louisville this past season, has declared for the 2011 NBA draft. For the past four weeks Jennings has been in New York City training with Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry.
Jennings, who just completed his junior season had an extra year of eligibility to return to Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals, but elected to forgo his senior campaign.
"I felt like it was the best thing for me and my family," said Jennings. "I got a lot of positive feedback from multiple teams in the NBA, as well as overseas options."
According to an article wriiten by Kyle Nelson of Draft Express, "Jennings had NBA-caliber size and athleticism before he even arrived at Louisville. Standing 6'10 with a fantastic 230-pound frame and impressive length, Jennings has the size and athleticism to play either post position at the next level."
Over 30 NBA teams have seen him workout recently, including the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and New Orleans Hornets.
"I've made a lot of progress working with Jason," Jennings added. "Our workouts have been like a more intense NBA workout, as far as skill development and conditioning. It's also different because of the mental challenges during the workout that build game like conditions."
Curry stated, "I've enjoyed working with Terence and have seen him make progress over the past few weeks. My goal is to put him in the best situation physically and mentally to be able to achieve his goal of being a professional basketball player."
See video of Jennings working with Curry and listen to Jennings and Curry talk about their training regimn and goals.
5/10/11 - AQUILLE CARR OFFERED PRO CONTRACT!
10TH GRADE PARTICIPANT RECEIVES $750,000 OFFER TO PLAY IN ITALY
Baltimore, MD - Big Apple Basketball Invitational participant, Aquille Carr has recently received a $750,000 offer to play professionally in Italy.
Carr, a 5-6 sophomore from Patterson High School (MD) posted 34 points, eight assists and four steals in a 62-61 loss to Benjamin Cardozo High in the BAB Invitational in January.
4/6/11 - KEMBA WALKER HAS NUMBER RETIRED AT UCONN
Storrs, CT - Following Connecticut's improbable postseason run during the Big East and NCAA tournaments, UConn retired Kemba Walker's #15 jersey during a championship celebration on campus, at Gampel Pavilion.
The junior star guard averaged 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this season in leading Connecticut to the NCAA championship.
As a sophomore and junior at Rice High School, Walker participated in the 2005 and 2006 BAB Challenges versus Paul Robeson and Thomas Jefferson High Schools.
As a junior in the 2007 BAB Invitational, Walker matched up against Jonny Flynn (Minnesota Timberwolves, Niagara Fall HS). He led Rice to an impressive 71-49 victory over Flynn and his Niagara Falls team.
3/29/11 - 5 BAB PLAYERS IN NCAA FINAL FOUR!
Houston, TX - The 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Division I Final Four features five student-athletes who have participated in the Big Apple Basketball Challenge and Invitational.
Kentucky features two players, while Connecticut has three. Below are the student-athletes!
Brandon Knight - pictured (Kentucky), Doron Lamb (Kentucky), Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (Connecticut), Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut) and Kemba Walker (Connecticut).
3/17/11 - 51 BAB PLAYERS IN 2011 NCAA TOURNEY!!!
Indianapolis, IN - The 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Division I tournament features 50 student-athletes who have participated in Big Apple Basketball programs. Since 2003, Big Apple Basketball has showcased many basketball players in the Scholarship Games, High School Invitational, High School Challenge, and Off-Season Training Program.
See the list below of the 51 BAB players who are in the 2011 NCAA tourney!
Ryan Pearson (George Mason), Antonio Pena (Villanova), Darryl Bryant (West Virginia), Dalton Pepper (West Virginia), Casey Mitchell (West Virginia), Brandon Knight (Kentucky), Doron Lamb (Kentucky), Douglas Davis (Princeton), Dion Waiters (Syracuse), Brandon Triche (Syracuse), Kris Joseph (Syracuse), James Southerland (Syracuse), Matthew Bryan-Amaning (Washington), Isaiah Thomas (Washington), Michael Culpo (LIU), David Hicks (LIU), Mike Tuitt (Hampton), Tobias Harris (Tennessee), Brian Williams (Tennessee), Jamelle Horne (Arizona), Lamont Jones (Arizona), Kevin Parrom (Arizona), Alexis Wangmene (Texas), Rashad Bishop (Cincinnati), Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati), Kim English (Missouri), Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (Connecticut), Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut), Kemba Walker (Connecticut), Markieff Morris (Kansas), Marcus Morris (Kansas), John Holland (Boston University), Patrick Hazel (Boston University), Lance Goulbourne (Vanderbilt), Chris Smith (Louisville), Terrence Jennings (Louisville), Russ Smith (Louisville), Blaise Ffrench (St. Peter''s), Nick Leon (St. Peter's), Wesley Jenkins (St. Peter's), Ryan Bacon (St. Peter's), Tyrone Nash (Notre Dame), Shane Southwell (Kansas State), Rodney McGruder (Kansas State), Curtis Kelly (Kansas State), Malik Booth (St. John's), Justin Brownlee (St. John's), Paris Horne (St. John's), Justin Burrell (St. John's), Dele Coker (St. John's) and Erving Walker (Florida).
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.
3/14/11 - I. THOMAS HITS BUZZER BEATER FOR PAC-1O CHIP!!!!
Los Angeles, CA - 2007 Big Apple Basketball Invitational standout, Isaiah Thomas made the game winning shot for Washington to win the Pac-10 championship and advance to the NCAA tournament.
His heroics came at the buzzer to give Washington a 77-75 victory over Arizona. Ironically, his shot was against former BAB participant and Arizona guard, Lamont Jones.
In 2007 as a senior at South Kent (Ct.), Thomas earned 2nd Team All-Tournament in the BAB Invitational. In an overtime loss to St. Benedict's (featuring current Louisville guard, Chris Smith and BU standout John Holland), he posted 29 points and five assists.
3/13/11 - WALKER LEADS UCONN TO BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP!!
FORMER BAB STANDOUT ENJOYS PHENOMINAL WEEK
New York, NY - Former Big Apple Basketball Challenge and Invitational standout, Kemba Walker had an unparalleled performance in the 2011 Big East Men''s Tournament at Madison Square Garden.
Walker scored a Big East record 130 points in five games, and led UConn to the Big East Tournament Championship. Connecticut is the first team to win five games in five days to capture the tournament title.
In addition to his championship performance versus Louisville, Walker's highlight of the week came as he hit the game winning shot to knock off #3 Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals.
As a sophomore and junior at Rice High School, Walker participated in the 2005 and 2006 BAB Challenges versus Paul Robeson and Thomas Jefferson High School's. During those seasons, Walker's teammates also included Edgar Sosa (Louisville '10), Curtis Kelly (Kansas State '11), Durand Scott (Miami '13), Lamont Jones (Arizona '13), Chris Fouch (Drexel '13) and Dorvell Carter (Marist '13).
As a junior in the 2007 BAB Invitational, Walker matched up against Jonny Flynn (Minnesota Timberwolves, Niagara Fall HS). He led Rice to an impressive 71-49 victory over Flynn and his Niagara Falls team.
3/12/11 - BAB PARTICIPANT NAMED MR. BASKETBALL
Brookville, NY - Big Apple Basketball Invitational participant, Achraf Yacoubou was named co-winner of the New York State Mr. Basketball for the 2010-2011 season.
As a senior, the 6-4 guard averaged 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals. He shared the award with Mount Vernon guard, Jabarie Hinds. Yacoubou is headed to Villanova next season.
He has been a participant in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 BAB Invitational's. This season in the BAB Invitational, he posted 21 points and nine rebounds in a 55-43 victory over Paul Robeson High School and had a dominating 27 points, 14 rebounds and four steals in a 72-63 win over Rice.
3/5/11 - JOHN HOLLAND NAMED AMERICA EAST PLAYER OF YEAR
FORMER SCHOLARSHIP GAMES PARTICIPANT EARNS PRESTIGOUS HONORS
Boston, MA - John Holland became the fourth player in Boston University history to be named America East conference Player of the Year.
He led the conference in scoring for the second consecutive season, averaging 19.1 points. Holland ranks second all-time at BU with 2,133 points and second all-time in steals with 195.
Holland joins a short list of players, including former Celtic great, Reggie Lewis who have been named both America East Player of the Year and America East Rookie of the Year.
Holland was a participant in the 2006 Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games following his senior campaign at Fordham Prep. He also played in the 2007 BAB Invitational, as a post-grad at St. Benedict's (NJ).
2/21/11 - CHARLES JENKINS HAS JERSEY RETIRED AT HOFSTRA
PRESTIGIOUS HONOR FOR FORMER BAB PARTICIPANT
Hempstead, NY - Former Big Apple Basketball participant, Charles Jenkins had his jersey retired at Hofstra University prior to his final home game.
Read the complete article on how Jenkins found out about the jersey retirement. He is the first player in Hofstra athletic history to have their number retired, prior to finishing their career.
When he was a senior at Springfield Gardens High School he earned the Sportsmanship Award in the 2nd Annual Big Apple Basketball Challenge in 2005. He posted a spectacular 32 points, six assists and six rebounds versus St. Raymond's High School. Jenkins 32 points is still a BAB Challenge record.
2/17/11 - BAB WOMEN PLAYERS EARN POSTSEASON HONORS
MONIQUE SALMON NAMED CUNY POY - SEE CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball training participant, Monique Salmon was named CUNY Women's Player of the Year after leading the nation in assists for the third consecutive season and Baruch College to it's fourth consecutive league championship in her four years at the college. Salmon will be leading her team to it's fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance and has been training regularly with Big Apple Basketball during the past four years!
She averaged 11.7 points and 7.5 assists per game this season.
Other women players who have trained with BAB, and earned post-season honors are:
Megan Bouwens, F/C, Senior (Baruch College) - CUNYAC 1st team. 13.8 points, 10 rebounds
Folashade Akinde, G/F, Junior (Baruch College) - 10.1 rebounds - CUNYAC 2nd team
Shadae Rice, G, Sophomore (York College) - 14.2 points, 2.2 three-pointers per game - CUNYAC 2nd team
Big Apple Basketball Video Production produced a championship highlight video for the Baruch College women's team. See video featuring Salmon, Bouwens and Akinde.
1/30/11 - MIKE ALVARADO HITS COLLEGE GAME WINNING SHOT
EARNS THE #1 PLAY OF THE NIGHT ON SPORTSCENTER
Poughkeepsie, NY - Manhattan College freshman, Michael Alvarado hit a desperation shot from 65 feet, at the buzzer, to lift visiting Manhattan College to a victory over Marist.
Manhattan was down 59-57 with two seconds remaining in the game and had to go the length of the court on an inbounds pass before Alvarado's heroics.
The play was voted as the #1 Play of the Night on SportsCenter on Sunday, January 30.
Alvarado was a participant in the 2008 and 2009 BAB Challenge. In 2009, he earned the Sportsmanship Award for his 18 point performance in a 60-56 loss to Abraham Lincoln.
Alvarado is not the first BAB participant to earn the #1 Play of the Night featured on SportsCenter. In 2009, former BAB Scholarship Games participant, John Holland earned the #1 honors on ESPN with a ferocious dunk versus the University of Vermont as a sophomore.
1/13/11 - BAB PRESIDENT, JASON CURRY INTERVIEW ON SNY!!
New York, NY - BAB President, Jason Curry Sat Down With SNY's Adam Zagoria About The Upcoming BAB Invitational and Hot Big East Prospects!!
There are currently 30 players in the Big East who have participated in BAB programs and 12 players in the upcoming 8th Annual BAB Invitational, who have committed to attend Big East schools.
Below are the Big East players who have participated in BAB programs.
Syracuse - Dion Waiters, Brandon Triche, Kris Joseph, James Southerland; Villanova - Antonio Pena; Louisville - Terrence Jennings, Chris Smith, Russ Smith; Notre Dame - Tyrone Nash; St. John's - Malik Boothe, Justin Burrell, Dele Coker, Paris Horne, Justin Brownlee, DJ Kennedy; Cincinnati - Rashad Bishop, Sean Kilpatrick; West Virginia - Darryl Bryant, Danny Jennings, Dalton Pepper, Casey Mitchell; Connecticut - Kemba Walker, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Alex Oriakhi; Rutgers - Kadeem Jack, Austin Johnson; Seton Hall - Jordan Theodore; DePaul - Jeremiah Kelly; Providence - Vincent Council, Bilal Dixon
1/12/11 - BAB PREZ, JASON CURRY LIVE ON NY1 SPORTS SHOW!
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball President, Jason Curry was a live studio guest with host Tom McDonald, during tonight's airing of 'Sports On 1', on NY1 News.
Curry spoke about the upcoming Big Apple Basketball Invitational and the marquee players in the event, including Maurice Harkless (committed to St. John's), Achraf Yacoubou (committed to Villanova) and Tavon Sledge (committed to Iowa State).
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.
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.”
3/4/10 - 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."
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!!
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.
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
New 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
7/24/09 - 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.
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.
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."
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 basketball lifer will be recognized for his 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."
10/22/06 - VOLUNTEER COACH SPEAKS TO BAB KIDS
LONNIE BRADLEY TALKS TO YOUTH ABOUT LIFE AND ACHIEVING GOALS
New York, NY - Big Apple Basketball Volunteer Coach, Lonnie Bradley spoke to youth participants during the Big Apple Basketball School at Baruch College today.
Bradley talked to the youth about his experience of being a non "blue-chip" recruit and his challenging journey as a student-athlete through high school, prep school and junior college, before settling at Division II, St. Michael's College (Vt.).
Aside from volunteering his time to helping youth through Big Apple Basketball, Bradley currently works full-time as a pharmaceutical sales representative, and owns both a Real Estate Investment company and legal service company. He related to the kids how a lot of the tools he learned as a student-athlete have enabled him to become a successful businessman. Bradley was recently ranked the #1 national pharmaceutical sales representative in his company.
"I would love in a year from now for a kid to say, 'I've seen a difference since I've started setting goals or I've seen a difference since I've starting believing in myself'', said Bradley.
Bradley's three points of emphasis to the BAB youth were to have a positive attitude, set goals and take action.
"He told us not to give up, not to get frustrated, set our minds, and work to achieve it (goals)", said high school sophomore, Sean Reynolds Jr.
1/16/06 - BACK IN THE MIX
by Adam Zagoria - Herald News
NEW YORK - Paterson Catholic's most famous alumnus made his way on Sunday from his home at Trump Plaza on the West Side of Manhattan to watch his old team play at Baruch College on the East Side.
During Tim Thomas's storied career at Paterson Catholic, before he began earning millions of dollars in the NBA, he estimates that he only lost six or seven high school games, "if that."
The current incarnation of the Cougars are playing a national schedule just like Thomas did, but they have already lost half as many games this season as he did in his entire career. The Cougars are without 6-foot-8 twins Jerrell and Terrell Williams, who transferred to a Massachusetts prep school after Paterson Catholic freed itself from the B-PSL in order to play elite competition year-round.
Entering Sunday's game against Our Savior Lutheran of the Bronx at the Big Apple Basketball High School Invitational, the Herald News No. 3 Cougars were 1-3 and sorely in need of a couple of wins.
1/1/05 - CURRY NAMED ONE OF TOP NEW YORKERS OF THE YEAR
NY1 NEWS TABS BAB PRESIDENT W/ PRESTIGIOUS HONOR
Queens, NY - Jason Curry has been selected as one of the top New Yorkers of the Year by NY1 News and a segment about Curry and his company, Big Apple Basketball, will begin airing on Saturday, January 1 on the television station. The segment will air initially during the 6:30pm newscast entitled "Best of New York" and will be repeated at various times throughout the week.
Curry was originally selected by NY1 News as their New Yorker of the Week during the week of May 28, 2004. New Yorker of the Week is a weekly feature on the station, which is Time Warner's 24-hour newschannel in New York City and covers the city's five boroughs, which focuses on a New Yorker who is making a difference in his or her community by assisting others.
Curry, a former New York City and Connecticut prep standout player, gave up a career as a video-editor and has used his own money to start Big Apple Basketball. Now in its fifth year of existence, the organization gives young men the opportunity to gain exposure for their basketball skills and academic achievements, which in turn leads to collegiate scholarship opportunities and professional opportunities for the players.
For a complete recap on Curry and the NY1 News New Yorker of the Week segment, click here.
photo courtesy Baruch College
Photo courtesy Baruch College
Brandon Knight - 2009
Sid Jones, 1/21/51- 7/7/11
photo - nypost.com
