Dozens of South Bronx middle school students recently had the opportunity to shoot hoops and chop it up with a New York Knicks legend.
On Oct. 30, BronxWorks partnered with the New York Knicks for its second annual Jr. Knicks basketball clinic at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, 1130 Grand Concourse. Knicks Legend Larry Johnson joined the Jr. Knicks team in running drills with middle school students while also passing on important leadership skills to the next generation. Last year, Knicks legend John Starks was at the event.
Jr. Knicks is a program that offers basketball programs, initiatives and one-of-a-kind experiences for youth throughout the tri-state area.
BronxWorks is one of the largest social services organizations in the Bronx, providing more than 60,000 New Yorkers each year with health, education, youth development, eviction prevention, older adult services and access to benefits at more than 60 locations throughout the borough. The basketball clinic is a part of BronxWorks Children and Youth Department which serves 11,000 young Bronx residents under the age of 24 every year, including through after-school programs.
“The goal of today is to give the kids a day of sports,” said Dina Brown, the associate vice president of BronxWorks Children and Youth Department. “For those who are new to basketball they get introduced to it and those aren’t, they get to freshen up their skills.”
Having the opportunity to meet New York City basketball legends like Johnson and Starks can make a difference in kids’ lives, she said.
Johnon, 55, played for the Knicks from 1996 to 2001 and was best known for a hitting a 4-point play in the 1999 eastern conference finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Towering over the kids at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Johnson told the Bronx Times he loves giving back to the community and teaching the youth about hoops. He said while many of the children may not who he is, their parents are eager to meet him or have a card or jersey signed.
Furthermore, when Johnson mentions to the kids he played with Dell Curry, the father of Stephen Curry, the youngsters are immediately hooked. Johnson tells the children it is important to work hard, never give up, practice and learn the fundamentals of basketball.
“It means the whole world, giving back, myself and John Starks we all do the same thing,” Johnson said. “With terrific partners like BronxWorks, it keeps us active in the community.”
