NBA/WNBA ALUMNI JOIN 2020 ARIZONA SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS

Ann Meyers Drysdale | Phoenix Mercury and Suns;

Joe Caldwell | Former ASU Basketball Star;

Paul Westphal | Former Phoenix Suns Star & Coach

CHICAGO, IL (September, 11, 2020) — On Tuesday, September 8, Paul Westphal (Naismith Basketball HOF’19, former Phoenix Suns star and coach), Ann Meyers Drysdale (HOF’13 Inductee, Phoenix Mercury and Suns executive), and Joe Caldwell (former Arizona State University basketball star) were elected to the 2020 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class.  The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) announced the 2020 class, featuring three basketball standouts, among the seven total inductees.

Nikki Balich-Cammarata, who serves as the ASEC Executive Director issued the following statement in the official 2020 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame press release:

“Arizona has a rich sports tradition, and this Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class exemplifies that tradition perfectly…Each of these individuals has played an important role in shaping our state’s sports history.”

Westphal, Meyers Drysdale, and Caldwell, whose contributions are highlighted below, join the following AZ Sports Hall of Fame Members:

Dick Van Arsdale (1981); Alvan Adams (1988); Jerry Colangelo (2002); Sean Elliott (2010); Fat Lever (2013); Charles Barkley (2015); Dan Majerle (2017); Tom Chambers (2019).

Paul Westphal: “The No. 8 scorer in Phoenix Suns history, Westphal played a key role on the franchise’s two NBA Finals teams. He was a star guard on the underdog team that reached the 1976 NBA Finals and then coached the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals. With his dazzling moves and elite skills, “Westy” won the hearts of the first generation of Suns fans, and his No. 44 was retired by the team in 1989. After the Suns fell behind the Los Angeles Lakers two games to none in a best-of-five series in the 1993 playoffs, Westphal famously guaranteed that his team would rally to win the series – which it did, extending a run that ended in Game 6 of the Finals. Westphal also led Grand Canyon University to the 1988 NAIA national title. Westphal is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.” - ASEC

Ann Meyers Drysdale: “A basketball pioneer, Ann Meyers Drysdale came to Phoenix as the General Manager of the Phoenix Mercury and Vice President of the Phoenix Suns. Meyers Drysdale played a role in all three of the Mercury’s WNBA titles. Meyers Drysdale now serves the Mercury and Suns as a Vice President and broadcaster. Meyers Drysdale made history when she became the first woman to receive a Division I athletics scholarship, from UCLA. She became a four-time All-American and led the Bruins to their only women’s national title in 1978. Meyers Drysdale was the first draft pick of the Women’s Professional Basketball League, the nation’s first women’s pro league and a forerunner to the WNBA and earned co-MVP in 1979-80. She later became the first woman to sign an NBA contract, trying out for the Indiana Pacers in 1980.” - ASEC

Jumpin’ Joe Caldwell: “Caldwell, nicknamed “Jumpin’ Joe,” set the career scoring record at ASU with 1,515 points (18.2 per game) and is the school’s No. 2 all-time rebounder with 929 (11.2 per game). Caldwell led the Sun Devils to the NCAA tournament in his three varsity seasons – 1962-64. Caldwell was team captain all three years and MVP in 1963 and 1964, and the school retired his No. 32 in 2010. He won a gold medal with the 1964 U.S. men’s basketball team in Tokyo. Caldwell spent six seasons in the NBA and five in the ABA, earning All-Star honors twice in each league.” - ASEC

Every year, the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators, and others who have made significant contributions to Arizona sports.  The 2020 class was selected by a vote of trustees and the public.  An honorary ceremony will take place on April 23, 2021, during the Crest Insurance Group Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

A qualifying candidate can: (1) be from Arizona, or (2) must have lived in Arizona and is recognized as an Arizonan.  Additionally, they must have left a tangible mark on the Arizona athletics community, generating two or more significant contributions to sport.

For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, or to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, please visit www.azsportshof.com.

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Media Contact:

NBRPA Member Alert • 312-913-9400 • memberalert@legendsofbasketball.com

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

About the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame: The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission owns the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1957 by the Phoenix Press Box Association. The Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators and others who have made significant contributions to Arizona sports. To be eligible for the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, an individual must meet one of three criteria: a native of Arizona; immediately recognized as an Arizonan; have made at least two significant contributions to the athletics community in Arizona. For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, or to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, please visit www.azsportshof.com.

About the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission: The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is a non-profit organization created in 1988. The Commission collaborates with hundreds of partners to help fulfill the mission of bringing national and international sporting events to the state; assisting in the promotion of existing events and Arizona sports teams; providing volunteer recruitment and organization for large-scale sporting events; and developing youth sports programs. In 2009, it assumed oversight of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012, the Grand Canyon State Games. ASEC was the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. For more information about the Commission call 480.517.9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com.

New Expanded Multimedia Platform to Showcase the Stories, Successes, Lessons and Personalities of NBA and WNBA Legends

Chicago, ILL. (August 25, 2020) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the expansion and launch of Legends Media & Entertainment (LME), a multifaceted storytelling platform that will produce, distribute and quantify the wide reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars. The content will span the history of both leagues and feature more recent alums of the game ranging from Sheryl Swoopes and Grant Hill to the sport’s greatest legends and business successes on and off the court, delivered through all forms of media, from print and spoken word to long and short form video.

The NBRPA represents over 1,000 former NBA and WNBA players, making it the largest agency of its kind in basketball. This has allowed for direct access to players for opportunities domestically and internationally.

“With the creation of LME, we are building a multimedia platform for some of the most compelling men and women connected to basketball’s history and culture under one umbrella, something which has been asked for, and needed for some time,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “LME will be a vibrant stop for fans, businesses and others who want to enjoy, learn and explore the amazing stories of our Legends both on and off the court. These stories are some of the best in the global business of sport, and now we can house them under one impactful roof.”

NBA Champion and NBRPA Director Caron Butler adds, “Every NBA and WNBA player has a story to tell and Legends Media & Entertainment offers ALL Legends a platform to tell their stories and let their voices be heard.”

Some of the key unified elements of LME will include:

Legends Magazine which debuted in 2018 and is the official publication for NBA and WNBA Legends. Produced quarterly, Legends Magazine has featured cover stories about NBRPA Director Caron Butler, Jerry Stackhouse, Elton Brand, Jamal Mashburn and “The Knuckleheads” – Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. Each issue is delivered to all former players, active players, coaches, stakeholders, influencers and league officials worldwide.

Legends Studios also debuted in 2018 with the launch of original live-action and animated short videos and two podcasts, the All-Access Legends Podcast and On Deck with Scott Rochelle. In April 2020, Legends Live, a weekly web series broadcasted to multiple social media platforms featuring live conversations with NBA and WNBA Legends, was added to the Legends Studios portfolio. In addition to 32 standard episodes, Legends Live also covered the 2020 WNBA Draft and ESPN’s The Last Dance with live commentary from Legends. Last week, media personality Tyler Johnson, aka Trill Withers, joined the LME team as host of Legends Live, where he will spend time with many of the game’s most successful and dynamic personalities and business people. Johnson will also be a key contributor to Legends Magazine, the All-Access Legends Podcast and the NBRPA’s social media strategy and content.

To follow along with LME content from the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni.

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Media Contact:

Joe Favorito • 917-566-8345 • joefavorito2@gmail.com

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

New Platform to Drive Brand Partnership Opportunities for Legends

Chicago (August 14, 2020) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association today announced their official partnership with SwayBrand, a platform that helps brands connect with influencers. The new relationship will bring such brand deal opportunities directly to NBRPA Legends through an easy-to-use mobile app.

SwayBrand specializes in creating and bringing authentic partnerships to life that span a wide range of price points. Legends will be paired with companies that share a strong alignment to their voice and values, and in turn will execute uniquely tailored creative content. The process makes it easy for Legends to earn income from appearances and continue building their own booking opportunities with similar brands.

“There is so much talent within the NBRPA, and we are constantly receiving requests for these Legends to share their voice,” says NBRPA President & CEO Scott Rochelle. “This new partnership with SwayBrand will streamline this process, giving Legends the chance to manage and grow their own opportunities all in one user-friendly platform.”

SwayBrand, a black-owned business, first launched in 2018 and has quickly made strides in the brand marketing space. In January 2020, SwayBrand won the NFL Players Association Pitch Day competition in the Athlete-Led Startup category, winning cash prizes and the right to player-marketing opportunities, as well as Amazon Web Services. The new deal with the NBRPA will be SwayBrand’s first exclusive relationship.

“At SwayBrand, we offer diverse and authentic deals across a range of investment classes, ensuring brands and talent are effectively matched to maximize returns for all parties involved,” says Co-Founder Horace Flournoy. “We are thrilled to be working with the NBRPA to bring partnership opportunities to each and every Legend.”

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Media Contacts:

Scott Rochelle, srochelle@legendsofbasketball.com, (312) 913-9400

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

About SwayBrand:

SwayBrand is an all new, exclusive marketplace that connects brands, small to enterprise, with multicultural talent for video content, insights and specialized bookings.  The SwayBrand marketplace will feature "Authentikas", or diverse selections of athletes, artists, celebrities and other social media ambassadors that exclusively partner with brands that they actually use or discover and love.  The all new app and brand experience will launch late June.

As part of the National Basketball Retired Players Association’s (NBRPA) global mission to give back, a group of Legends and NBRPA staff recently completed an international mission trip to Panama along with members from the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA).

As part of the trip, players from both leagues - including NBA star Sam Perkins, WNBA star Barbara Farris and MLB’s Roberto Alomar and Carlos Baerga - participated in a series of clinics and events at MVP’s flagship facility in Panama City, Panama. More than 1000 kids made their way through the facility as part of the three-day program, which helps kids develop life skills on and off the court.

“To have the opportunity to go overseas and represent former players around the world is an incredible honor,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA president and CEO. “The growth of the NBA on a global scale and its rising international appeal have contributed to more opportunities for former players to visit overseas destinations.”

MVP Sports City is the largest private sports complex in Panama and Central America with the focus on developing life skills in education, sports and family. The organization’s mission is to promote the core values and excellence through sports and education by utilizing the latest training and performance techniques.

“The work of MVP Sports City and the impact the organization is having in the community was incredible to see first-hand,” said Erin Miller, senior vice president of operations and events. “We want to give our players more of these opportunities because we see the value they bring and the impact they can have.”

In addition, select players and members from both organizations had the distinct privilege of having dinner at the US Embassy with key dignitaries from the United States and Panama. Discussions centered around how grow the game of basketball in Panama and how to use sports as a vehicle for change.

“I love opportunities like this to venture out into the world and use basketball as a vehicle to impact young boys and girls,” said Sam Perkins.

Over the past 24 months, the NBRPA has funded trips for players to visit international destinations, including South Africa, Haiti and Panama. As part of the association’s global mission in 2019, the group has plans to visit additional countries by year’s end.

“I would like to thank Bruce Chen and everyone at MVP Sports City for allowing me to come to Panama and take part in these amazing clinics,” said Barbara Farris. “Learning about the culture and people of Panama has been very special and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

 

As part of the NBA China Games, the NBRPA, along with current and former players, seized the opportunity to visit Shanghai and Shenzhen and see first-hand the growing influence the NBA and its players have on the global stage. Current stars and Legends, Jermaine O’Neal, Dikembe Mutombo, Julius Erving, Jim Jackson, Caron Butler, Sam Perkins and Michael Finley, joined forces for a week-long trip that combined the history, passion and culture of China into an unforgettable experience.

“It was a great experience,” Butler said. “Being amongst so many of the all-time greats and to be able to enjoy that camaraderie and share this experience with them was incredible.”

The reaction to the NBA’s arrival in China was spectacular. The energy, size of crowds and the pure joy and excitement from the thousands of fans that welcomed the NBA’s arrival to their city was something that had to be witnessed first-hand.

“I’ve traveled so much internationally on behalf of the NBA, so I see a lot of it,” said Butler. “It amazes you when you are there in it. No one can describe what it is like. You need to be there, in the moment, to truly get a sense of the magnitude.”

As part of the trip, the Legends took part in a series of fan and partner events. Fan Appreciation Day, which took place in Shanghai, gave fans the chance to interact with their favorite NBA stars and Legends in a game-like atmosphere. For Butler, who has been to China and overseas numerous times on behalf of the association, said that this experience was really special.

“I think it’s important to honor and pay respects to the legacy of the game and the people that paved the way,” Butler said. “From my experience this year in China, it’s pretty special to see the wealth of young talent that recognizes the history of this game.”

The growth of the NBA on a global scale can’t go unnoticed; the impact…undeniable. From an international perspective, the focus has shifted to youth and growth in key regions around the world. The game’s international appeal, combined with the NBA’s savviness and forward-thinking, have combined to create a fan base in China that is hungry for more basketball.

“Every time I go to China, I see the intensity and wealth of fans over there,” said Butler. “It continues to grow and there is no indication of declining. The production was amazing. It was impressive to see the display of production by the Association.”

For the Legends to continue to be a part of the game and events like this is special. But above all, the most rewarding part was seeing the reaction from fans and the joy that they can bring to people. Nothing was more special than that.

“To see the faces of those young people, the fun that they were having, it reemphasizes why we do what we do,” said Jackson. “To be a part of that and to still feel like we are making an impact is an incredible feeling and something I want to continue doing.”

Chicago, IL (Nov. 28, 2018) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) has partnered with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center to give former players the opportunity to identify and pursue commercialization of patented NASA technologies.

The program will center on entrepreneurship and give former NBA, WNBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters players the chance to work collaboratively with NASA engineers to expose NBRPA members to NASA patented technologies and address questions related to potential commercial applications.

“This partnership is the first of its kind and is an incredible opportunity for former players,” said Eric McGill, NASA Senior Technology Manager, who will lend his 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, research and development to expose new technologies to NBRPA members. “Giving players the chance to immerse themselves in our state-of-the-art technology and learn from the world’s best engineers is truly unheard of.”

“This innovative collaboration is a win-win for NASA and the NBRPA that will provide opportunities for NBRPA entrepreneurs to develop strategies for commercialization through creation of technology startup companies to better our economy,” says Dennis Small, NASA’s NBRPA Project Manager.

“This is a game-changer for our association,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “By partnering with NASA and giving our players access to these resources, players will be given a serious leg up when it comes to entrepreneurial, investment and technology opportunities.”

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Media Contact:
Brad Shulkin
Brad.shulkin@kemperlesnik.com
847.894.1808

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Grant Hill, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

Huntington, NY (Nov. 5, 2018) – AthLife® announces an expansion of services to former NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotter players through a partnership with the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA).  The expanded services are aimed at providing membership with extended one­-to­-one advising related to professional development, career development, and educational advising support.

“Furthering our partnership with AthLife provides a benefit to our members that strikes at the core of our mission, which is to assist our membership with their transition to life beyond their playing days”, says Scott Rochelle, President and CEO of the NBRPA.

AthLife was formed in 2004 to service the education, career development, and life skill needs of athletes.  With the support of an AthLife Advisor, professional and post­professional athletes are empowered to build their skills in the areas of professional development including career exploration, education planning, goal setting, resume building, networking and interviewing.  AthLife’s approach is to guide the client through a process that builds skills and confidence, thus enabling them to assume control over their ongoing career development.

“Former NBA players have so much to offer the workforce and their communities.  When their playing career comes to an end, some need guidance as to how they can shift their focus and leverage skills from being the best in the world at one profession to building towards a successful career in another.  AthLife Advisors work with former players to first identify, then build and promote fundamental skills and knowledge in areas where they have a passion so they can take on new career challenges.” says Jon Harris, President and Founder of AthLife. 

Currently, AthLife also has service agreements with the NFL Players Association, The Trust (powered by the NFLPA), NBA Players Legacy Fund, WWE, Major League Soccer and the Major League Soccer Players Union to assist their constituency with career development and continuing education needs.

Athlife Inc.| Huntington, NY | www.athlife.com Contact: Jon Harris |info@athlife.com|631.385.1946

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

 CHICAGO (Sept. 27, 2018) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced their continued support of former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players through the NBRPA’s Licensing Partnership with the league.  The agreement, which provides licensing revenue and transition programming to former athletes, includes the rights to profits generated from the sale of apparel, game footage, jerseys, trading cards, collectibles and video games, among other items.  The amount of licensing revenue given to former basketball players has increased year-over-year, with a 294 percent growth since 2010.

“We are thrilled to work with the NBA on this initiative and give our players increased opportunities for additional licensing revenue,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle.  “We will continue to work with the NBA to ensure more of our players are represented under this agreement.”

Royalties accrued through the program will be paid directly to NBRPA members.  Former players who choose to opt in to the program will also receive partial NBRPA benefits, including access to paid opportunities, transition services, health benefits, educational programs and career development.

The NBRPA is the official alumni association for former NBA and WNBA players and the only organization of its kind that is directly supported by both the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Former professional basketball players can participate in the NBRPA’s Licensing Partnership with the NBA by signing the NBRPA authorization form.  To obtain an authorization form, please email info@legendsofbasketball.com or call the NBRPA main office at 312.913.9400.  

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Media Contact:

Brad Shulkin
Brad.shulkin@kemperlesnik.com
847.894.1808

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) brought its Full Court Press: Prep For Success program to Miami, Florida at OB Johnson Park on May 5th along with several partners Jr. NBA, Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL), Leadership Foundations, and Strategies For Youth.

Legends participating in the clinic included Irving Thomas, Toccara Williams, Jayson Williams, Billy Thompson, and Lamar Green.  While the Legends focused on basketball drills and lessons, the NBRPA partners focused on life lessons off the court.

Irving Thomas, President of the NBRPA Miami Chapter, spent the day mentoring the kids and sharing examples of the work ethic required to become an NBA player.  Thomas, who currently serves as a college scout for the Los Angeles Lakers, was able to reflect on the NBA draft evaluation process, reminding kids that coaches at all levels assess more than just skill.

Over 120 kids participated in the Miami Full Court Press clinic and the Legends and officials remained very engaged with all of them throughout the day.  The Full Court Press: Prep for Success program will next visit Memphis, Tennessee in June.