Opportunity for members to provide feedback/Camaraderie gatherings
Important Notification about the 2025 Legends Annual Meeting event:
This event is a valuable opportunity for our members to come together and share their needs, concerns, and feedback during this important period of transition. It is designed to create a safe and supportive space for meaningful conversations about the future of our association. We will be covering the cost of approximately 80 hotel rooms to ensure that as many members as possible can participate. Those rooms will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis. If the room block reaches capacity, a rooming waitlist will start with Platinum Members receiving priority. If you are interested in paying for your own room, reach out to Beatriz Perez via email at bperez@legendsofbasketball.com
As part of the NBRPA's ongoing efforts to better serve and support our members, we are pleased to announce that the NBRPA Board of Directors and Chapter Presidents will be in attendance at our upcoming event. They will be present to support members from both a national and local perspective, actively engaging throughout the event to listen to feedback, concerns, and needs.
Platinum Members will be able to register starting May 5. Registration for Annual Members will open on May 7.
Platinum and Annual Members may bring up to one (1) guest regardless of membership level.
If the room block reaches capacity, a waitlist will start with Platinum Members receiving priority.
To complete a hotel room request, all members must submit their credit card information during the registration process via CVENT. Registration will close by Monday, June 2nd at 12pm CT. All cancellations and changes to your existing reservations must be completed in writing by Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12 p.m. CST to the NBRPA, to avoid incurring any additional fees. For any cancellations regardless of membership type, after Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12 p.m. CST, members will be 100% responsible for the room and tax charges of the original hotel reservation.
Our primary goal is to offer unparalleled support, resources, and connections to help former professional basketball players—both men and women—thrive beyond the game. Whether it’s through career transition programs, financial education, wellness initiatives, or exclusive networking opportunities, the NBRPA remains dedicated to being the premier lifelong support system for players navigating life after basketball.
Please stay tuned for more details about the 2025 Legends Annual Meeting and registration information, which will be shared via email, text, and available on the NBRPA Legends Locker Room app and the Legends of Basketball website at https://www.legendsofbasketball.com.
We look forward to seeing as many Legends as possible in Las Vegas for this important event, where together, we will shape the future of our association and continue to support each other in this new chapter.
“I’ve lived many lives,” says 84-year-old Tom Hoover. And he has the stories to prove it.
There had to be a better way to make money, Tom Hoover thought as he loaded boxes of toilet paper onto boxcars in the middle of the night.
He would one day be Richard Pryor’s tour manager, work Joe Frazier’s corner for the Fight of the Century, and sit in the passenger seat of Wilt Chamberlain’s purple Cadillac convertible. But in the spring of 1963, Hoover was a former Villanova basketball player living in a YMCA and working at a toilet paper factory.
He needed a fresh start. And then a call came to the Scott Paper Co. in Delaware during Hoover’s graveyard shift. It was Bob Vetrone, a sports writer from Philadelphia. The city’s new NBA team had drafted Hoover with the sixth pick.
“He wanted to know how I felt,” Hoover said. “I just said ‘Oh. OK.’ It just didn’t register at the time. My shift ended at 4 o’clock in the morning.”
Hoover soon met the team’s owners, who brought the Syracuse Nationals to Philly and renamed them the 76ers. The New York Knicks gave their draft pick $17,500 and Hoover thought he was better than Art Heyman. So he told the Sixers he wanted more. They countered with $7,000. Hoover said he wouldn’t sign, so the Sixers upped their offer by saying they could give him a summer job.
“Guess what the summer job was?” Hoover said. “Driving a yellow cab in Philadelphia. I said, ‘You’ve got to be crazy’ and I walked out of the office. They all said, ‘Where are you going?’ I said, ‘I ain’t gonna do this for you.’ I said, ‘You must be out of your mind. You’re really nuts.’ He said, ‘You’re crazy. Do you know what it is to play in the NBA?’ I just walked out.”
Hoover — one of the first Black players to play at Villanova — refused to play for the Sixers and said he would not come to training camp. The Sixers finally relented, trading the 6-foot-10 center to the Knicks. The Knicks said they would not match Heyman’s salary but they could give Hoover $12,500.
“I said, ‘Where do I sign?,‘” Hoover said. “That was how I got to the Knicks.”
The Knicks now have a well-known pipeline to the Main Line as three former Villanova stars — Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges — helped lift them this season to the Eastern Conference’s third-best record. Former Wildcats Ryan Arcidiacono and Donte DiVincenzo were also ‘Nova Knicks. But the original ‘Nova Knick — the first Wildcat to call Madison Square Garden home — was Hoover, the guy who once traveled the country with Pryor.
“I’ve lived many lives,” said the 84-year-old Hoover.
‘He was ahead of his time’
Hoover’s high school squad — Archbishop John Carroll in Washington — won 55 straight games and included future Villanova guard George Leftwich, future Georgetown coach John Thompson, and future Notre Dame president Monk Malloy.
“We beat everybody,” Hoover said. “We would beat your a—. There’s no question.”
Hoover was a no-nonsense big man, shaped by the pickup games he played around D.C. with old-timers like Earl Lloyd and Daddy Grace. If anyone picked on his teammates, Hoover picked on them.
“That was the DNA I grew up with,” Hoover said. “I remember one time a guy spit on me at Georgetown. I went into the stands after his a—. The other part was that you’re just not going to take advantage of me.”
Hoover could have played football at Ohio State but decided to go to Villanova on the recommendation of a priest from high school. Villanova was an all-male school and Hoover said just nine students — all athletes — were Black.
“It was very difficult,” Hoover said. “It was tough if you didn’t play the game correctly and fit in. I don’t know what I was, but I just wasn’t going for that B.S.”
Hoover caddied at a country club near campus. He wasn’t allowed to play the course, but he could carry a golfer’s bag. He walked one day with a prominent Philadelphia car dealer.
“He said, ‘Boy, where did my ball go?‘” Hoover said. “I looked at him and said, ‘Boy?’ This isn’t for me. I just dropped the bags and walked off. ‘Where you going?’ I was like ‘Nah, I can’t deal with it.’ It was a bad situation in school. It just wasn’t a good fit for me.”
The Villanova cafeteria often closed before basketball practice ended, forcing Hoover to mix Frosted Flakes with water in his dorm since they could not have a refrigerator for milk.
There wasn’t much to do around campus, so Hoover either went to Cheyney State University or headed to Philadelphia. That’s how he found Wayne Hightower, Sonny Hill, and other guys who loved playing basketball. That became his life, Hoover said.
“He was ahead of his time,” Hill said. “You’re talking about someone in the ‘60s coming through at 6-foot-10, probably 240 pounds. He was a very big man and strong. A very intelligent ballplayer, a very physical ballplayer, and a very gifted ballplayer in terms of knowing what his role was on the basketball court. He was ahead of his time.”
‘Heavy foot’ Wilt
The guys Hoover linked up with in Philly would play a game every year against New York’s best hoopers like Connie Hawkins, Jumpin’ Jackie Jackson, and Ed “The Czar” Simmons. The games were events and Chamberlain watched from under the basket.
“He said, ‘Come on, don’t let those guys outjump you like that,‘” Hoover said. “I was like, ‘Wow, Wilt Chamberlain knows who I am.‘”
Hoover and Chamberlain became friends and Hoover would take the trolley from Villanova to watch the Warriors play in West Philly. But the trolley stopped running by the time Chamberlain and Hoover grabbed something to eat after the game.
“He would say, ‘Nah, I’ll drive you back out,‘” Hoover said. “He had a purple Cadillac convertible. I guess it’s about 40 minutes from the Convention Center to Villanova. I got home in 10 minutes. He had a heavy foot.”
College freshmen could not play varsity basketball, so Hoover’s one season on varsity was his sophomore year. When the Wildcats traveled to Raleigh, N.C., they were greeted on the train by “Miss Raleigh,” who welcomed the white players to town but walked off the train when she saw Hoover.
“I said, ‘You can’t shake my hand?,‘” Hoover said. “Everyone was like, you can’t say that. I said, ‘Man, these people down here are crazy.’ But we knew that going down. We went to the Raleigh Coliseum, they played Dixie instead of The Star-Spangled Banner. I said, ‘This is going to be something down here.‘”
The charged-up Hoover picked up some quick fouls, and sat for most of the game.
“The only Black face I saw was in the restroom,” Hoover said. “There wasn’t a Black face in that crowd. I was like, ‘This isn’t going to work for me.‘”
Hoops and Inquirer deliveries
Hoover left Villanova in 1961 and played that summer for a team put together by Myer Shandelman, the founder of Spike’s Trophies. Shandelman paid every player $5 a game.
“I was like, ‘Nah, you got to give me $10 or $15,‘” Hoover said. “He said, ‘Everyone gets the same.’ I said, ‘Well, I’m not coming.’ There was no other big guy. So he said, ‘OK, I’ll pay you.’ That was the start of me saying, ‘Wow, I can get paid for doing this.‘”
Hoover joined the Eastern League, playing on the weekends for the Camden Bullets and delivering The Inquirer every morning. He borrowed a friend’s car and drove around West Philly flinging newspapers on porches.
“I had to have Mr. Johnson’s car back by 8 o’clock because he was a corrections officer,” Hoover said. “I did whatever I could do to get $2. It was a matter of survival.”
He was drafted a year later into the NBA and was soon on his way to New York, the first Wildcat to play for the Knicks. The NBA was just eight teams and most of the players were white.
The fans in St. Louis yelled racial slurs and Hoover could not ignore it. It seemed like he was in a fight every night. Big man Ray Scott, who grew up in West Philly, told Hoover to grit his teeth or else he would be run out of the league.
“I can’t grit nothing,” Hoover said. “I can’t stand for that.”
Hoover grew closer with Chamberlain, who lived in New York and commuted to Philly to play for the Sixers. He played cards at Chamberlain’s West Side apartment and drove with him every Saturday to Atlantic City in that purple Cadillac to hang at Club Harlem. Chamberlain’s “heavy foot” got them from New York to A.C. in an hour.
“We were almost like brothers. He was the big brother I never had,” Hoover said. “I was in awe the first time I saw him and he called my name. After that, I found out that he was just like me. A normal guy. I said, ‘Wow, this guy is cool.’ That’s how we developed a relationship.”
Working with the stars
Hoover played five seasons split between the NBA and ABA and retired in 1970 after playing another season in the Eastern League. It was time to find something else.
He was hired in late 1970 as an inspector for the New York State Athletic Commission, which regularly sent him to regulate boxing matches at Madison Square Garden. He was in Frazier’s locker room in 1971 before the Fight of the Century against Muhammad Ali. He watched Frazier get his hands wrapped, inspected his gloves, and kept gawkers out.
“That was something,” Hoover said. “That was my first real experience as an inspector. Joe was calm. Yank Durham was calm. These guys were pros. You have to give them space. You’re in the dressing room, but you’re not in the dressing room. It’s like the referee in the ring. You’re in the ring but you’re not in the ring.”
Hoover watched the match from Frazier’s corner as it was his job to make sure the rules were followed in between rounds. He had the perfect view of the most famous left hook ever thrown by a Philly fighter.
“That was an event,” said Hoover, who retired from the athletic commission in 2016 after moving up to chairman.
In 1974, an agent at the William Morris Agency who was his friend told Hoover that Pryor needed a tour manager.
“I said, ‘OK, I’ll do anything to get out of New York,‘” Hoover said.
By then, Pryor was a huge comedian and Hoover traveled with him all over the country.
“We did 41 nights with Earth, Wind & Fire and he never told the same joke twice,” Hoover said. “He was eccentric and he was nuts, too.”
Pryor told Hoover that he would have to move to Los Angeles, but Hoover hated L.A. from his time in basketball.
“You went to a party and everyone had on sunglasses,” Hoover said. “Then the next morning, you saw them in the unemployment line downtown. This stuff isn’t real. So I just kept telling him, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.‘”
The end came on a hot night in Baltimore when Hoover told Pryor to bring an extra outfit to the show. Hoover knew Pryor would sweat on stage and want to change afterward. Pryor said he didn’t need it.
“We went back and forth about it,” Hoover said. “I said, ‘All right man, whatever you want to do.‘”
Pryor came off stage dripping in sweat and told Hoover to go back to the hotel for his change of clothes.
“I said, ‘I told you. You should’ve taken them before,” Hoover said. “He said, ‘Did you hear what I said?’ I looked at him and I was like, ‘Are you seriously talking to me like this?’ I said, ‘This is not going to work.’ I went and got him the set of clothes and said, ‘I’ll see you later. I’m out of here.’ I left.”
Hoover gave Pryor his credit cards and headed back to New York.
“He said, ‘Where are you going?’ I said, ‘I’m out, bro,‘” Hoover said. “He was saying all this stuff, ‘Do you know who I am?’ But it was cool. He was a good dude. Stars dance and walk to their own tune. You have to be able to dance and walk the way they want you to. You can’t be independent.”
Hoover worked for singer Natalie Cole but left that post after a similar dispute. He then worked for the Spinners. That gig flamed out, too. The basketball enforcer had enough of show business.
“Every artist is demanding because they’re stars,” Hoover said. “It all depends on if you want to feed into it and stand there and say, ‘I work for Richard Pryor.’ Or do you want to say ‘Hey, man. The plane leaves at 1 o’clock. I’ll see you at the airport.‘”
Giving back
Hoover lives in Manhattan and works out three times a week at a gym inside the offices of the National Basketball Players Association.
“I’m still here at 84,” Hoover said. “I’ve had some ups and downs just like everything in life, but God has blessed me. I’m grateful.”
He’s involved with the National Basketball Retired Players Association, helping former NBA players find a second chapter after their careers are over.
“I love it,” Hoover said. “Guys who were there at one time in their life, they still feel like they are there. Come on, man. You bounced a ball. Give that up and let’s do something worthwhile for these kids coming up.”
Hoover created a program in which former NBA players visit schools every year during the All-Star Game and help teach children about subjects like computer coding and public speaking. He helped partner with a New York food bank to feed 400 families every other week and provides turkeys to 500 families every Thanksgiving. He teamed with Nate “Tiny” Archibald to collect shoes, clothing, and basketball equipment for people in West Africa.
Hoover used his basketball career as a way to travel with Pryor, hang with Chamberlain, and watch Frazier. Now he’s using his basketball career to give back.
“It’s very rewarding,” Hoover said. “We help players get health coverage and helped ABA players get a pension. It’s rewarding to give back to people.”
The original ‘Nova Knick loves the way his fellow Wildcats are playing now. They play hard, Hoover said. And that’s the best way to win over the guy who learned toughness on the playgrounds.
He was working out at the gym last season when he saw Bridges. Hoover reminded him that he was the one who paved the way from the Main Line to Madison Square Garden. The guy who stuffed boxcars with toilet paper made it pretty far.
“I told Bridges that you should give me some of that money,” Hoover said. “He said, ‘I’ll send you a check. It’s in the mail.’ I’m still waiting for that.”
Major Jones, Sedric Toney and Ronald Dupree Elected Directors
San Francisco, Calif. Feb 14, 2025 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today the election of its newest board members -Major Jones, Sedric Toney and Ronald Dupree. Jones, Toney and Dupree will join Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Vice Chairman Shawn Marion, Treasurer Nancy Lieberman, Secretary C.J. Kupec, Spencer Haywood, Eddie Gill, Rushia Brown, Bob Elliott, Mike Bantom to make up the NBRPA Board of Directors.
“We are excited to welcome Major Jones, Sedric Toney and Ronald Dupree as the latest additions to the NBRPA’s Board of Directors,” said Antonio Davis, President & CEO, NBRPA. “These incoming leaders and their expertise will be integral to our mission to serve our membership and to our commitment to best represent the vast array of viewpoints from across our organization.” Added Davis, “I would also like to extend the NBRPA’s full heartfelt gratitude to outgoing officers board members Caron Butler, Clarence “Chucky” Brown and to one of our esteemed founders, Dave Bing, for their selfless dedication and tireless commitment during their tenures.”
NBRPA Directors are responsible for executing the NBRPA mission to serve former professional basketball players, supporting them in life after their playing days, and assisting them in leveraging their inspirational influence and to promote and teach basketball in their communities.
Major Jones - played six seasons in the NBA and 3 seasons in the CBA, where he was named 1976 Rookie of the Year. Born in McGehee, Arkansas, he attended and played college basketball at Albany State University.
He was drafted by the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1974 by the San Diego Conquistadors, and in 1976 by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers as the 20th overall pick.
Sedric Toney - was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 59th overall pick (third round) of the 1985 NBA draft.
Born in Columbus, Mississippi, he played in five NBA seasons for six teams: Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toney also played college basketball at Phillips BC and Western Nebraska Community College for one season each and the University of Dayton for two more seasons.
He has also worked for ESPN as a color commentator for college basketball games.
Ronald Dupree - played six seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also played numerous seasons in the NBA Development League and spent time in Europe and Argentina. After his retirement, Dupree was a college basketball assistant coach and works as a scout for the Milwaukee Bucks.
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, and WNBA. 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. Antonio Davis is the President & CEO and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Vice Chairman Shawn Marion, Treasurer Nancy Lieberman, Secretary C.J. Kupec, Spencer Haywood, Eddie Gill, Rushia Brown, Bob Elliott, Mike Bantom, Sedric Toney, Major Jones and Ronald Dupree. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
NBRPA membership is comprised of a diverse group of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA, WNBA, and Harlem Globetrotters.
Each month, we'll spotlight NBRPA members from each league to recognize their career on the court as well as the impact they are now having in their communities.
Derrick Coleman
NBA
Derrick Demetrius Coleman attended Syracuse University and was selected first overall in the 1990 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets.
Throughout his career, the left-handed Coleman was an effective low post scorer, averaging 16.5 points and 9.3 rebounds. He enjoyed his best years as a member of the New Jersey Nets, where he averaged 19.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. When Coleman entered the NBA, he was compared to elite power forwards such as Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, and expected to put up similar numbers, only with the added ability to shoot from three-point range. Coleman made the 1994 NBA All-Star team.
As of 2007, he is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community ambassador in the Detroit metropolitan area and other cities. His many accomplishments are well recognized and honored by all, giving him the title “DC” the man who gets the job done!. He has also appeared as an occasional studio analyst for NBA TV's "NBA Gametime Live" coverage.
Derrick Is the current president of the National Basketball Retired Players Association: Detroit Legends Chapter. As president of the Detroit Chapter, Derick’s vision for the Chapter is to come back “stronger, better and stay active.” The Chapter needs signature and community events to generate visibility, sustainability, and resources. He explains, “the Chapter need more collaborations, partnerships to build community relationships to foster support for charitable and philanthropic activities with a connection to the game and kids. Lastly, to support its members, their initiatives and to stay involved and connected.”
Rick Darnell
ABA
Richard Darnell is a former professional basketball center who spent one season in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with the Virginia Squires during the 1975–76 season. He completed his collegiate career at San Jose State University, after two seasons (1970–71, 1971–72) at Cypress College and one season (1972–73) at Indiana State.
He averaged 17.5 points and 12.8 rebounds during his career at Cypress; he remains tied for ninth in career rebounds for the Chargers. He averaged 9.7 points and 8.1 rebounds during his one season at Indiana State & 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds during his season at San Jose State.
Rick Darnell currently coaches basketball to underprivileged children in South Los Angeles.
Danielle McCulley
WNBA
Danielle McCulley was born in Gary, Indiana, to two wonderful parents, Regina Glenn and Dana McCulley. At the young age of 10, Danielle would receive heartbreaking news, learning that her father was murdered from a random act of gun violence.
This would serve as a catalyst, prompting Danielle to put her emotions elsewhere, and basketball became the space where she could do it. Danielle would become an Indiana All-Star at Gary Westside High School. Receiving attention from universities all over the country, McCulley chose to stay home near her mother and play for Purdue University.
Later, Danielle would take the opportunity to transfer to Western Kentucky, where she became a 2 time first team All-Conference performer in the Sun Belt Conference. McCulley, known for her ability to consistently knock down three pointers, post up, and guard every position on the floor, Danielle would get drafted as the #1 pick in the pro women’s basketball league, the ABL.
The ABL would eventually fold, and the WNBA Indiana Fever quickly capitalized by picking up McCulley. Danielle’s professional basketball career would expand for 5 additional years, playing 2 years for the Fever, 2 years for the Seattle Storm, and playing throughout all over the World in France, Greece, China, Turkey, Israel, and Brazil.
After Danielle’s pro career she would revert back to the 2 years of Computer and Electrical Engineering experience received at Purdue, and the Bachelor’s of Science degree she received at Western Kentucky in Electrical Engineering to develop and document moderately complex electronic and electrical system requirements, hardware, and software interface specifications.
Through the years she’s worked as an independent contractor and has a current role at thee Boeing Company headquarters in Renton, Washington. For enjoyment, Danielle participates in work as an insurance broker for Swinburson Insurance Company. McCulley is a mentor to many, a community activist, and is a loyal member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
Calvn "CJ" Pepper
Harlem Globetrotters
Calvin "CJ" Pepper is a proud native of Crofton, Kentucky. He fell in love with the game of basketball in 1983, at the tender age of five and never looked back. Throughout his prep and collegiate career, he received multiple accolades such as Kentucky All State, Kentucky Region 2 Player of the Year, Junior College All-American, Player of the Year, and Union Planters Bank Player of the Year. Because of his dead-eye mid-range jumper and killer up-and-under moves, CJ became the 2nd all-time leading scorer when he left high school in 1996 and the 4th time leading scorer when he left Moberly Area Community College in 1998.
While at Arkansas State University, he was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the week on multiple occasions. But what CJ is most proud of having helped lead their team to the NCAA tournament for the first-, and only-time history. After undergrad and a brief stint overseas, from 2001-2004, CJ was given the opportunity to play for the New York Nationals and then ultimately for the Harlem Globetrotters. As a Globetrotter, he found joy in bringing smiles to the families who attended the games and the life-long bonds he made with his teammates and the Harlem Globetrotter organization.
After professional basketball, CJ completed his bachelor’s degree in 2005 and then in 2006, he decided to play in the ABA for the American Bulldogs, where he was a player-coach. Because of his passion to help the community, he went on to advocate for the mental health needs of youth and adults for over 15 years, eventually becoming the Director of Business Development at Life Strategies Counseling, Inc. His dedication didn’t stop there. He has served on the board of directors for several community entities such as Arkansas Early Learning (Head Start), Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA, and the Children’s Advocacy Center. It was during his leadership with the Children’s Advocacy Center that he spearheaded and raised over $25,000 with the first-ever Red on Red Basketball game in the state of Arkansas. This game consisted of the basketball alumni of the University of Arkansas versus the basketball alumni of Arkansas State University. Feeling the need to share his love for basketball and the Lord, CJ participated in his first mission trip in 2007 to South Africa with Central Baptist Church where he was able to share his love for Christ while teaching children the game of basketball.
Recognizing his contribution to the sport and the community, his alma mater, Christian County High School inducted him into the basketball Hall of Fame and Moberly Area Community College bestowed the first ever Outstanding Young Alumni to CJ.
Currently, he is an independent insurance agent and real estate investor with his LLC, CJDP Holding Ventures. He stays close to basketball as the color analyst of the Arkansas State University men’s basketball team on ESPN+ and an active member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
CJ is married to his lovely wife, has two wonderful children, and a blessed grandson.
Thirteen Year NBA Vet to Lead NBA, WNBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotter Legends Membership
CHICAGO, ILL. January 23, 2025 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today named Antonio Davis Chief Executive Officer of the alumni organization. Davis will drive the strategic vision, business operations, member services and growth for the NBRPA and will be based in Chicago, Illinois. Davis will be supported by the NBRPA Board of Directors including Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Vice Chairman Shawn Marion, Treasurer Nancy Lieberman, Secretary C.J. Kupec, Spencer Haywood, Eddie Gill, Rushia Brown, Bob Elliott, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Clarence “Chucky” Brown and Dave Bing.
Prior to being named CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, Davis enjoyed a sixteen-year professional basketball playing career, served as President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and was a featured studio basketball analyst for ESPN and a co-host/analyst for Sirius XM NBA Radio.
Davis’s on court basketball career included thirteen seasons in the NBA, with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks and was named an NBA All-Star in 2001. Prior to playing in the NBA, Davis played three seasons overseas with Panathinaikos and Philips Milano in Greece and Italy respectively.
“We are delighted to have an executive of Antonio’s caliber leading our organization,” said Charles “Choo” Smith, Chairman of the Board, NBRPA. “His vision, passion and dedication will have an enormous impact on our more than two thousand members and our global brand for years to come.”
“I’m honored to be entrusted with leading this organization and I look forward to representing this diverse membership consisting of NBA, WNBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters Legends as we head into a promising future,” said Antonio Davis, President & CEO, NBRPA. “Together with the NBA, the NBPA and our partners, our goal will be to provide the absolute best services, programming and opportunities for these legendary men and women that make up the history of our game.”
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, and WNBA. 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. NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Vice Chairman Shawn Marion, Treasurer Nancy Lieberman, Secretary C.J. Kupec, Spencer Haywood, Eddie Gill, Rushia Brown, Bob Elliott, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Clarence “Chucky” Brown and Dave Bing. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
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CONTACT: Julio Manteiga, NBRPA – jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com, (516) 749-989
NBRPA membership is comprised of a diverse group of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA, WNBA, and Harlem Globetrotters.
Each month, we'll spotlight NBRPA members from each league to recognize their career on the court as well as the impact they are now having in their communities.
Sam Stith
NBA
Samuel Elwood Stith was selected in the 1960 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals after a collegiate career at St. Bonaventure University. He also played in the Eastern Professional Basketball League, where in 1963 he won the league championship.
Sam Stith, a New York City native is the older brother to Tom Stith. Together, the Stith brothers helped boost St. Bonaventure basketball into the national spotlight from 1957-1960. Sam Stith was the catalyst of the defense and was the consummate “complete” player. Quick to steal the ball, he was the ultimate playmaker, team player, and leader.
Sam was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Hall of Fame in 1969, he was also selected as a member of the St. Bonaventure All-Time Team during Bona's Centennial Season. Sam was selected in the 1960 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals. Although he would ultimately play for his hometown New York Knicks. Stith led his team to the League Championship in 1963 during his tenure in the Eastern Professional Basketball League.
Sam is the proud author of the book entitled, The Stith Brothers: College Basketball’s Greatest Brother Act. The book takes a deep dive into the inspiring story of basketball’s greatest brother duo, Sam and Tom Stith. Together, they scored a remarkable 53 points per game, shattered records, and made unforgettable appearances in NITs and NCAA Tournaments.
Their journey was about more than just the game — it was about breaking barriers, integrating high school and college basketball, and blazing trails for future generations. The Stith brothers' story is one of overcoming tragedy and poverty, fueled by unwavering family support, community strength, and a bond that could not be broken.
Earle Higgins
ABA
Earle Brent Higgins spent one season in the American Basketball Association as a member of the Indiana Pacers during the 1970–71 season. He played at Casper College in Wyoming and then moved on to Eastern Michigan University. He was drafted from Eastern Michigan University during the third round of the 1970 NBA draft by the San Francisco Warriors, but he did not play for them. He is the father of National Basketball Association (NBA) player Sean Higgins.
Helen Darling
WNBA
Helen Darling grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Brookhaven High School and was named a High School All-American by the WBCA.
Over the course of her college career at Penn State University, she became the only player to amass 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 600 assists for her career. Darling is also the only player in Penn State history to earn Big Ten Player of the Year honors.
A four-year starting point guard, she helped lead Penn State to their first and only Final Four appearance in 2000. Darling would go on to earn her degree in education and receive the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as the best senior player under 5 ft 8 in 2000.
Helen was also named a Kodak All-American before playing for 10 years in the WNBA on various teams in Cleaveland, Minnesota, Charlotte, and San Antonio.
Helen is a business owner and author of many children's books. Her most recent books are a part of a seven-book series, titled Days of the Week, that features creative and interactive stories for its readers. Darling also works for Nike at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, while serving as a loyal member of the NBRPA.
Helen is the proud mother of three, triplets, sons JaJuan and Jalen, and daughter Neveah, and is a mentor to many in the Women's Basketball Community.
Otis Key
Harlem Globetrotters
Otis Key enjoyed a 10-year career with the Harlem Globetrotters beginning in 1998. Originally from Russellville KY, Key was an honorable mention all-district and region performer coming out of Russellville High School. Otis went to Austin Peay State University for 3 seasons before transferring to Lincoln University (MO) for his senior season. While at Lincoln University, Key was named All American after leading the MIAA in Field goal percentage and rebounding, and leading his team in scoring, assists and steals. After averaging 17 points, 13 rebounds a game he was invited to the HBCU All Star game in Atlanta where he was seen by Globetrotter scout and head coach Tex Harrison and Chad Groth.
During his time with the Globetrotters, Key visited 40 countries and made numerous appearances as an Advanced Ambassador. Many of the highlights of his time was traveling to Australia, Greece and Beirut, Lebanon, on top of meeting numerous stars of stage, screen and television. He also enjoyed being on numerous TV programs including Nickelodeon’s Nic Gas, commercials for Burger King and Kraft Miracle Whip, and the nationally televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day and the Hollywood Christmas parades. He enjoyed making visits to schools and children’s hospitals across the country while promoting the Department of Education's “C.H.E.E.R.” program.
Currently, Otis is the head women’s basketball coach at Volunteer St Community College. In his 10 seasons as head coach, he has developed and coached 1 NJCAA All-American, 1 Freshman of the Year, and numerous All Conference performers. Key has had numerous players move on to 4 year school after graduation to continue their education and playing careers. Prior to becoming the head coach at Volunteer St, Key was the head coach of the ABA’s Kentucky Bisons and led them to the championship in 2009. The Bisons boasted an overall record of 48-7 with back-to-back finals appearances with one championship. Key says his ultimate goal is to become an athletic director of a collegiate program or an executive for a NBA or WNBA franchise.
The NBRPA has taken huge strides to assist with the health of former basketball stars, providing truly live-saving health screenings.
Former NBA player Steve Hayes, arguably the best basketball player born and raised in Idaho, was ecstatic to join the National Basketball Retired Players Association community for three days at the 2023 Legends Getaway event in Las Vegas before heading off for a vacation in Montana. The 7-foot center, who once stepped foot on the hardwood with players like David Thompson, John Stockton and Karl Malone, spent the days conversing with his former colleagues and learning about new opportunities being offered by the NBRPA.
Former NBA player Steve Hayes, arguably the best basketball player born and raised in Idaho, was ecstatic to join the National Basketball Retired Players Association community for three days at the 2023 Legends Getaway event in Las Vegas before heading off for a vacation in Montana. The 7-foot center, who once stepped foot on the hardwood with players like David Thompson, John Stockton and Karl Malone, spent the days conversing with his former colleagues and learning about new opportunities being offered by the NBRPA.
“After they did the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram,” Hayes said, “I got in to see the cardiologist that was here from Endeavor (Health) and the first thing he says is, ‘Did you know you’re AFib?’”
Atrial fibrillation, or A-Fib, is “an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Hayes, who had seen a cardiologist in Houston less than eight months earlier, had no idea about his condition. Although somewhat common, the risk of stroke from A-Fib increases with age, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hayes was diagnosed at 67 years old.
“I was shocked and scared,” Hayes said. “I was totally caught off guard and (about) to go up (to Montana) and do things that maybe I shouldn’t have been doing, especially if I hadn’t seen a doctor.”
The NBRPA’s health screenings were introduced nearly a decade ago in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association. The life-saving initiative has served over 1,000 members, according to NBRPA Chief Medical Director Joe Rogowski. Fully funded by the NBRPA, this groundbreaking program requires a substantial investment, with former President and CEO Scott Rochelle, who served until August 2024, identifying the cost as “hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
“Our health screening program is more comprehensive and more detailed and targeted than anything anyone’s doctor is willing to give,” Rochelle said.
The goal is to “normalize wellness” so former players begin to prioritize their health. To enhance that effort, Rochelle and the NBRPA hired Rogowski in 2022. Previously serving as the NBPA’s chief medical officer for a decade, Rogowski aimed to provide both an educational and relaxed environment during the health screenings.
“When they come through our screening, it’s not like your typical doctor’s office where you get an exam and you leave and they call you with the results,” Rogowski said. “This is more of a relaxed environment where they can sit down and ask questions. There’s no time restraints, so they can ask a cardiologist all the questions they want, ask each of the doctors different questions so that they can be proactive about their health and in tune with their bodies.”
Rogowski has worked with NBA players for nearly 20 years. During that time, which included medical positions with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, he noticed that players did not have medical direction once retiring. But by hosting a large number of former players in one setting for medical testing, the process becomes much more “convenient.”
“We provide that setting so that we can do a multitude of diagnostic tests, more on the preventative side, so that we’re proactive for their health and to get them plugged into thinking medically,” he said.
Rogowski estimates the health screenings have saved 10 lives since they were introduced eight years ago. Among the most notable is Nate “Tiny” Archibald, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with amyloidosis in December 2016. The incurable condition required Archibald to have a heart transplant that would ultimately save his life.
Harvey Catchings also experienced a heart problem but could not participate in the health screenings, as they were not yet established. The 11-year NBA veteran, and father of WNBA Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, recalls his personal cardiologist informing him about a small valve leakage in his early 60s. The doctor’s response, according to Catchings, was “we will keep an eye on it.”
In 2016, Catchings began participating in the health screenings. Just three years later, his heart problem rapidly escalated.Rogowski has worked with NBA players for nearly 20 years. During that time, which included medical positions with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, he noticed that players did not have medical direction once retiring. But by hosting a large number of former players in one setting for medical testing, the process becomes much more “convenient.”
“We provide that setting so that we can do a multitude of diagnostic tests, more on the preventative side, so that we’re proactive for their health and to get them plugged into thinking medically,” he said.
Rogowski estimates the health screenings have saved 10 lives since they were introduced eight years ago. Among the most notable is Nate “Tiny” Archibald, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with amyloidosis in December 2016. The incurable condition required Archibald to have a heart transplant that would ultimately save his life.
Harvey Catchings also experienced a heart problem but could not participate in the health screenings, as they were not yet established. The 11-year NBA veteran, and father of WNBA Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, recalls his personal cardiologist informing him about a small valve leakage in his early 60s. The doctor’s response, according to Catchings, was “we will keep an eye on it.”
In 2016, Catchings began participating in the health screenings. Just three years later, his heart problem rapidly escalated.
“Fast forward to the age of 67 and I get up one morning and I can’t breathe,” Catchings said. “So, I did what any Black man would do. I got in my car and drove to the hospital.”
When arriving at the hospital, Catchings found out he had a severe valve leakage in his atrium. Returning to the same cardiologist as before, Catchings was told that the valve leakage could be repaired 98% of the time through a routine surgery.
Catchings’ condition was part of that 2%.
“They said, ‘Harvey, if you don’t get a heart transplant, you’re not going to be around by the end of 2019,’” Catchings said. “Now I’m thinking, ‘What the hell? We were talking about a valve repair. How did we get to a heart transplant, and more importantly, how is it that somebody has to die in order for me to live?’”
A heart transplant in September 2019 ultimately saved Catchings’ life and opened his eyes to the importance of being involved and informed about his health condition. He advocates for the NBRPA’s health program because of the level of involvement the members can have and the benefits that they receive from the organization.
“To have this type of group that you can pick up the phone and call to make things happen, they’re probably going to stay on top of things,” Catchings said. “Take advantage of these opportunities and don’t say, ‘I’ll just deal with it later.’ No, if something’s not feeling right, especially as we get older, deal with it right then.”
The group that Catchings is talking about is a new partnership with Endeavor Health, which was introduced in October 2023. The Chicago based service provides NBRPA members with a 24/7 phone number that will help them understand their condition in addition to connecting them with specialists that range from orthopedic and physical therapy to neurology and urology.
“When they were playing, they didn't have to think about (health),” said Dr. Ravi Bashyal, co-medical director and head NBRPA hip and knee replacement consultant. “It was done for them and all of a sudden when they retire, they're in an entirely different world where no one is helping them make those decisions.”
His goal in working with the NBRPA is ensuring that former players have that access to the “vetted best in class care” because of how they used their bodies throughout the first half of their lives.“
Their bodies were how they made their living,” Bashyal said. “If they have a problem with their hip or their knee, it's more than just a medical condition. It's almost connected to who they are and their identity. So it's even more important that they're able to get the explanations that they need to be able to wrap their heads around what's going on.”
The NBRPA hosts its health screenings annually at NBA All-Star weekend in February and the Legends Getaway event in July. Additionally, the screenings are in “three to four” different cities per year, according to Rogowski, so members who do not attend its major events still have opportunities to take part in the screenings. One of the organization's goals for the program is expanding the health screenings to 10 cities a year.
This year at the Legends Getaway event, Hayes returned to Las Vegas hoping to hear good news just one year after his A-Fib diagnosis. But when he went to sign up for his screening, no appointments were available.
“A lot of the players came in last night, paid for their own room for one night, just so they could be here this morning to be able to get the health screenings,” Hayes said.
A quick phone call was all it took for the team of doctors to squeeze Hayes into their packed schedule. Meeting with the same cardiologist from a year prior, the two were “overjoyed,” Hayes said, after they learned his heart muscle increased from 40% in 2023 to 60% in 2024, a normal percentage for a 68-year-old.
NBRPA membership is comprised of a diverse group of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA, WNBA, and Harlem Globetrotters.
Each month, we'll spotlight NBRPA members from each league to recognize their career on the court as well as the impact they are now having in their communities.
Chris Owens
NBA
Chris Owens, a distinguished figure in both basketball and real estate, first gained national recognition as the 1997 Texas Mr. Basketball. A standout at the University of Texas, Owens showcased his exceptional talent and determination on the court, which led to his selection in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. On draft night, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he made his professional debut and played his rookie season.
Following his time in the NBA, Owens embarked on an impressive 12-year international career, competing in various European leagues across Germany, Greece, Turkey, France, Ukraine, and Spain. He ultimately retired from professional basketball in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of skill and tenacity.
Leveraging the same dedication and professionalism that defined his athletic career, Owens successfully transitioned into the real estate sector, currently serving as one of Douglas Elliman’s top realtors. In this role, he has demonstrated remarkable prowess, recently closing 45 properties—residential and commercial—totaling millions in value.
In addition to his professional achievements, Chris Owens is proud to be the great-nephew of the legendary track and field athlete Jesse Owens, who captured four Gold Medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This familial legacy of excellence continues to inspire Owens in all his endeavors.
Art Becker
ABA
Arthur C. Becker was born in Akron, Ohio. The 6 ft 7 in forward from Arizona State University played six seasons (1967–1973) in the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a member of the Houston Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Denver Rockets, Dallas Chaparrals, and New York Nets. He averaged 12.5 points per game over the course of his career and appeared in two ABA All-Star Games.
He was traded to Denver the following season but remembers his season-and-a-half with the Pacers as the highlight of his six-season professional career.
"It was just magical for me," Becker says. "The community was great. People would know who you are everywhere you went."
Becker's favorite memory was getting a press pass for the Indianapolis 500 and watching the race from inside the first turn. "It was just crazy," he says. "I might have taken a couple of pictures."
Since 2005, Becker has served as president of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). He served two stints (1974–1981; 1993–1996) as men's head basketball coach at Scottsdale Community College and coached men's tennis at Scottsdale from 1981 to 1983.
Anita Maxwell
WNBA
Anita Maxwell-Skipper hails from Rome, Mississippi, and later moved to Dallas, Texas, where she excelled in multiple sports at Lake Highlands High School. Her basketball skill led her to New Mexico State University (NMSU), where she became a legendary figure.
Anita's collegiate achievements include being a 4-time First Team All-Conference Honoree, Two-Time Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year. She etched her name in NCAA history as the first player to reach milestones like 2500 points, 1000 rebounds, and 300 steals in a career. Anita's jersey, #40, was retired by NMSU, and she was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
After a successful college career, Anita played professionally overseas in Israel and Turkey and for the Cleveland Rockers during the inaugural season of the WNBA.
Anita's journey post-basketball is a testament to her versatility and dedication to community service. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Her career trajectory saw her transition from playing professionally to roles in business, nonprofit, and public service. Anita's first job after basketball was with J.O.Y. Foods, where she gained valuable experience in administration, logistics, and sales. Her passion for public advocacy led her to graduate school and volunteer work with United Way, focusing on community impact and urban development.
Anita's diverse experiences also include a stint at the NCAA Headquarters, where she was responsible for hotels and media for the Women's Final Four event. Later, as Vice President of Community Initiatives at United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, she oversaw their community investments, funding community agency programs that addressed social equity issues.
Anita's career took a unique turn when she was recruited to be a part of healthcare CO-OP started in South Carolina as a part of the Affordable Care Act. She played a pivotal role in its growth and community outreach.
Currently, Anita operates Skipper Financial Group alongside her husband, offering financial services and coaching to empower individuals with financial literacy. Her expertise in sales, marketing, and community engagement continues to drive positive change and financial education, particularly among athletes transitioning from sports.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Anita is deeply involved in her community, serving as the Chief Public Information Officer for her local county government. She also finds time to contribute as a color analyst for New Mexico State University's Men's Basketball Team, showcasing her passion for sports and broadcasting.
Anita's commitment to community service extends beyond her professional roles. She actively engages in real estate investments, providing affordable housing options and participating in various speaking engagements and mentorship programs. Her accolades include being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a graduate of Leadership Las Cruces, and a participant in EY's Women Athletes Business Network (WABN) Mentoring Program.
Anita's multifaceted journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a relentless drive to create positive change wherever she goes. She is an active and proud member of the NBRPA, where she has served for years contributing greatly to the association.
Paul “Showtime” Gaffney
Harlem Globetrotters
Paul “Showtime” Gaffney played professionally with Harlem Globetrotters for 15 years with now 48 years of experience in the sports industry. He has traveled around the world completely three (3) times and played in over 93 countries. He has been seen on several television and heard on radio shows across the globe. From appearing on talk show such as Oprah & Jay Leno to the People of the South in South Africa. He has dined with Presidents, Statesmen, Kings and Queens. Gaffney received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Tennessee Wesleyan University while being All-District, All-Conference, and All-American basketball player.
Showtime has created Gaffney Athletic Preparatory Academy (GAPA), the nation's first International T.E.A.M.S College Preparatory Christian Academy serving Sports Enthusiasts in grades K- 12th. T.E.A.M.S is a new learning model which its acronym stands for Technology, Engineering, Athletics, Mathematics, and Science. This new learning model takes the concepts of STEM and views them the Lens of Athletics while teaching student about the vast careers in the world of sports. GAPA is school for athletic or nonathletic students who has a Love and Desire to be in World of Athletics. Gaffney has also created an international sport logistic, development, and management company which creates a holistic sports environment called Sports University International, Inc. (SUI). His vision for these companies, which both are in the world of education and sports, are to provide the “Ultimate Academic Sports Destination and Experience which prepares Sports U for College, Careers, and Life in a Holistic environment.
One of the most historical times for Gaffney, other than playing in front of his grandmother for first time, was being a part of the first professional sports team to play in free and democratic South Africa while meeting and playing basketball with the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, twice.
Gaffney does motivational speeches, hosts sporting events, and sports tutoring & mentoring. Along with GAPA and Sports University, Gaffney is a member of the AAU’s Future Leaders Committee, the Tennessee Wesleyan University Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the Globetrotters. Gaffney is one of Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Board of Governors while serving on several other boards and community outreach organizations.
Gaffney's life did not start with all this glitz and glamour. Before the crowds started screaming “Showtime” while becoming a professional athlete with the Harlem Globetrotters, developing GAPA, or being a member of the basketball Hall of Fame, there were a baby boy born in a small coal-mining town in rural Kentucky called Benham, to an unmarried teenage mom. Realizing, during her pregnancy, that she could not provide for him properly, she placed him up for adoption before birth. Turning two years old, his adoptive mother died with him by her side; his is adoptive father, now a single parent, then raised him alone. By all accounts, these scenarios are the making of a negative path for a “at-risk child”, but his outcome was quite different from what it could have been. His life is a perfect example of how the concepts of sports, innovative educational programs, and community partnerships working together can make a difference in preparing a sports enthusiast for College, Careers, and Life.
Gaffney is currently living in Cleveland, TN with his wife and 2 two kids. Paul “Showtime” Gaffney is also becoming an author, with his new book called “Making of A Diamond”, with an estimated release date early 2024.
Looking back at how the NBRPA initially started, and how far it has come over the course of its 32-year history.
Dave Bing was drafted second overall by the Detroit Pistons in 1966, signing an annual contract worth $15,000. Already a husband and father of two daughters at the time, Bing was unsatisfied with the salary and chose to work at a local bank during the offseason. Even after signing his second contract, estimated at $150,000 per year, Bing continued working at what is now Chase Bank for seven years.
When you ask the seven-time NBA All-Star why he felt the need to create the National Basketball Retired Players Association, he answers that it is because he understood there were many players also working second jobs but making significantly less money during their often shorter basketball careers.
“None of us made a hell of a lot of money back then because it wasn't available,” Bing said. “So, guys needed financial support. They had to transition from an athlete, to being a real person and getting a real job to support their families.
“When you transition from a professional athlete, you’re still pretty young. You're in your mid-twenties, maybe early thirties, so you've got a lot of life ahead of you. But because of what we had to do with our bodies, there's going to be some issues as you get older.”
It was in the late 1980s when Bing, Archie Clark and Oscar Robertson, a trio with a combined 21 All-Star appearances, began discussing how they could support players who laid the foundation for the league they once played in. Taking the idea to then NBA Commissioner David Stern, the founders proposed an organization that would help players in their transition after basketball, specifically those who were struggling financially and needed a second career.
Bing recalled their initial meeting in New York where Stern expressed his dissent, asking the three players, “Do we really need another association?” At the time, Stern wanted to rely on the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA Legends Foundation, which had similar initiatives as the NBRPA but were still under Stern and the NBA’s supervision.
After the founding core added Hall of Famers Dave DeBusschere and Dave Cowens, they emphasized that the desire for an independent organization was an “issue out of need” for all former players. The back-and-forth with Stern lasted three to four years, according to Bing, frequently experiencing roadblocks as the commissioner kept proposing “a different kind of idea” that would alter the founders’ vision for the organization.
“David (Stern) was a very insulated guy, and he knew what he wanted, and he wanted things his way,” Bing said. “I don’t think he was open minded enough to understand some of the issues that a lot of our players were going through.”
Finally in 1992, Stern and the NBA agreed to support the creation of the NBRPA. All five founders – Bing, Clark, Robertson, Cowens and DeBusschere – supplied $1,000 to Charlie Grantham, the then executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, who officially created the non-profit, 501c3 in New York. Celebrating over dinner and drinks, the founders agreed they were doing “the right thing for the right reason,” Bing said. “It took us a while to get here, but it was worthwhile.”
According to an NBA spokesperson in an email, “The NBA has been proud to support the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and their efforts to provide pension and health care benefits to their members for many years. The legends of our league have paved the way for the growth of basketball into the global game it is today. A legacy that we will continue to honor.”
The NBRPA has since developed a lasting partnership with the NBA and National Basketball Players Association, centered around supporting retired players in their second lives. The NBA’s investment in the organization comes through a licensing program and royalties, providing the NBRPA with eight figures annually, according to former President and CEO Scott Rochelle, who served until August 2024. This funding has allowed the NBRPA to create its own partnerships to financially support its non-profit organization and its members.
Major companies like Amazon, Google and Wintrust are invested in the organization. The NBRPA also partners with Endeavor Health for medical services, Temple and Purdue universities for education services, and Maker’s Mark, Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, and Pepsi for food and beverage services.
In hindsight, this is precisely what the founders envisioned: an opportunity for retired players, particularly those with short careers and limited earnings, to transition their athletic experience into successful second careers by using the variety of partnerships that the NBRPA provides.
“Oftentimes, (we) forget that the average lifespan of an NBA player is probably around four or five years,” Bing said. “The turnover is unbelievable. When you get accustomed to making money, and living a certain lifestyle, and that rug is pulled from under you, if you have not planned appropriately, then the transition hits you right in the face real quick.”
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is making a huge difference for former players off the court.
Many people know Derrick Coleman as the number one pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, the 1990-91 Rookie of the Year and a menace inside the paint, often recording double-doubles and dunking on defenders with rim shaking slams. But Dave Bing, the 1966-67 Rookie of the Year and NBA scoring champ during just his second season with the Detroit Pistons, knew Coleman well before most people did.
Coleman moved at age 13 from Mobile, Alabama to Detroit, the city that Bing called home and began a business in after he retired from basketball in 1978. As Coleman prepared to play for Northern Senior High School, he struggled finding shoes in his size. His high school coach knew Bing and reached out to see if he could help Coleman find shoes and clothes that fit him.
Offering more than just playing attire, Bing began mentoring Coleman, becoming someone that Coleman now refers to as a “father.” But when the future NBA star visited Bing’s office one day, his eyes lit up in shock at a photo framed on the wall.
“I see Dr. J, Bob Lanier and I see this picture of a skinny guy,” Coleman said. “It was Dave. He never even shared with me that he played basketball. When I got upstairs to his office, I said, ‘Why didn’t you ever tell me that you played basketball?' He said, ‘I didn’t feel that it was important.'”
NBA & Detroit Legends gather for a photo at the 2024 Black Excellence Dinner
Bing’s priority in life after basketball was his company, Bing Steel, and community involvement in Detroit. From that point forward, Coleman understood that there is more to life than the game of basketball.
“They keep trying to put us in a box and think that all we do is play basketball,” Coleman said. “No, we're so much more. Basketball is just a small part of our lives and what we do.”
Coleman began to refer to the sport as a “tool” to better his community and life. Bing, alongside other former NBA stars Archie Clark, Oscar Robertson, Dave Cowens and Dave DeBusschere, used that tool as an opportunity to support fellow retired basketball players.
“Through conversations and relationships, we were getting feedback that some of the guys really needed help,” Bing said. “They were struggling and here we are, five of us, who are doing OK with our lives, so we can't sit back and allow this to happen. We had to get engaged and involved to see what we can do to help.”
Together, the five founders created the National Basketball Retired Players Association, the NBRPA, which helps former professional basketball players thrive in life off the court. An idea that started in the late 1980s has since evolved into a growing organization that focuses on career assistance, health care and community outreach, giving its 1,971 members the opportunities to make the most of their second lives.
The NBRPA faced numerous challenges during its creation, including pushback from the NBA and former commissioner David Stern. Now, 32 years after the non-profit association was officially formed, its challenges are extensive, most notably with its active effort to better support retired women.
The five-part series, being released over the next five days, details the history of the NBRPA, its current initiatives in professional basketball, and its attempts to shape the sport’s future
Caleb Nixon is a graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism and currently works as a sports reporter for ABC27 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to his full-time role, Caleb pursues his passion for writing through freelance coverage of basketball and football.
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We look forward to another great NBA All-Star in Los Angeles in 2026!
NBRPA Members and Dependents Will Be Eligible For Tuition Scholarships & Exclusive Concierge Service
Chicago, ILL. July 24, 2024 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to provide NBRPA members and dependents admitted into any STHM undergraduate or graduate program a guaranteed reduced tuition scholarship. NBRPA members who are Temple University graduates will also receive an additional reduction on tuition. Additionally, the application fee will be waived for all NBRPA active and former player membership and NBRPA staff (including dependents).
Temple University and the School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management are proud educational rewards partners of the NBRPA and as an educational partner, all participants will receive exclusive concierge services, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Howe, who will serve as the concierge and the direct STHM liaison for this one-of-a-kind partnership.
As a part of the program, students can take an array of different electives (no concentration) or can choose to concentrate their elective coursework into a specific area by completing an area of concentration, including:
Undergraduate:
Sport and Entertainment Management
Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
Multidisciplinary Studies in Sport, Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (ideal for transfers and degree completion)
Graduate:
Masters of Science in Sport Business
Masters of Science in Sport Business and Executive Masters of Business Administration in Sports Management (dual degree program)
The graduate program will also extend to include all available full time/part time, online and evening education curriculums.
“We are proud to add Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management to our robust educational rewards program for our membership,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “Our mission is to provide our members with the best possible resources and Temple University’s rich history and outstanding academic standing will certainly provide greater opportunities for our membership and their dependents in their pursuit of higher education and in enriching their lives.”
"We are excited to partner with NBRPA to provide educational services tailored to its membership. Our partnership is significant as it streamlines the process for NBRPA members and dependents who want to maximize their educational opportunities through STHM. The expertise and resources within STHM and the membership of NBRPA create a perfect fit for individuals looking to gain or advance their skills to be leaders in the sport, tourism, hospitality, or event management industries."
For more information on STHM’s services for NBRPA members or to sign up for this program please visit: https://sthm.temple.edu/nbrpa/
For the first time, the annual reunion hosted by the National Basketball Retired Players Association aimed to educate former players on emerging cannabis business opportunities.
The NBA landscape is changing when it comes to the acceptance of cannabis and its use and the association of its players doing business in the industry. A 2023 decision by the league to allow players to use marijuana and for them to invest in companies that sell CBD or marijuana has been welcomed by current players and retired ones who said it was about time.
Retired NBA players were on hand July 10-12 in Las Vegas for the annual Legends Summer Getaway where the National Basketball Retired Players Association included former NBA player Derrick Coleman and cannabis consultant Mieko Perez talking about all things cannabis and business. Both took part on a wide-ranging panel on emerging business opportunities for their members.
"It’s groundbreaking,” said former NBA player and college basketball television analyst Stephen Bardo who moderated the panel that included cannabis for the first time. “There’s a stigma surrounding it, but there’s health benefits to it and business opportunities, and the more we can demystify the process, the better.”
Investing In Health and Business
Some of the big-name former NBA players in the space include Gary Payton, John Sally and Paul Pierce. Players have their own strands, groves and other business interests.
Scott Rochelle, president and CEO of the retired player’s group, said they included the subject matter because their members are not only involved in the medicinal need of cannabis, but the business side of it as well.“
As the business side of it grows and access to it grows, we want to make sure our players are aware of all of the things available and have the necessary steps and understanding in how to get involved and be successful in it,” Rochelle said. He also shared that there are several players who are growers and learning to grow as well as former athletes with aches and pains looking at non-narcotics for treatment. He cited former players Coleman, Alex English, Isaiah Thomas, and Al Harrington as having business interests in the industry, and that the new rules will have a massive impact on existing players.
Education Is Key
Both Rochelle and Coleman emphasize the importance of staying away from narcotics for pain treatment, and how cannabis can help with that.
"There are players who have been involved in this even before the rules started,” Rochelle said. “With pain and treatment, you have to open those non-narcotic pathways so we don’t fall into oxycontin and things of that world.”
He sees the business opportunities available in the cannabis industry as a natural fit for many athletes.
"I would hope more players get involved in the space businesswise, but there’s a lot of layers to it. The regulations are different in every state, and we have to educate them and make sure they understand.,” he said. “You have to have the capital, but you do need to know how to be involved. Two to three years ago, the buzz was really high. Players wanted to know how to grow and get involved. It’s an emerging market. They’re competitors. They want to be successful.”
Coleman said he’s focused on health and wellness in the cannabis space, which emanates from a cousin with sickle cell anemia to help ease pain. He added he’s investing in a grove in New Jersey and two dispensaries in Oklahoma.
"When I saw my cousin suffering from sickle cell I had to figure out how to help him,” Coleman said. “We’re trying to create rubs, drops and even gummies. That’s why I partnered with Mieko for a year about distribution, and with the NBA opening up, it’s important to be a part of this transition to cannabis.”
Coleman, who’s been investing in the industry for about five years, said players have been involved in cannabis even before the NBA said it was okay because they’re entrepreneurs looking to make money. “The worry is that a lot of players over the years haven’t done the research and end up getting burned,” he said. “I have seen that with a lot of my guys. It’s research. You have to study.”
Coleman applauded the decision to allow players to use cannabis because when he was playing, opiods for pain management were prevalent in the locker rooms. It’s easy for people to become addicted.
"It’s great that we can sit down and have this conversation,” Coleman said. “It’s been needed. Everybody is hurting. My knee is in pain now. Those oils and ointments that you can rub in and take the inflammation out of your joints are beautiful and a conversation long overdue.”
Opportunities Abound
Bardo said with the majority of retired players being African-American and with incarceration off the table that has created “a wonderful opportunity” and hopes more get involved. He talked about how former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and former NBA players have done well in the industry.“
There’s a lot that has been mentioned about getting into it, but it’s an arduous process,” Bardo said. “I would like to see more people get involved. Basketball players are funny animals. If we have somebody that has been through a similar process, it’s a lot easier for us to see a path. Hopefully, they take advantage of it because it’s a wide-open space.”
Perez, a legal secretary who went public in 2009 with her late son’s success with medical cannabis for treatment with autism, said she was excited to participate in the event. Products, however, shouldn’t be the beginning and ending for players to consider because there are so many other areas in the industry, she added.“
I want to help build a committee so these players, current or retired, have resources within our industry and can be on top of moving regulations,” Perez said. “Many players have entered the space, and some are successful and most of them aren’t. Most of the players don’t even know they don’t even need to touch the plant. What we want to do is build a hub for them and not have to depend on their friends but experts who show them avenues in the cannabis industry. We need investors for analytics labs, tech and educational guidance in certain states. Right now, as the cannabis industry continues to grow, so do the opportunities.”
Perez called the cannabis industry a “who you know and who you grow” space with a lot of challenges and credited Tyson with branding his product and getting the right team in place.
“It wasn’t his buddies or a friend of a friend,” Perez said. “He said he wanted to be in the space but was smart about entering it. When you leave the NBA, you need a mentor. I would like an athlete to enter this space that knows their worth."
Fourth Annual Legend Scholars Cohort; Five HBCU Students Awarded $10,000 Scholarships
Chicago, ILL. July 3 2024 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) furthers its pledge to Historically Black Colleges & Universities, announcing the 2024-2025 recipients of the Legends HBCU Scholarship, awarding the fourth class of Legends Scholars.
The five 2024-2025 Legends Scholars, Class of 2024:
Taylor Goree | Paul Quinn College, Class of 2026
Zoe Johnson | Jackson State University, Class of 2025
Tori Wallace | North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 2026
Nyic’Quavayion Willis | Grambling State University, Class of 2026
Jasmine Windham | Morgan State University, Class of 2026
Strong HBCU connections, from NBRPA leadership to membership, fortify this initiative. NBRPA Chairman Choo Smith played starting point guard at Bowie State University, and NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle is a Morehouse graduate. “These five exceptional students were selected from hundreds of applicants due to their commitment to leadership, academic excellence and their positive impact in the world,” said Scott Rochelle. “We are excited to introduce these young leaders and welcome them into our Legends family, where we will support them during their collegiate career and beyond.”
The five Legends Scholars will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship from the NBRPA for the 2024-2025 school year. Beyond financial support, the Legends Scholars program assists recipients’ career preparation and development, job placement and mentorship both during and after their undergraduate years.
The Legends HBCU Scholarship Program was created in 2020 under the NBRPA’s Legends Care initiative to honor the rich history of HBCUs while advancing the legacy through support for current HBCU undergraduates. This annual initiative also draws attention to the NBRPA Earl Lloyd Scholarship, benefiting former NBA players and sponsored by the NBA Legacy Fund. The Earl Lloyd Scholarship recognizes Lloyd’s ambition as the first HBCU men’s basketball player to be drafted and play in the NBA.
To learn more about the Legends HBCU Scholarship and Legends Scholars program, visit legendsofbasketball.com/HBCU.
