NBRPA Introduces Legends Mixtapes: A New Content Series
On Monday, September 18, the NBRPA debuted a new content series across @NBAalumni social media channels, remixing some of the best moves in NBA history as part of count down to the start of the upcoming 2023-2024 NBA season.
Legends Mixtapes, also known as "Mixtape Mondays," reimagine old-school NBA highlights set to music from the modern era, starting with a contemporary showcase of 6x NBA Champion Bob Cousy accompanied by M.O.P.'s "Ante Up." The Houdini of the Hardwood himself loved seeing the new interpretation of his ball-handling talent and said: "What a treat!"
In just the first 24 hours after its release, the inaugural mixtape produced over half a million views, plus thousands of engagements, and counting.
Watch the first two installments of the Legends Mixtape series below and follow @NBAalumi on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Threads to be the first to see the latest Legends Mixtape every Monday.
#LegendsMixtapes
Von Nieda entered the league with the NBL Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1947 and played until 1950.
Stan “Whitey” Von Nieda died Thursday at age 101 in Elizabethtown, Pa.
Not only was Von Nieda the oldest living former NBA player, he also was the only one ever to reach 100. He received a certificate verifying that on June 19, 2022, the date he reached age 100, from the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
Von Nieda, a 6-foot-1 swingman, broke in with the NBL Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1947 and was a member of the NBL’s All-Rookie team.
After his second pro season, Von Nieda logged his one “official” NBA season — the NBL and BAA merged in August 1949 — with Tri-Cities and Baltimore. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.4 assists per game in 59 games before an eye injury in January 1950 ended his basketball career.
“I could play either (guard or forward),” Von Nieda was quoted in Lancaster (Pa.) Online’s obituary. “Sometimes I’d take my man down inside and hook it over him.”
On Oct. 29, 1949, Von Nieda scored 14 points in the inaugural post-merger NBA game pitting Tri-Cities vs. Denver.
Von Nieda’s coach with Tri-Cities? Red Auerbach. The Tri-Cities franchise has operated uninterrupted, relocating to become the Milwaukee, St. Louis and eventually Atlanta Hawks. Interestingly, Von Nieda’s nickname was shared by his uncle, Harry Von Nieda.
Why had the native of Ephrata, Pa., been a 25-year-old rookie? After his freshman year at Penn State, Von Nieda enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper during and after World War II. He parachuted behind German lines during the Battle of the Bulge.
Back home after his NBL/NBA stint, Von Nieda coached three seasons at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County. He later had a career in advertising sales and worked as a bartender.
He and his first wife, the late Dorothy, raised six children. Von Nieda reportedly continued to play basketball, semi-pro and recreationally, into his 60s.
Von Nieda’s widow, Arlene, told Lancaster Online on Thursday many social occasions in which people would ask, “Is that Whitey Von Nieda? I saw him play years ago … he was great.”
There are few events that can compare with The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, and this year’s celebration showed exactly why. For two days – spread out between the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut and the birthplace of basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts – basketball’s immortals walked among us. They laughed, cried, shared stories from their playing and coaching days, signed autographs and showed the world why they are Hall of Famers.
Beginning on Friday night at the luxurious Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, Legends from the NBA, WNBA, ABA and every other professional basketball entity you can imagine arrived en masse in time to attend the Hall of Fame’s first public event - an exclusive autograph session with the Class of 2023. Where else in the world can one room hold Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, Becky Hammon, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, and the members of the 1976 Team USA Women’s Basketball team just to name a few? Fans from around the globe gathered and waited their turn to celebrate their heroes and take home a little piece of memorabilia that would give them a lifetime of memories. Following the autograph sessions, participants readied themselves for the official introductory press conference where global media waited to interview and speak with each of the members of the 2023 HOF Class.
That same evening, the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala was held in the Mohegan Sun Convention Center and the honored guests were awarded the Class of 2023 rings, presented by Baron Championship Rings, the Class of 2023 Hall of Fame jackets, and highlighted by the presentation of the Hall’s annual John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, the Mannie Jackson: Basketball’s Human Spirit Awards, and the Curt Gowdy Media Awards. If that wasn’t enough for the first day, the celebration continued long into the night with the annual National Basketball Retired Players Association’s “Players Party” at the ultra-chic Vista Lounge located in the center of the Mohegan Sun Casino. At the “Players Party,” Hall of Famers Nancy Lieberman, Spencer Haywood, Artis Gilmore rubbed elbows with Legends like Avery Johnson, business partners from Panini – who served as the event’s host and ESPN’s brightest talent in Malika Andrews, Andraya Carter who were there to celebrate their esteemed colleague, Marc Spears, being named recipient of the HOF’s Curt Gowdy Media Award.
Saturday morning, members, fans, business partners, dignitaries and the honorees took the short ride through Connecticut’s and Western Massachusetts’ idyllic countryside and green hills en route to the city of Springfield to prepare for a magnificent reception at the Marriott Springfield Downtown and the weekend’s main event – The 2023 Enshrinement Ceremony at the famed Symphony Hall. The red carpet stretched for blocks, as only a space of this size could accommodate the legendary talent that was set to walk on it prior to the night’s celebration. Pau Gasol, flanked by his family and close friends greeted everyone he could and took in the entire spectacle and explained how the international presence at this event echoed what a global game basketball has become. Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade smiled as broadly as when they won NBA Championships. Becky Hammon beamed with pride as she led her children down the path that led to the stairs at Symphony Hall and Tony Parker seemed to be carrying an entire French nation on his shoulders.
But this evening wasn’t just about the newest members about to be enshrined, it belonged to ALL Hall of Fame members. One-by-one members from classes dating back decades strutted the red carpet – blowing kisses, shaking hands, and stopping to speak with the enormous media contingent on hand to document this night. Alex English, Spencer Haywood and Chris Bosh proudly showed off their HOF orange jackets. The inimitable Calvin Murphy, as nattily dressed as ever, explained the joy he feels to have a gathering of this kind with every generation of basketball talent– past and present, and Allen Iverson discussed the immense honor for him to be able to induct his friend and protégé Dwyane Wade.
As the ceremony tipped off, one-by-one the honored gave their speeches, told their stories, and thanked the people that supported them along this journey. There was, however, one sense of commonality in all of the speeches - a sense of appreciation. Appreciation at being able to play this game. Appreciation at the hard work and humility it took to get to this level. Appreciation of the recognition about to be bestowed upon them and most of all an appreciation and respect for the game itself.
The night’s last honoree, Dwyane Wade, may have summed it up best when he called his father up to join him on stage. “We in the Hall of Fame, dawg”, he said. Yes, Dwyane, we are, and we can’t wait to do it all over again with next year’s class.
Baltimore native and HBCU product is now chairman of the National Basketball Retired Players Association
It’s an early morning breakfast in a ballroom at the The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and the group gathered — including Dave Bing, Shawn Marion, Detlef Schrempf, Renee Montgomery and Ticha Penicheiro — would be impressive to any basketball aficionado.
Early in the program, the leader of the National Basketball Retired Players Association steps up to the podium to address the group, and he’s neither a former big-time basketball star nor a former NBA player.
The name he goes by: Choo.
Wait … Choo who?
Meet Charles “Choo” Smith, a former guard with the Harlem Globetrotters and chairman of the NBRPA. Smith, an active member of the NBRPA and a member of the group’s Governor’s Committee since 2016, is the first Globetrotter to serve as chairman for the organization of retired players. He assumed the role from Johnny Davis, a former NBA veteran and coach.
Smith was named chairman of the NBRPA at the Legends brunch during February’s NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.
“When someone mentioned I’d be the next chair after Johnny resigned, I laughed,” Smith said. “I wasn’t in the NBA, so I just thought no one would ever approve of it.”
But there was one quality about Smith that made him the right person for the position.
“His passion,” said Scott Rochelle, president and CEO of the NBRPA. “Choo sees every perspective and understands everyone’s empathy. And when that passion comes out there are times where you have to take a step back and say, ‘is he upset, or is he really into this?’
“Most times he’s really into it. He just wants you to feel it.”
While he’s made a career connected with basketball, Smith is a fervent fan of his hometown Baltimore Orioles and his favorite player, Eddie Murray. One of his first acts of passion was connected to baseball. Smith’s love of the sport was so intense that he decided at an early age to carve out a baseball diamond in the Forest Park section of Baltimore where he lived.
“I measured the field, I put up the bases and I built it as a place where people could get together,” Smith said. “I wanted the kids in the neighborhood to have a place where they could play baseball and have fun.”
Baseball was the sport Smith thought he’d make a career of entering Baltimore City College high school. But the shift to basketball, which was just his hobby during his first two years of high school, came about when his skills were questioned during a summer league game.
“I was playing in a game with Devin Boyd [Towson University’s career scoring leader] and Andre Boyd [Robert Morris University Hall of Famer] and one of the guys in the game said, ‘Choo, you a scrub,’ ” Smith recalled. “Those guys playing were legends and basketball was my sport, but I ain’t nobody’s scrub. That’s when I started to take it seriously.”
Smith said he excelled in winning a church league championship later that year while competing against a collection of local legends. While his baseball coach encouraged him to skip basketball as a junior, Smith played on the City College team as a senior with his play attracting the attention of a few Division II and Division III programs.
After playing at Bowie State as a freshman, Smith transferred to the University of the District of Columbia. Smith made an impact in those three seasons in Washington, finishing his career as the school’s all-time leader in steals and assists.
As Smith was attempting to keep his basketball career going by playing in a few semipro leagues, he landed on the radar of a talent scout whose job was to find potential players for the Globetrotters and their opponent that travels with them, the Washington Generals.
“He told me that if I could come in and ball as a General that I one day could be a Globetrotter,” Smith said. “I blew them away because I was creating excitement in the games, and that’s how I became a Trotter.”
A requirement to join the team was learning the history of the iconic franchise. He discovered that Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton left the Globetrotters to become one of the NBA’s first Black players, and that Connie Hawkins and Wilt Chamberlain played with the team before launching their NBA careers.
“A lot of history that I just didn’t know,” Smith said. “It was important for me to understand in becoming an ambassador.”
The importance of that role, to Smith, was realized after an encounter with a young boy. Smith can’t remember the city, but he does recall it was a game in 2001 and the boy was hanging out with the team before and during the game and seemed magnetically attached to him.
As members of the team were taking photos with fans during halftime, Smith was shocked when the boy sat in his lap and wrapped his arms around him.
“His mother told me that he had stage four cancer, and he didn’t have much time,” Smith said, becoming emotional. “Here I thought at first this boy was being too clingy, and what he was going through put it all in perspective.
“You never know what people are going through. That’s the moment I fully understood my purpose in life.”
Charles “Choo” Smith speaks at his Youth Empowerment Basketball Clinic in Baltimore.
It’s a gorgeous Monday night in Baltimore, and driving through Catonsville it’s clear many of the local kids are kicking it with friends and enjoying the comfortable weather outside.
But inside Goals Baltimore, a sports complex just off the Baltimore Beltway, about 20 teens are focused on the sound of Smith’s voice.
“Stop, stop,” Smith barks, while putting the kids through a modified suicide drill. “Make sure you touch all the lines, make sure you do this right.”
Watching Smith, it’s clear that this is his purpose: helping develop the skill set — both mentally and physically — of the kids in his hometown.
It’s been in him his entire life, from the time he built that baseball field for his friends to play.
“I’ve had opportunities with coaching, chances to go into partnerships with businessmen who like the way I relate to people,” Smith said. “I’ve traveled to countries around the world and to all 50 states, but everything I’ve done in life has led me back to Baltimore.”
Smith’s accomplishments as a trainer and in running his Team Choo AAU program are evident by a quick glance at his social media platforms, where he often boasts about the destinations of his athletes. His kids have received college offers from schools ranging from Penn State University to Mount St. Mary’s to Vassar College, with many of the parents expressing their appreciation of his efforts.
A rising star currently under Smith’s tutelage: Autumn Fleary. She’s the only girl training under Smith at Goals on this Monday, but of the 20 kids she’s the most accomplished.
In April, Fleary was named the Baltimore Sun All-Metro girls basketball Player of the Year following her freshman season, and enters her sophomore year of high school with scholarship offers from major schools including Syracuse, Texas Christian and Virginia.
She’s trained with Smith since the third grade.
“There’s a lot I learn from him, especially ballhandling techniques,” Fleary said. “But the most important thing he’s told me is to remain humble and take nothing for granted. Coming from Baltimore the opportunities are rare, so he always tells me to bring it and work hard every time I step on the court.”
Besides training players and his AAU program, Smith always runs a camp each summer at Coppin State University. That camp is still in the recovery phase after being shut down for a year by the coronavirus pandemic, but on a recent Friday more than 40 kids were on Coppin’s main floor for a slate of games.
“Coppin knew what we were doing with our camp, and when they opened the new gym they asked us to bring it here,” Smith said. “The kids love coming here because it’s a great environment.”
Smith has bigger visions for youth development in his hometown. He’s worked out an agreement with the city of Baltimore to acquire a nearly 20-acre site where he boldly envisions athletic and educational centers as well as retail and housing in a place dubbed Arise. Details of the deal are still being worked out.
“I have an opportunity to provide something special, and I want to capitalize on that opportunity,” Smith said. “With the city embracing me on this project, we can really create some change.”
Joining the Globetrotters gave Smith an opportunity to meet some basketball legends and one of those greats, Curly Neal, pulled him aside after he joined the team and offered some advice.
“ ‘It’s your time,’ ” Smith recalled Neal telling him. “ ‘You love the work. Take this brand and continue to build it.’ ”
That advice could easily apply to his current role with the NRBPA, where Smith as chairman is helping continue to grow a long established brand.
“I got involved with the [NRBPA] years ago, and I remember someone saying that we need to get younger and we need to have programs that’s going to really help in the second phase of their life after basketball,” Smith said. “That was really intriguing to me.”
That led him to his current place within the organization as chairman, addressing a group of athletes at the recent breakfast in Las Vegas.
Some of them were legends who thought enough of Smith to be confident in his ability to lead.
“We’ve got a lot of work done, and there’s a lot of work to do,” Smith said. “I think I’ve proven to them I can handle it.”
Jerry Bembry is a senior writer at Andscape. His bucket list items include being serenaded by Lizz Wright and watching the Knicks play a MEANINGFUL NBA game in June.
LEGENDS LED LOCAL YOUTH FROM DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT OUTREACH GROUP IN BASKETBALL ACTIVITIES AND LIFE SKILLS CURRICULUM
CHICAGO, ILL -. June 29, 2023 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and its Dallas Chapter teamed up to bring basketball fun and life skills lessons to youth from the Dallas Police Department Outreach Group on Saturday, June 24th at LG Pinkston High School – which produced Dink Pate - the youngest American born, professional basketball player, and who is currently signed to play with the NBA’s G-League Ignite. Led by NBRPA Chapter President Willie Davis, NBA Legends Morlon Wiley, and Jimmy King, local youth participated in a wide array of basketball instruction including proper passing and shooting techniques, defensive drills and the value of teamwork. Additionally, the youth were treated to in-depth conversations with the NBRPA Legends on the importance of respect, mentorship, and leadership.
During the event, participants were treated to special gifts from longtime NBRPA partners including:
Jr. NBA/NBRPA T-Shirt,
Mitchell & Ness Hats,
Panini NBA Trading Cards.
Full Court Press is designed to support the development of participating youth both on and off the court through basketball instruction, mentorship, and an innovative life skills curriculum. Several Legends of Basketball, both men and women with NBA, WNBA, ABA and/or Harlem Globetrotters backgrounds, serve as basketball coaches and mentors for the 150-200 youth at each clinic while NBRPA community partners offer additional life skills programming.
Since 2013, the NBRPA has held over 100 Full Court Press: Prep for Success clinics impacting more than 7,500 underserved youth both locally and globally. With your support, Full Court Press and the NBRPA can increase their impact by donating here.
To view images of Full Court Press Program in Dallas please visit NBA Alumni on Flickr.
(PHOTO CREDIT: NBRPA)
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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Clarence “Chucky” Brown and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
LEGENDS LED CLEVELAND RECREATION CENTERS YOUTH IN BASKETBALL ACTIVITIES AND LIFE SKILLS CURRICULUM
CHICAGO, ILL. June 29, 2023 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and its Cleveland Chapter teamed up to bring basketball fun and life skills lessons to youth from the Cleveland Recreation Centers on Saturday, June 24th at Case Western University (Veale Recreational Facility). Led by Cleveland Chapter President & NBA Legend Jim Chones, NBA Legend Lawrence Boston, Jr., NBA Drill Clinician Frank Lopez, WNBA Legends Janice Braxton, and Bonnie Dove and Harlem Globetrotter Legends Greg Bell and Derrick Polk, local youth participated in a wide array of basketball instruction including proper passing and shooting techniques, defensive drills and the value of teamwork. Additionally, the youth were treated to in-depth conversations with NBRPA Legends on the importance of respect, mentorship and leadership.
During the event, participants were treated to special gifts from longtime NBRPA partners including:
Jr. NBA/NBRPA T-Shirt,
Mitchell & Ness Hats,
Panini NBA Trading Cards.
Full Court Press is designed to support the development of participating youth both on and off the court through basketball instruction, mentorship and an innovative life skills curriculum. Several Legends of Basketball, both men and women with NBA, WNBA, ABA and/or Harlem Globetrotters backgrounds, serve as basketball coaches and mentors for the 150-200 youth at each clinic while NBRPA community partners offer additional life skills programming.
Since 2013, the NBRPA has held over 100 Full Court Press: Prep for Success clinics impacting more than 7,500 underserved youth both locally and globally. With your support, Full Court Press and the NBRPA can increase their impact by donating here.
To view images of Full Court Press Program in Cleveland please visit NBA Alumni on Flickr.
(PHOTO CREDIT – NBRPA)
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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Clarence “Chucky” Brown and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
NBA, WNBA, ABA & Harlem Globetrotter Legends Media Availability
Sunday, July 9, 2023 - 11am – 5 pm PT
Cosmopolitan Hotel, Las Vegas
****MEDIA ADVISORY****
WHO: National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) - NBA, WNBA, ABA & Harlem Globetrotter Legends media availability. Expected participants include:
Dave Bing – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA Legends and NBRPA Founder
Archie Clark – NBA Legend, NBRPA Founder
Scott Rochelle – NBRPA President & CEO
Charles “Choo” Smith - NBRPA Chairman, Harlem Globetrotter Legend
Spencer Haywood – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA Legend
Donyell Marshall – NBA Legend
Charlie Ward – NBA Legend
Antoine Carr – NBA Legend
Jerry Stackhouse – NBA Legend, Head Coach Vanderbilt University
Sam Perkins – NBA Legend, NBRPA Director
Renee Montgomery – WNBA Legend
Ticha Penicheiro – WNBA Legend
Evan Turner – NBA Legend
AC Green – NBA Legend.
Scott Williams – NBA Legend
And more…
WHAT: NBRPA Legends to participate in general media availability at NBRPA Legends Summer Getaway Media Day
WHERE: Cosmopolitan Hotel
Yaletown 1 Ballroom
3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
WHEN:Sunday, July 9, 2023 - 11am – 5 pm PT
*Please note:
Exact times of Legends’ media availability will be communicated once RSVP’s are received.
Legends appearing are subject to change.
***GREAT PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY***
***Media Interested In Covering and Securing Interviews Must RSVP***
First-Ever Event to Focus on Women’s Health And IncludeBreast Cancer Examinations for WNBA Legends
CHICAGO, Illinois, (March 13, 2023) - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), today announced that, for the first time ever, their Health Screening Program will be conducted during the NCAA Women’s Final Four event in Dallas, Texas. In addition to the customary, wide-ranging screening procedures, the NBRPA’s program will also launch innovative breast cancer examinations utilizing the latest technology from Bexa for WNBA Legends taking part in the program. Breast exams that include Bexa provide a highly convenient early detection option for all women including younger women who want the opportunity to protect themselves. By providing expanded choices, the NBRPA is committed to ensure that all members have an opportunity to choose an early detection option that’s right for them.
The critically acclaimed program, under the supervision of the NBRPA Chief Medical Director Joe Rogowski, will focus on women’s health, deliver thorough, cost-effective, healthcare to its membership and address many of the medical issues experienced by the NBRPA population, while also educating them on proactive measures that promote a healthy lifestyle.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to grow our Health Screening Program and to be able to increase our focus on health issues affecting women.” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “With the world of women’s basketball front and center in Dallas, this presents an incredible occasion to bring this impactful program to where so many of our members will be.”
Launched in conjunction with the NBPA in 2016, to deliver valuable, preventive long-term healthcare check-ups to former professional players across the U.S., the Health Screening Program has impacted hundreds of former players by providing preventative testing, including blood work, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and cardiology consultations.
The NBRPA announced in 2022 that they would begin overseeing the program and brought along Joe Rogowski to head the operation. Rogowski, who served as the NBPA’s Chief Medical Officer for the past decade, was named the NBRPA’s Chief Medical Director in November 2022.
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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
The National Basketball Retired Players Association’s (NBRPA) history is filled with inspirational stories from our Legends. Whether its stories of surviving humble beginnings and reaching the highest pinnacles the sport of basketball has to offer, or a member going the extra mile to aid their communities or mentoring the youth of the world – there is no shortage of stories that transcend the sport and show the resolve and fortitude our members display in trying to make the world a better place.
One such member is Dean Tolson. Dean was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 5th round (8th pick, 80th overall) of the 1974 NBA draft, and was also selected in the 7th round of the 1974 American Basketball Association Draft (ABA) by the New York Nets. He was the first player to be drafted by both leagues simultaneously. While only playing three seasons for the SuperSonics, and appearing in 80 games over his career, he did manage to play eleven years internationally. A versatile and dynamic scorer in his collegiate (Univ. of Arkansas) career, Dean’s legacy is not his accomplishments on the court, but rather what he’s done to overcome a severe detriment that plagues many worldwide. Dean was illiterate for most of his life and through sheer force and determination he returned to school and now holds a B.S.Ed. (BS of Secondary Ed) and M.Ed. (Masters of Ed) from the University of Arkansas, and is a member of the National Honors Society.
We recently caught up with Dean for a chat, where he recounted his personal journey and struggles with illiteracy, detailed his overcoming great odds to become a professional basketball player and shared his mission to be an advocate for the importance of education.
Q: Very early in life you were able to meet one of the greatest players of all time in Wilt Chamberlain. How did that come about?
Dean Tolson: “My aunt dated Wilt when he was at Kansas University, and on the weekends, she would sometimes bring Wilt by her house and occasionally our house. So, when Wilt came through the door, me - as young boy, I was like ‘Oh my god.’ I was very young when I met him – around 5 yrs old, so I didn’t understand the whole scope of it, but when I was 8 – I started to realize the significance and that’s when I realized I wanted to play in the NBA. I remember watching Chamberlain and Bill Russell battle.”
Q: So, you mention the late, great Bill Russell. Later on, in life as you are coming out of the University of Arkansas – it’s actually Bill Russell that drafted you to the Seattle Supersonics.
Dean Tolson: “Correct.” He not only drafted me but he coached me.”
Q: I’d like to discuss your early life. Your family had some difficulties in raising you when you were a young boy and your were placed in an orphanage. Could you tell us about that?
Dean Tolson: “Oh man, you can’t even imagine. It was 300 kids in a Missouri state sponsored orphanage home, and they were all as bad as hell.”
Q: Part of the difficulty at this orphanage home is that you are not getting the educational support a child needs at this time in their life. Are you going to school at this juncture? Are you attending classes?
Dean Tolson: “I was going to the school but skipping classes and all that. It was all very negligent on the part of the educational system. Because I was of such big stature and had some size, the schools let me get away with this stuff. This is not a new phenomenon – there are three notable athletes that this has happened to – me, former NFL player Dexter Manley and tennis great Arthur Ashe. What I’m thinking throughout the entire process of me going to school, and not receiving an education is that no one cares. To me it seemed that since I could play ball, that was the only thing anyone was interested in and not necessarily my education or growth as a person. You show up to practice, show up to the games, you win the game and everybody loves you, but no one cares what happens after that.”
Q: Now while at the University of Arkansas, you also get drafted by the U.S. Army Reserve. How did you manage that?
Dean Tolson: “I’ll tell you – I went AWOL three times while I was in the Army Reserve. Actually, I finished my Reserve training, and the Army told me that I was actually too tall to serve and received an honorable discharge and a 100% pay scale.”
Q: So, after you play a game or go to practice, when you go back into everyday life, what kind of struggle is there for you in dealing with this issue of not being able to read or write?
Dean Tolson: “I could not articulate anything at all. I would go through life and fake it. I would act like I knew what you were saying or what was being read – when in actuality I did not.”
Q: At what point does the lightbulb come on for you and your realize you need to fix this situation with your reading and writing?
Dean Tolson: “My mother urged me to go back to school and with the help of Arkansas’ Frank Broyles. The hardest part for me was disciplining myself to buckle down and get the school work done. I wanted to show the world that anyone can do this.
Q: When you finally complete your education and achieve a Master’s Degree, what goes through your head?
Dean Tolson: that I competed the greatest comeback in sports, and educational history. I want to show these kids out here that they can graduate high school and college.”
Q: If you had to dole out advice to aspiring student-athletes what would that lasting legacy piece of advice be?
Dean Tolson: “You have to develop two sides of your personality to succeed. You have to understand that you are a student-athlete – I was an athlete – no student. If you really want to pursue this dream and you really love the game, you have to do both because you can’t have one without the other.”
Dean Tolson has a book coming out in the Fall of 2023 titled “Power Forward: My Journey from Illiterate NBA Player to a Magna Cum Laude Master's Degree.” For more information on Dean’s book please visit - https://a.co/d/aLrBYPi and for information on Dean please visit - https://www.deantolson.com/about-dean-tolson/
$10,000 Scholarships Available to Eligible Undergraduates Attending HBCUs
Chicago, ILL. February 14, 2023 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the opening of the 2023-2024 Legends HBCU Scholarship – a scholarship fund and scholars program for undergraduate students attending HBCUs across the country. The Legends HBCU Scholarship is the latest program from the NBRPA’s Legends Care initiative and will become an integral component of the NBRPA’s mission and scope of influence for years to come. Legends Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and desire to make a positive and purposeful impact in the world.
“We are thrilled to present our third annual Legends HBCU Scholarship program and continue our tradition of providing support for HBCU institutions and amplifying the crucial role they play in our communities,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “We are proud and honored to help make sure these extraordinary college students have access to the necessary, substantial and multifaceted resources offered through our Legends Scholars program that will serve them throughout their collegiate careers and beyond.”
In addition to addressing the financial needs of Legends Scholars, a comprehensive scholars program will assist Legends Scholars in the areas of career preparation and development, job placement and mentoring both during and after their undergraduate years. Specifically, through the Legends Scholars program, Legends Scholars will receive:
Membership to the NBRPA's Legends Scholars job board
Access to internship/employment opportunities within the sports industry and/or with companies that are owned and operated by NBRPA Legends.
During their scholarship year, Legends Scholars will receive complimentary access, travel and lodging to the NBA All-Star Weekend.
During their senior year, Legends Scholars will take part in a complimentary career development session.
Upon graduating from an HBCU, Legends Scholars will enter the Legends Scholars Mentoring Program.
The 2023 Legends HBCU Scholarship application opened on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at legendsofbasketball.com/HBCU. Current undergraduates attending HBCUs will have the opportunity to apply until 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
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 Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
-Cîroc and DeLeón to Serve as Exclusive Liquor Partners for NBRPA’s Players Party-
CHICAGO, Illinois (February 6, 2023) — The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced a partnership with leading Black-owned multimedia platform REVOLT, that will feature REVOLT as the presenting partner of the NBRPA’s annual “Players Party,” on NBA All-Star Saturday Night, during NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. The NBRPA and REVOLT will hold their exclusive - by invite only party on Saturday, February 18 at Flanker Kitchen & Sporting Club.
As part of this collaboration, Cîroc and DeLeón Tequila will serve as the exclusive liquor partners for the “Players Party,” featuring appearances from various NBA/WNBA/ABA Legends and celebrities taking part in All-Star festivities.
“We are excited to welcome Diddy and Revolt as the presenting partner for our ‘Players Party,’ series,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “Salt Lake City will be the epicenter of the basketball universe during NBA All-Star Weekend, and to have a first-class brand like Revolt alongside some of the most legendary names in basketball history is perfect match for the NBRPA and its membership. We look forward to enjoying the atmosphere, entertainment, and the gathering of iconic names from across the sports and entertainment worlds that this event promises to deliver.”
“Basketball is a global phenomenon, and we are thrilled to be a part of this experience that celebrates legends who so many of us have loved and cheered on for years,” said Alaina Long, VP of Global Marketing at CE Spirits. “We look forward to gathering in Utah and believe Cîroc and DeLeón Tequila will be a great addition to this year’s Player’s Party.”
“As the number one brand for the culture, REVOLT recognizes the impact Black culture has had on basketball,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “We are proud to partner with the NBRPA to celebrate with players who have had a massive impact across the globe, both on the courts and in the culture.”
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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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
ABOUT REVOLT TV: REVOLT is the leading Black-owned and operated multimedia platform servicing content 24/7 across digital, linear, and live media channels. The platform produces rich content and original material with the biggest names in Hip Hop, along with reports of breaking news, current events, trends and announcements within the Black cultural movement and Hip-Hop world. REVOLT takes pride in its diversity, both in its mindset and its company makeup, further instilling its dedication to culture within its staff and audiences. Founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2013, REVOLT attracts over 50 million millennials and Gen Z audiences through their disruptive, authentic material across all platforms. In 2021, REVOLT will launch a brand new digital mobile app where users can view extended releases, live updates from relevant news, exclusive specials and much more.
ABOUT COMBS SPIRITS:
Combs Spirits (CS) is a privately owned, premium spirits company created by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2013. The company co-owns DeLeón Tequila and is responsible for all strategic marketing for CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, both in partnership with Diageo. CS is focused on delivering high impact growth driven product development strategies that promote a healthy business structure while highlighting social responsibility - and has become known for its bold business moves, energetic marketing and history-making success.
(LOS ANGELES, CA, December 13, 2022) — ClutchPoints and the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced a first-of-its-kind media partnership to preserve the stories of basketball’s most notable pioneers across the NBA, ABA, and WNBA.
ClutchPoints will expand the NBRPA’s “Legends Media & Entertainment” storytelling efforts by creating new intellectual property for its editorial and social media platforms. Utilizing a mix of fresh and licensed content from the NBRPA, ClutchPoints will produce new franchises including interviews, documentaries, game shows and more. The weekly content will be housed under a designated hub on the ClutchPoints website and monetized to strengthen the association’s reach to new audiences.
“We wanted to innovate how retired players are covered by giving them the same platforms as today’s stars,” said Nish Patel, founder and CEO of ClutchPoints. “These legends have changed the culture of basketball, and we look forward to refreshing those stories for longtime fans and introducing them to newer ones.”
“With the growth of Legends Media & Entertainment over the last several years, this partnership with ClutchPoints is a perfect opportunity to expand our content and have it exist on a larger platform,” said Scott Rochelle, CEO and President of NBRPA. “Our exclusive content, as always, will continue to bring to life these amazing stories from our Legends and now to an even larger audience. We look forward to collaborating with ClutchPoints to continue bringing compelling, impactful, and timely content as well as co-creating unique opportunities from our events.”
The partnership is ClutchPoints’ latest initiative to support its commitment to amplifying diverse voices in sports. For more information and to receive the latest updates on the NBRPA’s members, visit ClutchPoints.com.
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ABOUT CLUTCHPOINTS:
ClutchPoints was founded to create a culture of community and accessibility in sports media and has revolutionized how sports is covered and consumed with its “by fans, for fans” approach. Its origin as a Facebook social media outlet for basketball fandom has since expanded to feature expert reporting, graphic design and original IP across a variety of sports leagues via ClutchPoints.com, all social media channels (@ClutchPoints) and the ClutchPoints app. Since its inception, ClutchPoints has aimed to close the gap between traditional news and social commentary while maintaining journalistic integrity.
ClutchPoints is a Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council recognized Minority Business Enterprise.
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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
-College Basketball Quadruple-Header to Be Featured as Part of CBS Sports Network College Basketball Coverage-
CHICAGO, ILL. (December 5, 2022) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today, Victorinox as the title sponsor of the Legends of Basketball Showcase presented by Victorinox, a college basketball quadruple header set for Dec. 17 at the United Center in Chicago. The four-game set will feature Northern Iowa facing Towson and Tulane taking on George Mason in the afternoon session, while Dayton will match up against Wyoming and NC State battles Vanderbilt in the evening session. Both evening session games will air on CBS Sports Network beginning at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT.
Victorinox’s entitlement of the Legends of Basketball Showcase presented by Victorinox is part of the brand’s agreement with Intersport, a Chicago-based sports marketing, and media agency, that will span the promoter’s various owned and operated college basketball events during the remainder of 2022, including The Victorinox Tampa Tip-Off that will be held December 14 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
“We are delighted to have a brand of Victorinox’s magnitude as the title sponsor of our inaugural Legends of Basketball Showcase presented by Victorinox,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “The combination of a world-renowned brand, top notch collegiate basketball programs, a premium broadcaster in CBS Sports Network and our legendary alumni membership, promises to deliver a historic event that will be an integral part of the college basketball calendar for years to come.”
“To welcome a legendary brand such as Victorinox into Intersport’s portfolio of college basketball events is significant,” said Mark Starsiak, vice president at Intersport. “Premium brands continue to view our events as important opportunities to engage with consumers.”
In recent weeks, Victorinox has activated at each of Intersport’s early-season college basketball events, including the Aurora Health Care Brew City Battle in Milwaukee, Wis., the CITI Shamrock Classic, the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off and Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off.
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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
Since 1985, Intersport has been an award-winning innovator and leader in the creation of sports, lifestyle, culinary and entertainment-based marketing platforms. With expertise in Sponsorship Consulting, Experiential Marketing, Hospitality, Retail Engagement, Content Marketing, Productions and Property Creation, this Chicago-based Marketing & Media Solutions Company helps its clients engage consumers with compelling ideas, content and experiences.
-College Basketball Preseason Showdown presented by NBRPA and benefiting the McLendon Foundation will continue the experience in 2023-
CHICAGO, IL (Nov. 22, 2022) – Following a successful inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic that featured Gonzaga and Tennessee, both of which ranked as preseason top-15 programs, Intersport, the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), the McLendon Foundation and iNDEMAND jointly announced plans to extend the partnership through 2023. Intersport will continue to lead the event operation and has begun the team recruitment and venue selection process for next season as well as reviewing opportunities for expansion of the concept.
The inaugural charity exhibition took place on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas and Tennessee scored a 99-80 victory. iNDEMAND – the largest distributor of PPV and on demand programming in North America – served as the exclusive streaming and TV distributor of the event via its streaming service PPV.COM and cable TV. The game was the first-ever national telecast of major college basketball on the pay-per-view platform and introduced a new model for raising charitable funds and signaling the fast-approaching start of the college basketball season.
“As we collectively evaluated this inaugural event, it became clear fairly quickly that we were all interested in pursuing a second edition of the event,” said Mark Starsiak, vice president at Intersport. “From the intense on-court experience that is sometimes atypical of preseason games to the well-received nature of the broadcast on PPV.COM and cable and satellite, the important visibility for our partners at the NBRPA and the charitable contribution to the McLendon Foundation, everyone involved benefitted from this experience. We’re eager to build off the success of this inaugural event and are aiming even higher in 2023.”
“The event blew away all our expectations; we knew it would do well, but the performance even surprised us,” Mark Boccardi, SVP Programming & Marketing for iNDEMAND & PPV.COM, said. “I think we have found the formula for a successful ongoing PPV event and we can’t wait for the next one. We are thrilled with the role we played in raising money for the McLendon Foundation."
“We are incredibly proud of the success of the inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “This first-of-its-kind, Pay-Per-View event, allowed us to use the backdrop of a blockbuster college hoops matchup to raise funds for the McLendon Foundation, create a blueprint for philanthropy and sports business moving forward, and integrate the impact that NBRPA Legends provide. We are encouraged by the prospect of developing more of and growing these types of events in the coming years.”
"The McLendon Foundation was thrilled to be the beneficiary of the inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic," NACDA Vice President and McLendon Foundation Director Adrien Harraway said. "The Foundation's mission to provide access and opportunity to minorities pursuing careers in the sports space and this was a perfect opportunity to introduce the McLendon Foundation to a new audience. The atmosphere and enthusiasm in-venue was incredible."
About Intersport
Since 1985, Intersport has been an award-winning innovator and leader in the creation of sports, lifestyle, culinary and entertainment-based marketing platforms. With expertise in Sponsorship Consulting, Experiential Marketing, Hospitality, Retail Engagement, Content Marketing, Productions and Property Creation, this Chicago-based Marketing & Media Solutions Company helps its clients engage consumers with compelling ideas, content and experiences. To learn more about Intersport, visit www.intersport.global, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM
iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 80 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports. With the addition of PPV.COM to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turn-key PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers. For more information, go to indemand.com and PPV.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, 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. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Robert Horry. Learn more at www.legendsofbasketball.com.
About the McLendon Foundation
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. Through the scholarship program and leadership initiative, the McLendon Foundation provides minorities educational resources, practical experiences and serves as a vehicle for networking, career advancement and advocacy on behalf of the profession. More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at www.minorityleaders.org.
