Kemba Walker: NYC’s Basketball Savior?
Being an NCAA champion and a four-time NBA All-Star, Kemba Walker is a celebrated player hailing from the Bronx. He strongly believes that his roots in NYC are tied to his success on the court.
As the talent pipeline in New York City has slowed down, many young players are leaving the five boroughs at a young age. Power Memorial Academy and Rice High School, which once produced basketball greats, have closed down, leading to a talent drain in the city.
Griffin Taylor and Jared Effron, founders of The Program, are determined to reverse this trend. They aim to make New York a basketball hub once again by providing a top-notch facility for young players to hone their skills.
With a state-of-the-art facility in the works, The Program aims to keep young talents in NYC and help them grow, just like Walker did. The project has attracted investors like Chris Mullin, Carmelo Anthony, and Walker himself, showcasing the community’s support.
By offering memberships, scholarships, and elite coaching, The Program hopes to bring back the glory days of NYC basketball. The facility, set to open in 2025, plans to cater to amateur and professional players alike, nurturing the next generation of stars.
Mullin, a standout from NYC, believes in the project’s potential to transform the basketball scene in the city. With the supportive community and a unified vision, The Program aims to put NYC back on the map as a basketball powerhouse.
As Walker reflects on his journey from the NYC streets to NBA stardom, he hopes that The Program will pave the way for the next generation of young talents. With its innovative approach and dedicated team, The Program could be the beacon of hope for basketball in New York City.
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; photos: David Dow, Rich Schultz, Jean Catuffe / Getty Images)
