Family and friends came together on the basketball court on Friday to celebrate the life of Brandon Hendricks, who was killed by a stray bullet in 2019 in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx. Hendricks would have been 21 this year.
The memorial ceremony and basketball tournament awards and free giveaways took place near Hendricks’ former home at Jackson Houses in Melrose.
On the court, the sun was bright, and the vibe was right as the festivities went on from noon until dark. On the sidelines, Hendricks’ friends spoke nostalgically about Brandon. Chris Segura recalled how the two became friends.
“It was actually, a one v one (basketball game),” he said “There was a court called 82. He was there, we were all hyped, we played each other after that.” Segura took it hard when he heard about his friend’s death, which happened very close to his home,
Brandons’ paternal uncle Noel Ellison said Brandon said he was well liked, had a smile for everyone, and was following in his father’s and uncles’ footsteps by playing basketball. Ellison did play college ball at Case Western Reserve University while his father and father’s brothers played for fun. In comparison, his father and his father’s brothers played basketball for fun.
Ellison initially thought Hendricks had been shot in the shoulder based on rumors he heard before heading to the hospital to see him.
“I was fully expecting to see a wounded individual not a dead individual,” said Ellison. adding that the highlight of the memorial was partnering with the Bronx Rising Initiative to give scholarships to people in the community. Over the years, the initiative has provided $150,000 in scholarships.
“Sad to say that no way we can bring him back,” said Ellison. “But you know, we still can keep his name going and what it represents.”
Many at the memorial wore jerseys with the number 5 to commemorate Hendricks, who wore that number while starting in basketball at James Monroe High School in Soundview. He had been hoping to go on to potentially play at Division 1 St. John’s in Queens.
Juan Arias knew Hendricks since he was a little kid and recalled watching him play at the Pyramid Center, where Arias worked. He remembered that Hendricks talked about wanting to take his mother out of the hood, a reflection of Hendricks’ generosity of spirit.
“Nobody hated Brandon,” said Arias. “Brandon was not in the streets. These little kids, the lower generation, they’re gonna look up to somebody like Brandon, you know, somebody that stayed in school, stayed motivated. And did the right thing.”
Fransisco Infante, who sold shirts and other items with Hendrick’s face on it at the memorial, recalled mentoring Hendricks for the first time in 8th grade. He remembered hearing about the incident.
“I was actually home. I was invited to a party, but I didn’t go to the party. I just stood home and then I got the phone call something had happened to him and I just couldn’t believe it. I broke down.” said Infante. Who said he has one enduring memory of his former star mentee.
“He has a video when he was in the sixth grade where he says, when I grow up, I want to help people because there’s people in my life that help me and that’s what I want the world to see.”
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