As the students sprinted up and down the gymnasium at Bronxworks, the sound of sneakers screeching filled the air, mingling with laughter and cheers that echoed off the high walls. The Jr. Knicks coaching staff led the warm-up, guiding the kids through each drill as they buzzed with excitement. Moving from one cluster of eager kids to the next, New York Knicks legend Larry Johnson crouched down to the kids’ level to sign the backs of their shirts. Each autograph brought bigger smiles to their faces.
BronxWorks and the New York Knicks hosted a Jr. Knicks basketball clinic for over 40 Bronx middle school students on Wednesday Oct. 30th at Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center on the Grand Concourse.
“The clinic provides a unique opportunity to bring sports and physical activity to the South Bronx, allowing young girls and boys to come together and practice,” said Dina Brown, associate vice president of Children and Youth at BronxWorks. She added that it’s also a chance for students to learn new skills or build on the ones they already have.
BronxWorks is one of the largest social service organizations in the Bronx, supporting over 60,000 residents annually with healthcare challenges such as chronic illness and harm reduction, education, eviction prevention, and services for older adults.
Each year, its youth programs serve 11,000 Bronx residents under 24, offering early childhood learning, after-school activities, workforce preparation, and more.To enroll in the BronxWorks program, families can visit the community center at 1130 Grand Concourse to complete the eligibility registration process.
Middle school students in the program across the entire borough can participate in the Jr. Knicks basketball clinic. For the past two years, BronxWorks has partnered with the Jr. Knicks to bring this clinic to the South Bronx.
“The kids love it. At the beginning of the school year, they were already asking if the Jr. Knicks staff would be coming back to do the clinic again,” Brown said.
After the warm-up, the kids spread out across the gym in groups for more basketball drills, faces lighting up with anticipation for Johnson’s shooting tips. As he approached one group, a young boy tilted his head back, eyes wide as he took in Johnson’s towering figure. Noticing this, Johnson stepped beside him and gently guided his shot. Judging by the excited grin on the boy’s face, it was sure to become an unforgettable basketball memory.
“The same drills we’re doing are the ones I did, and Steph Curry did—take them home and practice.” he encouraged.
While basketball was the focus, students left with lessons in leadership and determination, thanks to Johnson’s presence. Johnson, who played for the New York Knicks from 1996 to 2001, urged students to value hard work.
“You’re not going to become a professional in one hour,” Johnson advised young players aspiring to be professional athletes. He added that building skills both on and off the court is essential to becoming a better player.
Reflecting on the summer camps he leads, Johnson shared a core message saying, “Being the best player or top three-point shooter is great, but the best teammate award is the one to strive for.”
Johnson, who collaborates with the Knicks and Jr. Knicks programs to develop young players and engage with the local community, emphasized the significance of these events stating, “It means the world to be here for the kids.”
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