Carmelo Anthony inspires Brooklyn kids at basketball practice
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CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11) — NBA legend and former New York Knicks basketball player Carmelo Anthony gave a group of Brooklyn kids the surprise of a lifetime Friday when he stopped by their basketball practice at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center in Crown Heights.
The Brooklyn native brought excitement and inspiration to the young athletes with the nonprofit New Heights Youth, Inc.
They had the rare opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the game from the basketball great.
“I’ve been doing it for 20 something years and to still be able to connect back to a younger generation where it’s still a relevancy and they’re still looking to me for advice and still trying to understand how to navigate certain aspects,” said Anthony.
He added, “It’s a blessing, and I’m truly gracious for that.”
McDonald’s organized the event to celebrate the local community less than two weeks before the McDonald’s All-American Games — a competition of the nation’s most elite high school ballers.
Anthony gifted the group with exclusive jerseys, presented a $25,000 check to the nonprofit, and shared inspiring words of encouragement.
“Take your time,” he said. “You don’t have to be in a rush. Let’s develop, let’s get better, and let’s take it one step at a time.”
Nine-year-old Mila Marusarz fell in love with basketball at just five years old. Now, as she chases her dream of playing point guard in the WNBA, she’s drawing inspiration from Anthony and his journey to greatness.
“It’s fun to hear what stories he had about when he played basketball,” said Marusarz.
She added, “I love seeing NBA and WNBA players because they want me to push myself and play harder.”
In a city where dreams are made, organizers hope the athletes are left feeling empowered on their journeys to greatness.
“They already have the foundation,” Anthony said. “They already have the situation, some coming back is really just validating the work that they’re already putting in.”