Pittsburgh Basketball Club holds induction ceremony
This past Saturday, Feb. 3, despite the very cold and overcast Pittsburgh weather outside, within the walls of the Chartiers Country Club in Robinson Township, there was vibrant sunshine everywhere.
John Giammarco, Director of the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Hall of Fame sports banquet, said the Hall of Fame was established to carry on the memories of athletes and other sports notables, male and female, who have brought lasting fame and recognition through their athletic achievements.
Newly-elected Hall-of-Famer, Courier Sports Columnist Bill Neal, had a lot of people to thank. Penn Hills born-and-bred, Neal has craved out a unique place for himself. When he talks, especially about sports, people listen.
Neal, the founder and creator of Champion Enterprises and the Connie Hawkins Basketball League, has received several awards. He said that his giving nature was instilled in him by his parents early in his childhood and has spent his life trying to improve the quality of life for youth in Allegheny County with a special emphasis towards low-income and disadvantaged youth.
“I owe everything in my professional career to Connie Hawkins. Our league was ranked in the top 10 in the country,” said Neal. “In 1979, we had Maurice Lucas, Jeep Kelly, Sonny Lewis, Bill Varner, Kenny Durrett, Kirk Bruce, Gary Nelson, John Marshall, Bill Clarke, Sam Clancey, Doug Arnold, Karen Hall, Jennifer Bruce, Ricky Coleman, B.B. Flenory and Bruce Atkins—all playing in the league.”
“Basketball is a phenomenal, intense game, which transforms lives while connecting people from all gender, racial, global and economic levels,” said coach Karen Hall, a 2017 PBC Hall-of-Famer. “Basketball has given one the opportunity to complete, coach and to meet some pretty special people.”
During the ceremony, the ground might have moved a bit, because the great Jonathan Marshall walked in the room. Intimidation is always a factor in basketball and the former Clairton High School star was best known because of his physical intimidation. “I am really a nice guy,” said Marshall. “But you better not come down the lane when I was on the court.”
Oscar Jackson is the latest in a line of great Duquesne University basketball players to make the Hall, joining Flenory, Ron Stevenson, Moe Barr, Gina Naccarato and Gary and Barry Nelson.
In 1970, when Beaver Falls won its first WPIAL and state titles, Jackson was the star of the team. He once scored 52 points in a game and was named first-team all-state.
“The greatest high school basketball team of all-time was the 1971 state champion Schenley team that featured Rickey Coleman, Jeep Kelly, and Maurice Lucas. And in 1970, we beat them in the state semi-finals,” said Jackson. “I have so many fond memories. I’m so happy with all the experiences I had and basketball made me the person I am.”
Oscar Jackson, who was nicknamed “Automatic O,” went on to play college basketball at Duquesne.
The list of athletes, coaches and officials being inducted were: Moon and Notre Dame basketball player Keith Tower; Langley and Duquesne basketball player Ron Stevenson; Penn Hills and Duquesne basketball player Moe Barr; Beaver Falls and Duquesne basketball player Oscar Jackson; New Brighton and Robert Morris basketball player Gabe Jackson; Ringgold and Pitt basketball player Scott Nedrow; Clairton and Penn State Jonathan Marshall; Laurel Highlands and Virginia Gus Gerard; New Castle and Xavier basketball player David Young; St. Monica (CA) and Pitt basketball and player Jason Matthews.
The 2017 PBC Hall of Fame Contributors Class include: Robert Morris University Game Announcer Chris Schovlin; Bob Bozzuto, North Allegheny Athletic Director; John Jenkins, Game Official; and Bill Neal, Connie Hawkins Summer League Director.
The Luke Blanock Courage Awardees were: Hampton High School, Isaac DeGregorio; and Dom Giallonardo of Mount Pleasant.
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