The legends of the game (left to right)—Odell Miller, Dennis Briggs, Bill Neal, David Strothers, George Jones, Bobby Franklin, Clarence Hopson, Cal Taylor. (PHOTOS BY BARRETT SCHLEY)
Before I dive into the details of one of the greatest nights of my life, allow me to begin with what is without question the most important part of it all.
I want to take this opportunity to thank a number of people for going out of their way to do something meaningful for me by hosting a party in my honor at “Lit Lounge,” Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. First of all, a huge special thank you to David “Quick” Strothers for organizing a salute and honorary night for yours truly. When Quick contacted me a month ago to get my OK on the idea, my first reaction was I thought he was joking. When I realized he was serious…believe it or not, I was speechless…yeah, I know you find that hard to believe!
Welcome to “Lit”my friends…Co-Owner—“Jasmine”
I went on to tell him that nothing like this had ever been done for me other than our 50-year anniversary celebration two years ago, organized and orchestrated by some of Pittsburgh’s finest, including Dwayne Woodruff, Senator Jay Costa, and BB Flenory, featuring the great Norm Nixon, L.A. Laker NBA champion and a cast of hundreds including many of Western Pa.’s greatest athletes and community leaders and, of course, the great Achieving Greatness Inc. Executive Team.
Since that time I did my best to stay out of the way and let nature take its course, and I have to tell ya, that nature showed up and showed out. Quick, along with the help of some of Pittsburgh’s best including Cal Taylor, Clarence Hopson, Otis Foster, Sam Sing Jr., Donna Shear, and of course none of which would have been possible without the generosity of Brother Gaddafi hosting the event at his “Club Lit” along with his daughter Jasmine, the bar maids and the kitchen crew.
You’ll pardon a few necessary analogies, but once the offense was set up and put into motion, the only thing left to do was get the ball into the end zone, and score they did.
Flashing back, I know you didn’t believe that part about me being speechless…(no you didn’t, oh just stop, you know you didn’t even though it was true!). But this part is equally as true (IT’S NOT EASY WRITING THIS STORY IN THE FIRST PERSON TALKING ABOUT MYSELF…). But I’ll tell ya what my old grandpapa said, “It takes a poor dog that won’t wag his own tail!”
Anyway, it was a throwback old school par-tay not to be forgotten. As a matter of fact, it was a “Function at the Junction and everybody was there!” “Big John” Marshall, Ms. Sandy Green, Kurt Bruce, Bobbie and Jan Franklin, Ms. Dana Watson, Ricky and Dr. Charlene Coleman, Dr. Stagger of Penn Hills, Mr. and Mrs. Odell Miller, George Jones, Margo Hinton and a number of others who made up the 100-plus who danced to ole school R&B of The Ole School Master DJ Tuffy. And putting away a ton of wings, fries, and yep…that shrimp fried rice!
All in all, it was a virtual Who’s Who of the legendary players who helped launch my career with the establishment of the nationally recognized Connie Hawkins Pro/Am Summer Basketball League and all the other stars who shine bright in the ‘Burgh: doctors, lawyers, educators, lawmen, entrepreneurs, actors and all “the everyday people!”
The producer of the event, the legendary David “Quick” Strothers, WITH BILL NEAL.
As I stated, that evening, while some of my oldest and dearest friends came out to say thank you to me for 50-plus years of dedicated community service…showcasing 20 programs a year for 50 straight years, it’s me who wants to thank all of you Pittsburghers and beyond who helped grow and develop the Champions Association and Achieving Greatness and all the wonderful programs we provided.
In conclusion, it can never be overstated how much I owe to the great Connie Hawkins, Willie Stargell, Franco Harris, Dwayne Woodruff, Dom Gambino, and Bill and Jack Goodrich…my Mount Rushmore of support for all they’ve done to help me help others Achieve Their Greatness!
Thanks again to all those who came out and know that we raised over $1,500 for the upcoming Toys for Tots/Champions Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway, coming up Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, at the McDonald’s East Liberty Station, noon to 4 p.m. For more information call AGI at 412-902-5761.
Game not over—I’ve got another 50 years to go!