In the African American community, the loved and passionate sport of basketball has always been a part of our lives, and some would say “our makeup.” From little black boys dreaming of making it big in the NBA to now little black girls looking up to their favorites in the WNBA, the sport has proven to be one of our major contributions to the world over centuries. Legends in the sport have paved the way for so many athletes – making it possible for coaches, referees, sports commentators, journalists, and even athletic wear designers of color to be recognized. According to the NBA, there were three black pioneers in the NBA.
“On the heels of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball, the NBA would see three Black pioneers join their league. Chuck Cooper became the first Black player selected in the NBA Draft. Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton became the first Black player to sign an NBA contract, and Earl Lloyd became the first Black player to play in an NBA game. This effectively broke the color barrier in the NBA and opened the door for future generations of Black players changing the league and the game of basketball as we know it today.” The Black Fives: A history of the era that led to the NBA’s racial integration | NBA.com Canada | The official site of the NBA
Within the basketball arena, there are those who continue to pave the way, steadily opening opportunities for athletes and others in the industry to grow and become success stories.
Meet Rahim Thompson. Founder and owner of The Chosen League in Philadelphia, PA. In 2002, Thompson courageously started the league, inviting top high school players around the region to play and compete.
“For many, the league represented a rare chance to play highly competitive organized basketball on concrete. The mission of the Chosen League is to showcase the best players in the Philadelphia area and the tri-state area. And also bringing positivity to the community. A lot of major talent that has come out of the area in the last 14 years has played in the NBA.
– Rahim Thompson
Chearshore Playground is where it all got started, in the heart of Philadelphia.
“The Chosen League is ranked the best summer league in the country. It is the only high school league in the country that is sponsored. The competition is intense. The Chosen League initially started near row houses, where people from all over the city came to watch the best talent in Philadelphia. The format is different than most because every game is like a playoff game.”
– Rahim Thompson
Affectionately called “Gro Hungan Commish,” Thompson will be the first to tell you that hard work and success is needed to achieve your dreams and goals. He will also testify to his upbringing in African religion, not ashamed of his beliefs and Priesthood. Many have sought the advice of Thompson, respecting his love and loyalty to African tradition and spirituality as well as his ability to be non-discriminative.
Thompson has actively mentored hundreds of kids who later became successful in going to college and or being drafted in the NBA. Many of the kids came from households where college was not a financial option. Thompson looked to make opportunities possible and continued to encourage kids to have a reach and goal.
“We have had 142 kids who have played on the Division I level. In the 14-year history of the league, 1,300 kids have gone to college, either on athletic scholarships or academic merits.”
In 2014, ESPN featured the Chosen League as one of the best outdoor leagues in the country. The league was also featured in the EA Sports game, NBA Live ’18. Corporate sponsors such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, Kicks USA, and Red Bull have been a few leaders in the industry who have backed the league, its events, and efforts. NBA players such as Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), Marcus Morris (Phoenix Suns), Markieff Morris (Phoenix Suns), Gerald Henderson (Charlotte Hornets), Wayne Ellington (Los Angeles Lakers), JaKarr Sampson (Philadelphia 76ers), and Dion Waiters (Oklahoma City Thunder) have all played in the Chosen League along with college alumni players such as Amile Jefferson (Duke), Ja’Quan Newton (Miami), Savon Goodman (Arizona State), Markus Kennedy (SMU) and Kyle Kuzma (Utah).
Now, esteemed author Rahim Thompson debuted his book, “Choose Wisely,” in the midst of the pandemic. The best seller speaks about the journey of Thompson’s hardships and triumphs to get where he is today.
Visit Amazon.com for your copy today!
Website: www.chosenleague.com
Article Written by: Sabrina Espere Carrington | @sabrinaespere
