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Former New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors forward, and Syracuse star player John Wallace visited Kingsborough Community College this week to attend the Athletics Department pep rally, and to deliver a motivational message to the men's and women's basketball teams in advance of the season opener games.
Wallace's visit generated excitement when he took the court to shoot around with KCC President Herzek and the coaching staff. He later addressed the men's and women's basketball teams, and shared some of his experiences as a student-athlete and NBA player, providing advice on commitment, determination, and the importance of maintaining high grades.
"Anytime someone who inspires others comes for a visit, we are all better just because of their presence," said KCC Athletics Director Damani Thomas. "John's visit was a definite boost to our student athletes and the program; we welcome him anytime."
One key point to Wallace's message revolved around his work ethic and discipline. The former McDonald's All-American, who was a sociology major, emphasized the importance of being able to juggle basketball and academics, while also adjusting to fatherhood at age 19.
"Coming from a single parent home, living in public housing with no father figure around, all the odds were against me," said Wallace. "But I knew that I had to be responsible for me and my family, and it was up to me to make sure that I would succeed, so there could be no slacking off. Once you make a commitment to practicing 10 hours a day, you stick to it; if it requires 10 hours of studying a day, then that's what you do."
"Having John talk to us was a privilege," said freshman guard Joshua Perez. "His words inspired us and prepared us mentally for the game. His personal experiences will keep us motivated on and off the court because we feel connected to him and can relate to his message."
President Herzek also joined the teams to hear Wallace's remarks, and took to the courts to shoot around with Wallace and some of KCC's coaching staff.
"Having John here at Kingsborough was fun for me as a lifelong Knicks fan, and it also provided teachable moments for our student athletes," said President Herzek. "Not only did I shoot around with one of the greatest college basketball players; I appreciated hearing his words of inspiration, and most importantly, how he successfully balanced sports and academics."
About John Wallace
John Wallace was a standout high school basketball player (McDonald's All American and Mr. Basketball NYS) at Greece Athena before being recruited to play at Syracuse University, where he played four seasons, earned All-American honors, and led the Orangemen to the 1996 NCAA championship. He was drafted 18th overall in 1996 by the Knicks, and played eight seasons in the NBA and two in Europe. John, who sits on a number of boards, is now retired from basketball and actively coaches AAU basketball in Rochester. He is also Vice President of Development at Winning Because I Tried, a program which focuses on academic success, social interaction and peer pressure, bullying, sound decision making, and physical and emotional awareness, with an emphasis on student-athletes and the unique challenges they face.