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76ers Tip-Off 15th season of the Neighborhood Basketball League

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Philadelphia 76ers player and honorary commissioner Donyell Marshall, Ambassador of 76ers Basketball World B. Free, Hip-Hop and his Hare Raisers, as well as a few members of the Sixers Dancers helped tip-off the 15th season of the Sixers Neighborhood Basketball League (SNBL) yesterday at the Fox Chase Recreation Center.

When asked what he most enjoys about attending an event such as this, Donyell Marshall said, “The joy and smile on the kid’s faces when they are able to see me up close and talk to me personally. I enjoy this event because it shows kids that professional basketball players are normal, everyday people. I also take pleasure in this experience because it’s a great way to teach kids skills that will help them both on the court and in everyday life.”

Participants took part in a series of dribbling, passing, and shooting drills that reinforced proper technique and were followed by remarks of important basketball tips and advice.

Event participant Robert King was glad the Sixers came out to put on this tip-off basketball clinic. “The reason I enjoy this event so much is because I’m able to learn and enhance my dribbling, passing, and shooting skills with famous players” said King.

The Sixers Neighborhood Basketball League is a youth recreation league conducted by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. SNBL offers girls and boys an opportunity to participate in an organized basketball league at one of the 37 Department of Recreation facilities throughout Philadelphia.

Each season more than 5,000 youths compete in approximately 65 leagues from January to April. Each player receives an official SNBL T-shirt and participants are recognized at a 76ers home game. In addition, eight SNBL teams have the opportunity to play on the 76ers home court prior to a game and halftime. Check out SIXERS.COM for more information on becoming a member of the Sixers Neighborhood Basketball League.