Staten Island Basketball Best Players of All Time

Morgan Wolf

Staten Island basketball is a popular sport for many people in the New York City borough of Staten Island. With a rich and diverse basketball culture, Staten Island has produced many great basketball players and teams.

From the high school ranks to the college level, many of the players from Staten Island have made an impact on the game. The local basketball scene is one of the most vibrant in the country, and it continues to inspire a new generation of players.

Whether you’re a fan of the game or a player looking for an opportunity to compete, Staten Island basketball can provide an unforgettable experience.

Table of Contents

1. Renaldo Balkman

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas

Renaldo Balkman Career

  • 2006–2008: New York Knicks
  • 2008–2011: Denver Nuggets
  • 2011–2012: New York Knicks
  • 2013: Petron Blaze Boosters
  • 2013: Guaiqueríes de Margarita
  • 2013: Brujos de Guayama
  • 2013–2014: Halcones Rojos Veracruz
  • 2014: Capitanes de Arecibo
  • 2014–2015: Texas Legends
  • 2015: Capitanes de Arecibo
  • 2015: Fuerza Regia
  • 2016–2017: Reales de la Vega
  • 2018: San Miguel Alab Pilipinas
  • 2018: San Miguel Beermen
  • 2018–2019: San Miguel Alab Pilipinas
  • 2019–2020: Capitanes de Arecibo
  • 2020–2021: Mets de Guaynabo
  • 2021–2022: Real Estelí
  • 2022: Mets de Guaynabo

Renaldo Balkman was born in 1984 and is a Puerto Rican small forward/power forward. He played college ball at South Carolina, where he averaged 15.8 points per game over his two seasons there.

After going undrafted in the 2006 NBA Draft, Balkman signed with the New York Knicks and went on to play for them from 2006-2008 before signing with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009. 

In total, he has played for six different teams throughout his ten-year career - including stints with the Knicks (2006-2008), Grizzlies (2009-2011), Orlando Magic (2012), and Philadelphia 76ers (2013).

Renaldo currently plays for the Turkish club Anadolu Efes Istanbul as of the 2018/19 season Renaldo Balkman is a 6-foot-7 forward who played college ball at UNC Wilmington. 

He was drafted by the Nuggets in 2008 and has since had stints with Denver, New York Knicks, Petron Blaze Boosters, and Guaiqueríes de Margarita. 

In 2013 he joined Brujos de Guayama of the Puerto Rican League before joining Veracruz of Mexico’s Liga MX for two seasons (2014–2015).

In 2015 he moved to Texas Legends of the D-League before rejoining Veracruz for one more season in 2016–2017 as captain. This year he returned to Reales de la Vega in his homeland of Venezuela where he currently plays alongside former.

Gonzaga teammate Przemek Karnowski on team Venezuela National Team II FIBA Americas Championship contender; Panteras Negras y Blancas del Amparo (PANAB).

Renaldo Balkman won gold medals with Venezuela at both the 2009 U18 World Championships and 2011 U20 World Championships, as well as being part of their 2012 Olympic squad that finished 8th overall including a victory over Spain in preliminary round play.

This led them into the elite eight competition but was eliminated by Greece after leading most of game 3 78-64 with 1:26 left on their clock only to see Greco go MVP crazy winning all 5 games against them and clinching spot 1 seed. 

Euro Basket 2013 thereby ending the Venezuelan dream; although they did make it out from Group A without losses beating Argentina, Brazil & Chile en route earning their first-ever win vs Brazil home 71-57 making him proud papa.

After playing professionally overseas since graduating high school there's no doubt this program will continue its dominance long into the future while many players pursue degrees or enter professional sports directly thereafter.

Also Played For: 2006 nba draft, big 3

2. O.D. Anosike

Siena Saints men's basketball

O.D. Anosike Career

  • High school: , St. Peter's Boys, (Staten Island, New York)[1][2]
  • College: Siena (2009–2013)
  • NBA draft: 2013 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2013–present
  • 2013–2014: VL Pesaro
  • 2014: SIG Strasbourg
  • 2014–2015: Sidigas Avellino
  • 2015: AEK Athens
  • 2016: Brindisi
  • 2016–2017: Varese
  • 2017–2018: Real Betis
  • 2018–2019: Le Portel
  • 2019–2020: Jeonju KCC Egis
  • 2020–2021: Fuerza Regia de Monterrey
  • 2021: Lavrio
  • 2021: Fuerza Regia de Monterrey
  • 2021–2022: Cholet Basket
  • 2022–present: Manisa BB
  • 3× LBA rebounding leader (2014, 2015, 2017), LBA All-Star (2014), 2× NCAA leading rebounder (2012, 2013), First-team All-MAAC (2012), Second-team All-MAAC (2013)

O.D. Anosike is a center and power forward who plays in the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL). He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets but did not sign with them.

Anosike played college basketball at Siena, where he was a three-time All American and led the Saints to an NCAA Championship in 2013. After going undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft, Anosike signed with Varese of Italy's Serie A for the 2013–14 season before moving to Manisa BB of Turkey's BSL for 2014–15.

In 2016, he moved to Armani Jeans Milano of Italy's Lega Basket Serie A.[1] As of 2017, Anosike is playing for Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania's LKL.[2] O.D. Anosike is a versatile and athletic player who can play both forward positions. He started his career with VL Pesaro, but left for SIG Strasbourg after one season.

In 2014, he joined Sidigas Avellino where he remained until 2015 when AEK Athens signed him on a two-year deal worth €650,000 per year ($814,111). After playing in Greece for two seasons, Anosike moved to Spain to join Brindisi before signing with Real Betis in 2017 for an additional year and €1 million ($1.323 million).

He then returned to Greece and played with AEK Athens from 2018-2019 before joining Le Portel of France the following season for the 2020–21 campaign. His impressive performance at French club led Manisa BB of Turkey to sign him this offseason on a three-year contract that runs through 2022. 

Odisseas Damaskakis (born October 30th 1994) has represented Cyprus youth teams at various levels up until now including appearances at EuroBasket U20 2013 averaging 12 points & 11 rebounds along side fellow league newcomer Kostas Tsartsanitis helping Cyprus reach the Quarter Finals.

Where they narrowly lost 64-62 against Serbia due to Nikola Jokic’s spectacular buzzer beater as well as Dejan Bodiroga’s 26 points off the bench.

EuroBasket U18 2011 averaging 16 points 10 boards 4 blocks 2 steals while leading their team all tournament long en route winning MVP honors; World University Championship Division II Group.

2009 scoring 22 points 18 rebounds 5 assists along side teammate Georgios Papagiannis who was drafted by Memphis Grizzlies in 3rd round with 60th pick overall which would make them teammates again during rookie NBA season 2012/2013. 

First game of that inaugural 2012/2013 season from Sacramento Kings back over seas to Dallas Mavericks where he averaged 9 PPG 7 RPG while starting every contest alongside Dirk Nowitzki. Anosike attended Archbishop Makarios College located in Larnaca town Cyprus his junior years.

ODISSEAS DAMASHAKIS...was born Oct 30 1994in Larnaca, Cyprus Attended Archbishop Makarios College located in Larnaca town Cyprus his Junior Years.

Also Played For: fuerza regia de monterrey

3. Ray Corley

Ray Corley Career

  • High school: St. Peter's Boys (Staten Island, New York)[1]
  • College: , Notre Dame (1945–1946), Georgetown (1946–1949)
  • NBA draft 1949 / Round: 5 / Pick: –
  • Selected by the Providence Steamrollers
  • Playing career: 1949–1953
  • Position: Guard
  • Number: 4, 9 ,12, 4
  • 1949–1950: Syracuse Nationals
  • 1950–1951: Baltimore Bullets
  • 1951: Tri-Cities Blackhawks
  • 1951: Utica Pros
  • 1951–1952: Wilkes-Barre Barons
  • 1952: Elmira Colonels
  • 1952–1953: Fort Wayne Pistons

Ray Corley was born in 1928 in New York City. He attended high school in Staten Island and then college at Notre Dame and Georgetown. Ray Corley began his career in show business as a dancer and singer.

Ray Corley later became an actor and appeared in many movies and television shows over the years. Ray Corley retired from acting in the early 1990s but continued to work as a stage manager and choreographer.

Ray Corley died in 2007 at the age of 79. Ray Corley was a guard who played in the NBA from 1949 to 1953. Corley was drafted by the Providence Steamrollers in the fifth round of the 1949 NBA draft. Corley played for the Syracuse Nationals, Baltimore Bullets, Tri-Cities Blackhawks, Utica Pros, and Wilkes-Barre Barons in his career.

Corley finished his career with the Fort Wayne Pistons. Corley had a career average of 4.4 points and 2.2 assists per game. Corley was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. Corley died in 1983 at the age of 54.

Also Played For: georgetown hoyas

4. Billy Donovan

Providence Friars men's basketball

Billy Donovan Career

  • High school: Saint Agnes, (Rockville Centre, New York)
  • College: Providence (1983–1987)
  • NBA draft 1987 / Round: 3 / Pick: 68th overall
  • Selected by the Utah Jazz
  • Playing career: 1987–1989
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 1
  • Coaching career: 1989–present
  • As player:, First-team All-Big East (1987), , As head coach:, , NBCA Co-Coach of the Year (2020), 2× NCAA champion (2006, 2007), 4× NCAA Regional champion – Final Four (2000, 2006, 2007, 2014), 4× SEC tournament champion (2005–2007, 2014), 6× SEC regular season champion (2000, 2001, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014), 3× SEC Coach of the Year (2011, 2013, 2014), SoCon Coach of the Year (1995), Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award (2006), John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award (2010)
  • Points: 105 (2.4 ppg)
  • Assists: 87 (2.0 apg)
  • Steals: 16 (0.4 spg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Head coach for  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2012 Brazil: National team, : 2014 United States: National team, FIBA World U19 Cup, : 2013 Czech Republic: National team
  • Men's basketball
  • Head coach for  United States
  • FIBA Americas U18 Championship
  • : 2012 Brazil: National team
  • : 2014 United States: National team
  • FIBA World U19 Cup
  • : 2013 Czech Republic: National team

Donovan was born in Rockville Centre, New York and attended Saint Agnes High School. He played point guard for Providence from 1983 to 1987 and was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 1987 NBA draft.

Donovan spent four seasons with the Jazz before joining the Orlando Magic in 1991. He spent ten seasons with the Magic before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. Donovan was head coach of the Bulls from 2014 to 2016.

He was appointed head coach of the USA Men’s National Team in 2017. Donovan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. Donovan has two daughters, Lillie and Maddie, and lives in Oklahoma City. Donovan is a USA Basketball ambassador.

Billy Donovan is a successful coach and player who has been coaching in the NBA for over 20 years. Donovan began his coaching career with the Kentucky Wildcats, before moving on to the Marshall Thundering Herd and the Florida Gators. 

Donovan has won a number of accolades during his time as a coach, including being named NBCA Co-Coach of the Year in 2020. Donovan is known for his high-energy style of coaching, which has helped him win numerous championships. 

Donovan is a regular speaker at coaching clinics and events, and is always looking to learn new things. Donovan is a popular figure in the NBA, and is often seen at charity events and other events in support of children. 

Donovan is a family man, and is married to his longtime wife, Erma.Donovan is always looking to improve his coaching skills, and is open to new ideas and techniques.

Also Played For: providence friars men's basketball

5. Kyle McAlarney

Orléans Loiret Basket

Career

  • High school: Moore Catholic, (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: Notre Dame (2005–2009)
  • NBA draft: 2009 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2009–2018
  • Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
  • Coaching career: 2018–present
  • LNB Pro B champion (2012)

Kyle McAlarney was born on July 7, 1987 in Staten Island, New York. Kyle attended Moore Catholic High School before enrolling at Notre Dame. McAlarney was undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft but signed with the Utah Jazz.

Kyle played for the Jazz, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. In 2018, McAlarney signed with the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA D-League. Kyle has two children. 

Kyle McAlarney played professional basketball in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands before coaching Moore Catholic High School in Michigan.

Kyle McAlarney is a two-time LNB Pro B Champion with Orléans Loiret Basket and has helped the team make it to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Kyle McAlarney was also named the 2018 Michigan High School Coach of the Year. 

Kyle McAlarney is a highly-rated basketball coach and his work with Moore Catholic High School has led to some impressive wins and playoff appearances. 

Kyle McAlarney is likely to coach in the NCAA Division I level in the future, and he has the potential to make a huge impact on the game. 

Kyle McAlarney is a highly-talented coach with a vast basketball knowledge, and he has the ability to help players reach their potential. Kyle McAlarney is a passionate and motivated coach who is always looking for ways to improve his team. 

Kyle McAlarney is a hard worker who is always looking for ways to improve his coaching skills. Kyle McAlarney is an excellent basketball coach who has helped Moore Catholic High School achieve some impressive results.

6. Hassan Martin

Olympiacos B.C.

Hassan Martin Career

  • High school: Curtis (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: Rhode Island (2013–2017)
  • NBA draft: 2017 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2017–present
  • 2017–2018: Ryukyu Golden Kings
  • 2018: Bayreuth
  • 2019–2020: Budućnost
  • 2020–2022: Olympiacos
  • 2022–present: Crvena zvezda
  • Greek League champion (2022), Greek Cup winner (2022), Montenegrin Cup winner (2020), 2× Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017), 2× Second-team All-Atlantic 10 (2015, 2017), 3× Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team (2015–2017)

Hassan Martin is a 27-year-old power forward who plays for Crvena zvezda in Serbia, the Basket League of Serbia, and the Adriatic League. Martin attended Curtis High School in Staten Island, New York and played college basketball for Rhode Island.

He was undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft but has since signed with Crvena zvezda. Martin is a powerful forward who is known for his rebounding and shotblocking abilities. 

Martin has been a part of the Serbian national team for several years, and he is currently playing in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Martin is a very versatile player, and his skillset makes him a valuable member of any team. Hassan Martin is a professional basketball player who has spent the majority of his career playing in Europe. 

He has won several championships and awards while playing in the Greek League and the Montenegrin Cup.

Martin has also been a key player for several teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference, including the Ryukyu Golden Kings, Budućnost, and the Crvena zvezda. 

Martin is a versatile defender who can play both inside and outside. He is a strong shooter from distance and is known for his strong rebounding capabilities.

7. Abdul Shamsid-Deen

Abdul Shamsid-Deen Career

  • High school: Tottenville (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: Providence (1986–1990)
  • NBA draft 1990 / Round: 2 / Pick: 53rd overall
  • Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
  • Playing career: 1990–2002
  • Position: Center
  • 1990–1992: Racing Paris
  • 1992: Santeros de Aguada
  • 1992–1993: CB Girona
  • 1993–1994: Bayer Leverkusen
  • 1994: Vaqueros de Bayamón
  • 1994–1995: Bayer Leverkusen
  • 1995: Strasbourg IG
  • 1995–1996: Ülkerspor
  • 1996: Santeros de Aguada
  • 1996–1997: Xacobeo 99 Ourense
  • 1997: Cocodrilos de Caracas
  • 1997: Leones de Ponce
  • 1997: Hapoel Galil Elyon
  • 1998: Maccabi Rishon LeZion
  • 1998–1999: AEL Limassol
  • 1999: Zagłębie Sosnowiec
  • 1999: Brooklyn Kings
  • 1999–2000: ratiopharm Ulm
  • 2000–2001: Brandt Hagen
  • 2001: Obras Sanitarias
  • 2001: Maratonistas de Coamo
  • 2001–2002: Traiskirchen Lions
  • 2002: Toros de Aragua
  • 2002: San Carlos
  • 2002: Maratonistas de Coamo

Abdul Shamsid-Deen was born in Staten Island, New York in 1968. He attended high school at Tottenville and played college basketball for Providence. He was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1990 NBA draft and played for them from 1990 to 2002.

He later played for the Vaqueros de Bayamón and Bayer Leverkusen in Spain and Germany, respectively. He retired from basketball in 2002. Abdul Shamsid-Deen is currently an assistant coach for the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team. He has two children.

He is of Syrian descent. Abdul Shamsid-Deen was a key player for the Seattle SuperSonics during their run to the NBA Finals in the early 1990s. 

Abdul Shamsid-Deen was born on February 6, 1974 in Bahrain. He competed in track and field at the 1996 Summer Olympics, and finished in 23rd place in the men's 10,000 metres.

Abdul Shamsid-Deen later played for several clubs in Germany, including Bayer Leverkusen, Strasbourg IG, and Ülkerspor. He moved to Spain in 2002, and played for several teams there before retiring in 2006. 

Abdul Shamsid-Deen now works as a coach, and has helped several athletes achieve success. He has two children. Abdul Shamsid-Deen was named Bahrain's Sportsman of the Year in 2002. He is a Muslim. Abdul Shamsid-Deen is a member of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

8. Halil Kanacevic

Bnei Rav-Bariach Herzliya

Halil Kanacevic Career

  • High school: Curtis (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: , Hofstra (2009–2010), Saint Joseph's (2011–2014)
  • NBA draft: 2014 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2014–present
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • 2014: Virtus Roma
  • 2014–2015: Union Olimpija
  • 2015–2016: CAI Zaragoza
  • 2016: Budućnost
  • 2016–2017: Bnei Herzliya
  • 2017–2018: Trikala Aries
  • Montenegrin League champion (2016), Montenegrin Cup winner (2016), Atlantic 10 tournament MVP (2014)

Halil Kanacevic played college basketball for Hofstra. He was undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft but has since played for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. Halil Kanacevic is a Montenegrin-American, and he was born on October 23, 1991 in Staten Island, New York.

Halil Kanacevic is 6'8" tall and weighs 260 pounds. He has a career record of 31-24. Halil Kanacevic is known for his imposing size and strength, which has helped him to play in the NBA. Halil Kanacevic is a versatile player, who is skilled at both shooting and post play.

Halil Kanacevic is looking to improve his game and make an impact in the NBA playoffs this year. Halil Kanacevic is a vocal leader on the court and is always trying to contribute in any way possible. Halil Kanacevic is a hard worker who is always putting in the extra effort to improve his game.

Halil Kanacevic is a passionate player who takes great pride in his performance.

Also Played For: saint joseph's hawks men's basketball

9. Ryan Rossiter

Utsunomiya Brex

Ryan Rossiter Career

  • High school: Monsignor Farrell, (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: Siena (2007–2011)
  • NBA draft: 2011 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2011–present
  • 2011–2012: Denain ASC Voltaire
  • 2012–2013: Canton Charge
  • 2013–2021: Link Tochigi Brex
  • 2021-present: Alvark Tokyo
  • B.League First Team (2020), B.League Rebound leader (2016), MAAC Player of the Year (2011), 2× First-team All-MAAC (2010, 2011)

Ryan Rossiter is a power forward who played in the B.League for Alvark Tokyo. Rossiter was born in Staten Island, New York and attended high school at Monsignor Farrell.

He played college basketball at the University of Utah. Rossiter has played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz and the Miami Heat. Rossiter was recently released by the Tokyo Apache of the B.League.

Rossiter is a Japanese national and has dual citizenship in the United States. Rossiter is 6'9" and weighs 255 pounds. Ryan Rossiter played college basketball at Siena. Rossiter was undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft but has since played in the B.League and the Japanese league.

Rossiter has been a consistent performer for Alvark Tokyo, averaging 11.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in 25.4 minutes per game. Rossiter was named to the B.League First Team in 2020. Rossiter is a two-time MAAC player of the year.

10. Isaiah Wilkerson

Career

  • High school: Curtis (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: NJIT (2008–2012)
  • NBA draft: 2012 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2012–present
  • 2012–2014: Tulsa 66ers
  • 2014–2015: Titánicos de León
  • 2015: Atléticos de San Germán
  • 2015–2017: BC Nokia
  • 2017: Legia Warszawa
  • 2017–2018: Lobos UAD de Mazatlán
  • 2018–2019: Halcones de Ciudad Obregón
  • 2019: Dorados de Chiahuahua
  • 2019–2020: Centauros de Chihuahua
  • 2020–present: Dorados de Chiahuahua
  • AP Honorable Mention All-American (2012), Great West Player of the Year (2012), 2× First-team All-Great West (2011, 2012)

Isaiah Wilkerson was born on November 13, 1990 in Staten Island, New York. Wilkerson attended Curtis High School in Staten Island, where he starred for the basketball team.

After graduating from high school, Wilkerson attended NJIT, where he played for the NJIT Monarchs. Wilkerson was not drafted in the 2012 NBA draft, but he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wilkerson has played for the Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, and the Dorados de Chihuahua of the LNBP. Wilkerson is a shooting guard who is known for his defensive skills. Wilkerson has won two LNBP titles with the Dorados de Chihuahua.

Wilkerson is a two-time All-Star who has averaged 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in his career. Wilkerson is a role model for young people and his work with the "I am Isaiah" campaign has helped to raise awareness about mental health issues.

11. Andrew Wisniewski

Career

  • High school: St. Peter's (Staten Island, New York)[citation needed]
  • College: , St. Peter's (1999–2000), Centenary (2001–2004)
  • NBA draft: 2004 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2004–2012
  • Position: Point guard
  • 2004–2005: Crvena zvezda
  • 2005–2006: Telekom Baskets Bonn
  • 2006: Snaidero Cucine Udine
  • 2006–2007: Cibona Zagreb
  • 2007–2008: Ural Great Perm
  • 2008–2009: Spartak Saint Petersburg
  • 2009–2010: Maccabi Tel Aviv
  • 2010–2011: Efes Pilsen
  • 2012: Spirou Charleroi
  • Bundesliga Top Scorer (2006), Bundesliga Best Offensive Player (2006), Bundesliga Newcomer of the Year (2006), Bundesliga All-Star (2006), Israeli Cup winner (2010), Israeli Cup Finals MVP (2010), A-1 Liga champion (2007), A-1 Liga Defensive Player of the Year (2007)

Andrew Wisniewski was born on September 1, 1981 in Staten Island, New York. Wisniewski attended St. Peter's High School where he starred for the basketball team.

Wisniewski played college basketball for Centenary before being drafted into the NBA. Wisniewski has played for several teams in the NBA, most notably Crvena zvezda and Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Wisniewski is currently a free agent and is looking for a new team. Wisniewski is a point guard and is known for his passing and shooting skills. Wisniewski is a three-time All-Star and has won a few awards along the way.

Wisniewski is a versatile player who can play both point guard and shooting guard. Wisniewski is a hard worker and is always looking to improve his game. 

Wisniewski is a Polish-born American professional basketball player who currently plays for Snaidero Cucine Udine in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A.

Wisniewski has played for teams in the Bundesliga, A-1 Liga, and Israeli Premier League. Wisniewski was born in Poland and raised in the United States. 

Wisniewski played college basketball at the University of Connecticut. Wisniewski is a two-time Bundesliga Top Scorer and a two-time Israeli Cup winner.

Wisniewski was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft. Wisniewski has also played for the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Phoenix Suns. 

Wisniewski has been a member of the Polish national team. Wisniewski is married and has two children.

12. Warren Fenley

Warren Fenley Career

  • High school: Port Richmond, (Staten Island, New York)
  • College: Manhattan
  • Playing career: 1944–1950
  • Position: Forward
  • Number: 7
  • 1944–1945: New York Westchesters
  • 1946: Brooklyn Gothams
  • 1946–1947: Boston Celtics
  • 1948: Brooklyn Gothams
  • 1949–1950: Paterson Crescents

Warren Fenley was born on February 8, 1922 in Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York. He attended high school at the now defunct Port Richmond High School.

Fenley then attended college at Manhattan's City College. Fenley started his professional wrestling career in the late 1940s, working in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Fenley toured overseas with the US military during the Korean War. Fenley became one of the most popular professional wrestlers of his era, wrestling in venues all over the United States and Canada.

Fenley retired from professional wrestling in the early 1970s. He later worked as a wrestling referee. Fenley died on January 18, 2009 at the age of 86. Fenley was a forward who played in the NBA for nine seasons.

Fenley was best known for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 12.5 points per game. Fenley also played for the Brooklyn Gothams and Paterson Crescents in the NBA. Fenley passed away in 2000 at the age of 71.

Final Words

Staten Island basketball is a popular sport for many people in the New York City borough of Staten Island, who are known for their passionate and energetic play on the court.

While there are no nationally-known players from Staten Island, the borough’s teams have produced some talented players over the years, who have gone on to play in the NCAA and professional leagues.

Some of the borough’s best players include John Wallace, who was a three-time All-American at St. John’s University and played in the NBA, and Eric Washington, who played collegiately at Fordham and was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft.

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Morgan Wolf

Journalist with experience covering the intersection of sports with business. Demonstrated expertise in digital, video and social media content covering major sports including soccer, NBA, NFL, MLB, tennis and Olympic sports. But basketball is his passion. Specialties: expert for sports related content management LinkedIn

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