New York’s first high school with a unique focus on basketball as its core curriculum has decided to honor New York Knicks All-Star player Julius Randle by naming their court after him. The announcement was made during a recent groundbreaking event for the upcoming 69,000-square-foot building in the Bronx that will serve as the home of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School.
Randle has actively supported the school through his initiative called “30 for 3,” where he pledges to donate $500 for every successful three-pointer he scores. Last season, he made 76 three-pointers, resulting in a donation of $38,000 towards the school.
However, Randle had to cut his season short last year after suffering a dislocated shoulder in January during a game against Miami, just before he was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the third time during his tenure with the Knicks. Despite his injury, Randle underwent surgery in April, and his coach, Tom Thibodeau, expressed optimism about his recovery as the team gears up for training camp.
At the ceremony to honor Randle, Knicks legends Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and other notable figures were present. Following Randle’s address at the event, it was revealed that the school’s basketball teams would play their games on the newly named Julius Randle All-Star Court.
Since its founding in 2021, the tuition-free charter school has been providing specialized instruction in various fields such as sports media, law, medicine, and facilities management. The school is the brainchild of filmmaker Dan Klores and originally had the late former NBA Commissioner David Stern as its first trustee, raising over $1.3 million with Randle’s contributions.
Thibodeau commended Randle for his continuing dedication and involvement with the students, emphasizing the significance of his engagement with the school community.
