Roxborough Y Shows Off New Basketball Court From NBA, Under Armour

Bo Kimble, a legendary Public League and college basketball player, grew up shooting free throws in Philly YMCA gyms. However, his court was nothing like the one now located at the .

Through a partnership with the NBA and Under Armour, the YMCA received a new outdoor basketball court, which was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday.

Along with Philadelphia 76ers dance team members, City of Philadelphia, YMCA and Under Armour officials, Kimble kicked off the new court with a motivational speech to Roxborough youth and a basketball camp.

Kimble's message to kids in attendance: practice and, more importantly, study hard.

"All I did as a kid was play basketball and study. There wasn't anyone standing in my way of getting to the NBA," Kimble said before making kids promise to live up to that commitment.

Speaking of his NBA career, Kimble said, "I am living proof that dreams come true."

The Roxborough Y is one of five facilities nationwide to receive a complete court overhaul. Under Armour also will renovate surfaces in Baltimore, Charlotte, Houston, Newark, and Gardena, CA.

John Flynn, president of the Philadelphia area Y, thanked the organizers for the gift, which included new hoops, paint, backboards, bleachers and a freshly paved blacktop.

"It's the YMCA's job to make sure facilities like this are available to you and your community," he said.

A city official said the court was a great addition to Roxborough. 

"What we and the YMCA do is service and serving young people. So it's a big day when we can stand with the YMCA," Parks and Recreation Deputy Commissioner Susan Slawson said.

"I'm excited to give you a great court to play on that's also safe."

With Hank Gathers, Kimble won the 1985 Public League title at Dobbins Technical High School. The pair went on to Loyola Marymount University, where Gathers—who became a star—tragically died of a heart condition. Kimble shot left-handed free-throws in the 1990 NCAA tournament in honor of his fallen friend in an iconic moment.