Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and St. John’s legend Jayson Williams ‘90SVC will headline An Evening with St. John’s Basketball on Thursday, Dec. 16, at The Plaza.
The event, the premier fundraiser of the year for the St. John’s men’s basketball program, will start with a cocktail reception at 7 p.m. followed by dinner and a formal program beginning at 8 p.m.
Head Coach Mike Anderson, his staff and several St. John’s men’s basketball players will be in attendance at the iconic New York City venue on Central Park South.
One of the most beloved figures in the game of basketball, Barkley was an 11-time all-star and five-time All-NBA First Team selection in a 16-year career in the Association. Honored as one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time, Barkley averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 boards over his professional career, garnering him the affectionate nickname “The Round Mound of Rebound.”
After retiring from the NBA, “Sir Charles” moved to the broadcast booth and has endeared himself to another generation of basketball fans, serving as one of the leading voice of the league alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson on Inside The NBA.
Prior to beginning his professional career, Barkley, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was a three-time All-SEC selection at Auburn, where he won 1984 SEC Player of the Year honors.
A 1,000-point scorer and Second Team All-BIG EAST selection during his playing days in Queens, Williams helped lead the Red Storm to the 1989 NIT Championship by averaging 19.5 points per game. The 21st overall pick in the NBA Draft the following year, Williams played nine years in the league, earning an All-Star bid with the Nets in 1997-98.
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