Chicago United Hoops Classic Announces 2012 Rosters

From our friends at the Chicago United Hoops Classic:

CHICAGO, April 11, 2012 – Chicago United Hoops Classic (CUHC), the annual South Side vs. West Side all-star high school basketball game, a primary funding source for the Norm Van Lier Scholarship fund, will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. at the University of Chicago’s Gerald Ratner Athletic Center, 5530 South Ellis, Chicago.

“I am thrilled to carry on my late husband’s legacy,” says Susan Van Lier. “I am so proud to witness the growth of our game and fund. Norman cared so much for Chicago’s youth. To see these fine young men compete in the same sport my husband loved and helping to quell the violence in Chicago by signing non- violence legacy pledge are very important things in my life.”

The second annual event features the very best prep stars in the state. Six Illinois all-state boys basketball players are taking part: Keith Carter from Proviso East, Michael Orris, Crete-Monee High School, Milton Doyle from Marshall Metro High School, Devin Foster from Currie Metro High School, Eddie Alcantara from Hales Franciscan High School and Rashaun Stimage from Farragut Career Academy. Stimage will be squaring off with another all-stater, Steve Taylor of State Champion, Simeon Career Academy.

The CUHC also features many of the top coaches from the Chicagoland area. The West Side team will be led by coach William “Wolf” Nelson of Farragut Career Academy and Henry Cotton of Marshall High School. The South Side team will be led by Robert Smith and Jeff Duncan of State Champion of Simeon Career Academy and Don Houston of Hillcrest High School. This will be a heartfelt game for the Hillcrest family. Hillcrest lost one of its players, Ryan Royall to gun violence this past May. Royall would have been a participant in this year’s game. His best friend, Jayone Troutman, will be representing Hillcrest in the CUHC.

In order to take part in this year’s CUHC, every participant will be required to sign the Norm Van Lier Scholarship Fund non-violence legacy pledge. The 125-word pledge is meant to require people to vow to avoid fighting with weapons, fists or language and declare, “The violence stops with me.”

“Norman could not stand the fact that so many kids were in harms way in their own neighborhoods where bullets fly frequently,” adds Van Lier. “We are trying to create a new generation of leaders who believe violence should be eliminated.”

The CUHC most valuable player award will be re-named the Ben Wilson MVP Award to remember Chicago’s top basketball player who, 27 years ago, was tragically gunned down outside Simeon High School is junior year. Wilson’s two brothers, Jeff and Anthony, will be on hand to present the award and support the CUHC.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White will be bringing the Jesse White Tumblers to perform at half-time. Secretary White will be signing the non-violence legacy pledge along with all of his tumblers.

Tickets will be available game day at the box office or on-line at Chiunitedhoopsclassic.com ($10 adults, $7 students). The Gerald Ratner Center holds 2,000 fans. Advance purchase is recommended.

The CUHC will be streamed live on Comcast SportsNet and ClickstreamTV.

Complete team rosters are as follows:








About Chicago United Hoops Classic

DeVante’ Jones (PG/SG), Orr Academy Gabe Levin (SF/PF/C), Oak Park & River Forest Ismar Seferagic (PF), St. Patrick’s Kaylen Shane (C), Crane Rashaun Stimage (PF/C), Farragut Deonta Terrell (SF), Farragut Jerron Wilbut (SG), Downers Grove South

The Chicago United Hoops Classic is a West Side vs. South Side high school basketball showcase event designed to benefit the Norm Van Lier Scholarship Fund and its Non-Violence Legacy Campaign. The game will take place at the University of Chicago’s Gerald Ratner Athletic Center, 5530 South Ellis, Chicago on May 5. Tip-Off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
http://www.Chiunitedhoopsclassic.com
http://www.facebook.com/chicagounitedhoopsclassic
http://twitter.com/#!/chihoopsclassic

Marketing/Media Partners; Goodcity (fiscal agent) Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Bulls, Dreams for Kids, World Sport Chicago, WGCI-FM, Slam Magazine, Leo Burnett, Positive Coaching Alliance, Off the Street Club and Tribune owned “The Mash”

Participating sponsors include: Converse, Wilson Sporting Goods, Lottery Pick Energy Drink, ABC Data Entry, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Visual Wright, Sutton Place Hotel, Norman Distribution, EA Logistics and Southwest Airlines

About the Norm Van Lier Scholarship Fund
The Norm Van Lier Scholarship Fund is a program of Goodcity. Goodcity is a 501(c)(3) organization that looks to provide financial assistance to at-risk and under-served children who reside in Chicago’s west and south side neighborhoods. The organization is dedicated to sharing the ideals cherished by the late Norm Van Lier: scholarship, courage, respect, and teamwork.