By David Jordan Jr
The importance of opportunity and community is priceless in developing youth and young adults. Former NBA All-Star and New York Knicks legend John Starks is a living testament when looking at a given opportunity’s results and a community’s support.
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Starks made the most of the opportunities he was given to pursue his educational and basketball goals. Having played only one year of high school basketball, Starks would attend three junior colleges before getting the opportunity to compete on the NCAA Division I level at Oklahoma State University.
Upon completing his college career, Starks would go undrafted in the 1988 NBA Draft but would sign a free agent contract with the Golden State Warriors in the 1988-1989 season. Starks’ journey would continue with stints in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association) before getting his career-changing opportunity with the New York Knicks in 1990.
His career as a Knick would embody all of the elements of New Yorkers; toughness, charm, flair, and a belief in being the best no matter the circumstances.
In 1994, Starks would join his Knick teammates Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley in being named to the NBA All-Star game for his game-changing performances as he would help in leading the Knicks to the 1994 NBA Finals.
Retiring from basketball in 2002, Starks would continue to make a tremendous impact in the New York community through the John Starks Foundation. Launched in 1994, the John Starks Foundation (now in its 30th year) has provided scholarships to youth in the New York Tri-State area. 
Starks talked to ESHE about the importance of opportunities for youth, Dr. Richard Barnett’s impact on his life and the John Starks Foundation.
John Starks Foundation Official Website HERE
John Starks Foundation Instagram HERE
Great article! Didn’t know Starks’s journey to the NBA!