Fresh off a workout in front of various NBA team representatives (including some from the Knicks), a number of prospects such as Vernon Goodridge and Tony Taylor Jr. hit the hardwood for a fantastic cause this weekend.
The Malone Mulhall Benefit Game hosted its second annual event this past Saturday afternoon at Adelphi University. An array of NBA Vegas Summer League standouts, as well as a couple more league-ready talents, such as the Spurs' Danny Green and local favorite Scott Machado, played in front of an excited packed crowd.
The event is held to honor the memories of three tremendous young adults--Jamie Malone, Paige Malone, and Michael Mulhall. The trio lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Floral Park during 2010. At the time, they were on their way to continue working at Camp ANCHOR, a camp where all three spent a great deal of time helping and working with kids with special needs.
As all three were big basketball fans, the players at Saturday's game aimed to put on an entertaining contest for all present to enjoy, all the while appreciating the lasting legacies the remembered left.
Neither team seemed to disappoint. Though Green and Machado may have been the headlining attractions, it was Goodridge who helped electrify the crowd. Known for his high-flying athletic ability, the 6'10" big man leaped and soared as he threw down a bevy of dunks. The Brooklyn native connected on a number of dimes from teammates and slammed in a couple of put-back dunks too.
For his acrobatic display, Goodridge was also fittingly named the Slam Dunk Champion during a side contest this year, beating out St. John's Red Storm alum Paris Horne.
Horne and former Red Storm teammate Justin Burrell displayed a great deal of chemistry of the court, finding one another again and again throughout the game for easy buckets. The two paced a 116-104 victory for their team, which was coached by NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin. NBA and Knicks play-by-play man Mike Breen returned to the contest for the second year in a row, coaching a team filled with talents like Green, Machado, and Goodridge.
Another strong standout from Breen's squad was Jeff Xavier, who plays overseas in Spain. Xavier is truly one of the best pure shooters you'll ever see. He's a strong guard who enjoys pushing the tempo and getting the ball up the court. Not much of a playmaker, Xavier can knock down shots with ease from long-range. He won the event's Three Point Shootout for the second year in a row, this year tying Green for the top honor.
In addition to Goodridge, Taylor Jr. and Rashad Bishop were among those from Friday's NBA workout playing in the charity game. Both guards played on Mullin's team and helped entertain the crowd by making shots from all around the gym. Taylor Jr. also continued to display those steady and intelligent floor general instincts.
Basketball fans can continue to donate and support the wonderful cause by visiting the MMBG's website today.
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