On Wednesday evening, President Barack Obama hosted his highly anticipated basketball fundraiser, the "Obama Classic." The event took place at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Basketball fans and Obama supporters alike were treated to a variety of events throughout the evening, including an autograph session (for a $250 donation), a skills clinic (for a $5,000 donation), and lastly, an informal shoot-around and a dinner with President Obama and his array of basketball player and legend guests (for a $20,000 donation).
The President certainly brought out some of the biggest and best names the game of basketball has ever seen for this elaborate event. Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Knicks legend Patrick Ewing were among those to highlight the event. Knickerbocker champions Walt Frazier and Senator Bill Bradley were also in attendance, as were NBA Commissioner David Stern and current NBA stars like Chris Bosh and the Knicks' own Carmelo Anthony.
On this patriotic occasion, President Obama made sure to congratulate Anthony on helping Team USA bring home the gold medal during the Olympics. The big time basketball fan said, "When it comes to how we deal with other countries, I’m very proud that America is stronger and more respected around the world, and we saw—some of you were at the London Olympics—Carmelo and some other folks were there," he said, as the crowd applauded. "Way to bring home the gold. We appreciate that."
Anthony has been a big and vocal supporter of Obama and his campaign from the very beginning. While it's always been enough for Anthony to simply give back, there's no denying how valuable the experience of being around so many Knicks' legends at once could have been for the star forward. Seeing and hearing from so many players who have been celebrated in the Big Apple should only give Anthony even more motivation to continue cementing his legacy as he chases a championship for New York.
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