• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Write for Sports Collectors Daily
    • Write About Your Sports Collection
    • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Hot on eBay
    • Most Watched Graded Rookies
    • Most Watched PSA 10 Cards
    • Most Watched BGS, BVG Cards
    • Most Watched SGC Cards
    • Most Watched CSG,CGC Cards
    • Most Watched Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2023 Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2022 Baseball Rookie Cards
      • Bowman Chrome Cards
      • Ronald Acuna Jr. Cards
      • Shohei Ohtani Cards
      • Mike Trout Cards
      • Fernando Tatis Jr. Cards
      • Babe Ruth Cards
      • Hank Aaron Cards
      • Jackie Robinson Cards:
      • Mickey Mantle Cards
      • Willie Mays Cards
      • Vintage Baseball Card Sets
      • T206 Cards
    • Most Watched Basketball
      • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2022-23 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2021-22 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2020-21 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
        • Zion Williamson Rookie Cards
        • Ja Morant Rookie Cards
      • Michael Jordan Cards
      • Kobe Bryant Cards
      • LeBron James Rookie Cards
      • Nikola Jokic Rookie Cards
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo Cards
      • Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
      • Prizm Basketball Cards
      • Panini National Treasures
    • Most Watched Football Cards
      • Most Watched NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2022 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Brock Purdy Rookie Cards
      • 2021 NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2020 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Joe Burrow Rookie Cards
        • Justin Herbert Rookie Cards
        • Jalen Hurts Rookie Cards
      • Josh Allen Rookie Cards
      • Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards
      • Tom Brady Cards
    • Most Watched Hockey Cards
      • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2021-22 NHL Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2020-21 Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2019-20 Rookie Cards
      • Connor McDavid Cards
      • Wayne Gretzky Cards
      • Bobby Orr Cards
    • Most Watched Soccer Cards
    • Most Watched UFC Cards
    • Most Watched Golf Cards
    • Most Watched 1 of 1 Cards
    • Most Watched Racing Cards
    • Top Sports Card Dealers on eBay
    • Most Watched Memorabilia
      • Vintage Sports Memorabilia
    • Vintage Sports Tickets, Stubs
    • Most Watched Autographs
  • Ending Soon on Ebay
    • Baseball Cards
    • Basketball Cards
    • Football Cards
    • Hockey Cards
    • Soccer Cards
    • Golf Cards
    • UFC Cards
  • Top - Ad

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports collecting news - Sports cards and sports memorabilia industry news.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
      • Shop Talk
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Affordable Vintage Cards, Collectibles
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • Around The Hobby
    • Editor’s Blog
    • David Cycleback’s Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Popular Stories
  • Sell Your Cards
You are here: Home / Around the Hobby / Legends of Basketball Event Offers Autographs, Great Stories

Legends of Basketball Event Offers Autographs, Great Stories

April 4, 2022 By Jeff Baker

It’s a place where you’ll find some of the greatest players ever to lace up a pair of sneakers but an event that not many collectors and sports fans know about.  

On the third Monday in March, The Legends of Basketball brings basketball greats to Naples, FL to raise money for a good cause.  Produced by All Star Events of Naples, this year’s gathering was the third of its kind.  It was held at the Hilton Naples Hotel ballroom and featured basketball Hall of Famers Kevin McHale, Earl Monroe, Rick Barry and Artis Gilmore.

The Legends of Basketball event in Naples, FL.

The event raises funds for Pick up the Ball of Fort Myers, which mentors young men in low-income high-risk areas to provide them opportunities designed to raise their level of expectations, increase their chances of success, and improved understanding among all communities. Several young people who are in the the program were in attendance once again this year and the Hall of Famers made a point to address them numerous times during the night’s proceedings.

Legends of Basketball can best be described as a combination of “living the good life” and basketball fan nirvana. In addition to meet and greets and autographs with the players, program sponsor Porsche Naples made new models of the sports car available to attendees to test drive. My wife took full advantage of this, cruising around the streets in a new sports car.

There are cigars, great drinks and enjoyable appetizers, but the real appeal was the presence of basketball royalty in the form of Hall of Famers McHale, Monroe, Barry and Gilmore.

Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and Jeff Baker

This year’s representatives spent an enjoyable hour signing autographs and talking basketball one-on-one prior to the main event with VIP guests. Tickets for this portion of the event cost $250. VIP tickets granted direct access to the four basketball legends and was accompanied with a custom gift bag which included an autographed ball signed by all four Hall of Famers and special commemorative 8 x 11 autographed one sheet.

The legends were in good spirits, talking with guests as well as each other. It was great to see former teammates and opponents interacting with each other, reminiscing about their playing days as well as talking about today’s players. The VIP tickets were sold in small numbers which lent itself to providing the attendees an extended amount time with each player.

Artis Gilmore has a decided height advantage on the author.

The main event, which costs $125 to attend, lasted for over two hours and featured a raised main table comprised of the four legends at the front of the room. The night was emceed by event organizer Michael Byrd of Naples All Star Events. Byrd moved the event along asking the players questions about their careers and what inspired and motivated them during their climb to greatness. A special video montage was shown, with highlights of each player’s career. This year the organizers also paid a special tribute to recently passed Boston Celtics’ legend and basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones who attended last year’s event. Jones’ son gave a touching tribute to his dad and told some funny stories about him.

Kevin McHale shared a piece of advice his dad gave him as a youngster that drove him to earn a scholarship and success as a professional player, Rick Barry mentioned the joy he gets watching his sons play professional basketball.  Artis Gilmore talked about his decision to choose the ABA over the NBA (he loved red, white and blue ball, among other things) and Earl Monroe talked about his time in Baltimore and New York as a member of the “Cadillac Backcourt” with Walt Frazier.

Audience members were also able to ask questions of the Hall of Fame panel and there were plenty of raffle prizes and auction items up for grabs including a golf bag signed by the four players and a chance to play a round of golf with Rick Barry at an exclusive Naples course. My wife was lucky enough to win a framed autographed program by Sam Jones from last year’s event in one of the raffles.

At the conclusion of the Q&A session, the four Hall of Famers graciously stayed and signed autographs for all those that wanted for no additional charge. People brought cards, magazines and basketballs to be signed. There was also an event program that the All Stars gladly signed.

I came home with a bag full of great autographed items from each player and some great memories of meeting each of them, having a few laughs and hearing some great stories from the world of pro basketball.

Next year’s event date has not been scheduled. Check back with the event’s website for 2023 event information and to purchase tickets. Naples in late March is outstanding and The Legends of Basketball event makes it that much more fun.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Facebook Messenger

Related Stories:

Exec’s Love for University Spurs Basketball Autograph Auction TTM This Week: Artis Gilmore, Autograph Successes and More Stuff Players Won’t Sign Dribbles and Scribbles: Who are Basketball’s Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Jackie, Mays? A Crossover Comparison and Collector’s Guide Proposed ‘Posterized’ Collector Book Will Highlight NBA’s Greatest Dunks Dribbles and Scribbles: Al McGuire and the Strangest Autographed Item in My Collection Dribbles & Scribbles: A Little 80s “Magic” Restarts a Collecting Journey Notes: BC Shop Going on 31; Stolen Boxes; Jeter SP Auction; Jersey News; Rick Barry Chat Notes: Bobby Shantz at NBCD; Winning a ’52 Mantle; Gilmore Book Signing; Funny Stories

About Jeff Baker

Jeff Baker is a long time collector from Massachusetts. He hosts the popular TTM Podcast.

Filed Under: Around the Hobby, Popular Stories Tagged With: Artis Gilmore, basketball autographs, dribbles and scribbles, Earl Monroe, Kevin McHale, Legends of Basketball, pro basketball, Rick Barry

Primary Sidebar

Our articles may contain affiliate links. When you click on links to merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

Shop Sports Cards on Ebay
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey

High End Cards and Memorabilia

  • BBCE Authenticated Boxes, Packs opens in a new window
  • Graded pre-War Card eBay Auctions
  • PWCC Premier Auction
  • PWCC Fixed Price Marketplace
  • Graded Rookie Cards on eBay opens in a new window
  • Authenticated Photos on eBay opens in a new window
  • Graded Tickets & Stubs opens in a new window

Bargain Corner

  • Michael Jordan cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Kobe Bryant cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Mickey Mantle Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Graded T206 Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Pre-War Cards Under $100 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Baseball Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Football Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Basketball Cards $25 and less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Hockey Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Complete Sets $20 and Less opens in a new window
  • Baseball Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Football Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Hobby Boxes Under $30 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1986 Rookie Cards Under $1 opens in a new window
  • Buy Boxes Directly from Topps opens in a new window

RSS Auction Report

  • Consignments Wanted – Meet Huggins & Scott at the Philly Show This Weekend
  • Heritage Auctions Icons Photography Auction Ends October 12, 2023
  • Steve Novella Offers PSA Baseball, Football & Non-Sport Cards Auction Ending Sept. 28, 2023

Footer

Categories

  • Around the Hobby
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • David Cycleback's Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Editor's Blog
  • Featured Articles
  • Hobby Shop Talk
  • National Sports Collectors Convention
  • Popular Stories
  • Rich Klein's Ramblings
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Uncategorized

Sponsor Links

  • Sports Card Forumopens in a new window
  • Buying Vintage Sports Cardsopens in a new window
  • Game Used Jerseysopens in a new window
  • Championship Rings For Saleopens in a new window
  • Vintage Basketball Cardsopens in a new window
  • NBA Signed Itemsopens in a new window
  • Autographed Baseballsopens in a new window
  • NASCAR Autographsopens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Baseball Cardsopens in a new window
  • Player Picturesopens in a new window
  • Vintage Football Cardsopens in a new window
  • Sports Collectors Storeopens in a new window

Pages

Ending on eBay Soon
  • Baseball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Basketball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Football Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Hockey Card Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay Ending Soon
Top 100 on Ebay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Baseball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Card Auctions
  • Top Authenticated Vintage Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
Most Watched on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Graded Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Tom Brady Card Auctions on eBay
  • 50 Hottest Hobby Boxes at Auction on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Golf Trading Cards on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Wrestling Trading Cards on eBay
  • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
  • Most Popular Bobbleheads on eBay
  • Most Watched 1/1 Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Complete Baseball Card Sets at Auction on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
  • Most Watched Goudey Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Hockey Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Racing Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Soccer Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Autographs on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Jerseys on eBay
  • Most Watched Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Most Watched Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay
  • Hottest Panini National Treasures Cards on eBay
  • Hottest PSA 10 Cards for Sale on eBay
  • What’s Hot on eBay
Sports Memorabilia
  • Sports Card Bargain Bin
  • Sports Memorabilia Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
About Sports Collectors Daily
  • Advertise with SC Daily
  • Contact Us
  • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Sell Your Cards
  • What’s It Worth
  • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?

Copyright © 2023 SportsCollectorsDaily.com | Web Design by Wickam Groupopens in a new window