As the daughter of basketball legend Billy Cunningham, I’ve created this collection of NBA memories to share our unique journey together. These Legacy Stories chronicle his remarkable basketball life—from childhood beginnings and high school days at Erasmus Hall to his collegiate career at UNC-Chapel Hill, and throughout his NBA journey as Philadelphia 76ers star player, championship coach, franchise owner, and respected CBS commentator. Through rare photographs, memorabilia, and personal stories, I celebrate both my father’s professional achievements and our cherished family connection that spans generations of basketball history.
How eggs thrown in rivalry became a metaphor for coming together during America’s darkest hour Courtside Family This story was originally published April 10, 2020 and marked the beginning of a special relationship with Wali “Wonder” Jones, my dad’s teammate who has become like an uncle to me. Our conversations about basketball, civil rights, and what… Continue reading Brotherhood Beyond Rivalry: Basketball and Civil Rights in 1968
Wilt’s 100-Point Game – Does anybody care? Have you ever cared so much about something—and wonder, does anybody care? That’s how I feel about Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game—a record so gigantic, so unbreakable, that it should be talked about endlessly. But bring it up today–it’s the anniversary–and you’ll get a shrug. Nobody cares. We had… Continue reading Moments Bigger Than You: Wilt’s 100-Point Game Still Matters
What does activism have to do with Valentine’s Day? Here in Philadelphia, basketball legends often become community heroes. Wali Jones stands as a living example of active love in action. Born on Valentine’s Day, Jones transformed from a 1967 Sixers champion into something far more significant. He’s a living embodiment of activism in action. Talk… Continue reading Wali Jones Valentine’s Legend
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