Cecil Watkins
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Inducted in 1997
Cecil Watkins
Cecil Kenneth Watkins (October 10, 2009) a Westbury, NY (Long Island) native. Watkins cared deeply for his community and giving back to the game he loved.
Watkins was the President and CEO of the National Pro-Am City Leagues Association, Inc., a national organization that develops both players and referees for the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Governor and Boys Basketball Chairman of the New York Metropolitan Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and an active board member for several organizations. During his 18 years with the NBA, he served as Director of Community and Special Programs and as an Assistant Supervisor of Officials. He was also a co-founder and former executive director of ELMCOR Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., a community service organization serving East Elmhurst, Corona, and Jamaica.
He was respected nationwide for his knowledge and leadership in sports and community recreation. His efforts were largely responsible for providing countless inner-city youth with positive outlets to express themselves and grow through their participation in sports. In recent years, Cecil was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Adelphi University and selected as a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Mannie Jackson-Basketball's Human Spirit Award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for NYS Basketball, NYC Basketball, ELMCOR, and Adelphi University.
Most importantly, he made a difference in the lives of so many people. Cecil was a gentle giant who transformed communities with his uncanny genius and touched the hearts of those who knew him with his candor, his humor, and his generosity.
Watkins was the President and CEO of the National Pro-Am City Leagues Association, Inc., a national organization that develops both players and referees for the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Governor and Boys Basketball Chairman of the New York Metropolitan Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and an active board member for several organizations. During his 18 years with the NBA, he served as Director of Community and Special Programs and as an Assistant Supervisor of Officials. He was also a co-founder and former executive director of ELMCOR Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., a community service organization serving East Elmhurst, Corona, and Jamaica.
He was respected nationwide for his knowledge and leadership in sports and community recreation. His efforts were largely responsible for providing countless inner-city youth with positive outlets to express themselves and grow through their participation in sports. In recent years, Cecil was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Adelphi University and selected as a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Mannie Jackson-Basketball's Human Spirit Award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for NYS Basketball, NYC Basketball, ELMCOR, and Adelphi University.
Most importantly, he made a difference in the lives of so many people. Cecil was a gentle giant who transformed communities with his uncanny genius and touched the hearts of those who knew him with his candor, his humor, and his generosity.