Felipe Lopez Inducted in 2014
Felipe Lopez would leave his native home of Santo Domingo, DR by the age of 14 and attend the powerhouse Rice HS in Harlem, NY. Lopez was named the best HS player's of by his senior season. The high school phenom would grace the cover of Sports Illustrated before ever entering college. Lopez would help the Rice Raiders win the 1994 New York State Championship. He would also earn the McDonald's All-American MVP title in 1994.
The shooting guard would remain home and play for St Johns University where he finished his career with 1,927 points. He earned the Haggerty Award in 1998 and holds the St John's record for the most three-pointers made in a single season and in a career.
Lopez was drafted in the first round as the 24th pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He would get immediately traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies (1998-2000), then later play for the Washington Wizards (2000-2001) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (2001-2002). Lopez for a few years has been NBA Cares ambassador and a mentor to kids in his South Bronx neighborhood. He also serves as an analyst and play-by-play man on the Knicks Spanish-language telecasts.
Michael Riordan a New York City native began his playing career at Holy Cross HS in Queens, NY. The 6-4 shooting guard would later play for Providence (1964-1967). He was a part of two NCAA tournament teams at Providence.
He would get drafted in the 12 round as the 128th pick by the New York Knicks in 1967. Later he would play for Allentown Jets a CBA team 1967-1968. Then return to the Knicks (1968-1971), and then play for the Baltimore/Washington Bullets (1971-1977). He finished his NBA career with 6,334 points and won a NBA Championship with the Knicks in 1970. The guard averaged 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists in leading the Baltimore Bullets to a Central Division title and the playoffs. He was also named NBA Defensive Second Team in 1973.