CITY OF BINGHAMTON HONORS KING RICE

BINGHAMTON, NY – In a ceremony held this past weekend, Binghamton Mayor Richard C. David joined officials from the Broome County Urban League and the city's Parks and Recreations Department to rename the Columbus Park basketball courts in King Rice's name. Rice began his career in Binghamton, and played at Binghamton High School before graduating in 1987.

"This court made me, me. It pushed me by watching a lot of you guys play, it pushed me to say 'man, I can get this done'. I am so honored. I have to say thank you to everybody for starting the journey with me. Since I left, when I come off the highway I get off on Susquehanna Street, and I turn on Carroll, and I sit and see the front of this park. " – King Rice at a press conference at the park

Mayor David announced that the courts will be named "King Rice Courts", and also unveiled plans for major upgrades to the parks. It was also noted that May 5 will be known in Binghamton as "King Rice Day".

Rice, who starred at Binghamton High School from 1983-87, helped his team to a 68-6 record in his final three seasons and was named a McDonald's All-American as a senior. He continued his basketball career at North Carolina, where he played 140 games with the Tar Heels and recorded 629 assists, a top-10 mark in program history. He recently completed his seventh season at the helm of the Hawks, where he is a two-time MAAC Coach of the Year and has collected 117 wins.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES
"King is an individual who knows this city, who knows these courts and this park very well, so it's truly an honor to host him back here at Columbus Park in the City of Binghamton." – Binghamton Mayor Richard C. David

"I am truly so honored and humbled by this… I wouldn't be here without this community. I see the guys I watched when I was a little guy. They taught me and kept the bad things away from me. Everybody helped me to get to be here. This is big for all of my family, and I would not be here without them and their support on this whole journey." – King Rice

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