The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) or more well known as the “Legends of Basketball” is an organization comprised of former basketball players in the NBA, ABA, and Harlem Globetrotters that was established not only to promote basketball, but to provide assistance to the community as well.
Founded by notable basketball players like Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson, the association provides assistance to retired players in different ways like helping members in pension issues, providing support in career transition, and post-retirement objectives.
The association also engaged in different community services like providing funds for different charitable activities, especially regarding health care coverage by providing financial help to different hospitals and small health care units in the community.
In 1992, the NBRPA also established a scholarship program that is continuously providing financial assistance to the children of former professional basketball players in need to help them meet the demands of higher education nowadays. The NBRPA scholarship program, which was later renamed to The Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Fund in honor of one of the association’s founder, has provided over $1,000,000 financial assistance to former players and their children.
The NBA, which is arguably the most famous basketball league in the world, is supporting the association financially and has built a good working relationship since it was established.
You might be wondering how difficult it is to become a member of this impressive association. Actually, it is not that difficult; if you have played at least one season of professional basketball – NBA, ABA, and Harlem Globetrotters – you are eligible to become a member as long as you are officially retired.
Through the years, the NBRPA has lived up to their goal of providing assistance to retired basketball players to help them have a better life after their basketball career.
Leave a Reply