The King And His Courts

Before he became a team captain under Dean Smith at North Carolina and before he became a two-time MAAC Coach of the Year at Monmouth University King Rice played a lot of basketball in Binghamton, New York. Officials have not forgotten Rice and this past weekend held a ceremony to rename the Columbus Park basketball courts in his name…the same courts he played on as a kid.

At the ceremony Rice said “I am truly 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.”

Mayor Richard C. David added “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.

Rice starred at Binghamton High School from 1983-87 and over his final three seasons the team went 68-6. He was named a McDonald’s All-American as a senior.