A few months before engaging in literal pushing to bear their daughter Suhayla Taylor, Shatira Harrison performed the figurative version, coaxing boyfriend Robert “Beattie” Taylor to continue his basketball career.
“She was definitely persistent and has my gratitude,” the 29-year-old athlete said.
Enjoying his first year as a father, Taylor, formerly of the 1500 block of South 15th Street, also is rejoicing over leading the UL Eagles to Ireland’s SuperLeague National Cup Feb. 3 and the SuperLeague Championship March 25. The victories resume his role as a winner, a title forged in his days at St. John Neumann High School, 2600 Moore St., now Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St.
His second sojourn to the Emerald Isle spelled immediate trouble for foes, as the Southwest Philly resident used a deeper appreciation for the team concept to restore his squad’s pride.
“People want winners,” he said of ditching an infatuation with individual merit for an affinity for cohesion.
The Eagles sent him a fall e-mail titled “Help” to see if he might consider salvaging their year. Having made his overseas debut in 2005 with the then-Limerick Lions, Taylor decided to pounce.
“I had been working out with guys at Neumann-Goretti and after strength returned to my legs, I felt I had to resume,” he said.
His agent’s outreach landed him a contract and a November flight. Deeming the team “a mess” upon his arrival, Taylor chose to be a leader, though not a loud one.
“I led by example and that meant holding my tongue sometimes,” he said of his approach to building rapport and resolve.
His limbs made up for his mouth’s silence, with his parental status compelling him to give his ’01 Catholic League Championship company. Taylor confessed having a child made him hungrier to be able to share successful hardwood tales. His adversaries likely wish he had become a procreator later, as the Eagles quickly regained their prowess. Their renewed commitment gave them the chance to do what they had not done in a decade — capture the National Cup. They had dropped the ’06 final by two points, with Taylor earning Most Valuable Player honors. Not looking to have his unit be a bridesmaid again, he duplicated his feat, but the Eagles did not, gutting out a 72-65 win over the UCC Demons at Dublin’s Tallaght Arena.
“That was the greatest feeling, coming out victorious and proving that believing in another will bring good results,” Taylor said.
The facility again hosted the Eagles the next month, as they engaged the DCU Saints for the league crown. Taylor had history on his mind for that contest, too, as he tasted defeat in the final six years ago as well. His resilient bunch ensured he would return home a conqueror, as the Saints bowed, 70-56.
“I loved gaining redemption,” Taylor, who in 12 games averaged 20 points, five assists and three steals, said of again proving himself a formidable point guard. “I want even more. Winning does that to a guy.”
Taylor and hoops have had a healthy relationship since his days at St. Thomas Aquinas, 1719 Morris St. The ’01 Review Male Athlete of the Year averaged 15 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals in his final Neumann campaign, helping coach Carl Arrigale to secure the first of his eight titles. His talented family includes fellow alumni in cousin Richard “Tabby” Cunningham and brother Earl Pettis, the latter a soon-to-be La Salle University graduate. A desire to remain close to kin prompted Taylor to attend Lawrenceville’s, N.J.’s Rider University.
“I felt prepared to play against top talent because of Neumann,” he said of choosing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s Broncs.
In three years as a starter, he averaged 10 points per game, and his teams tallied 48 wins. As his senior year progressed, he knew he wanted to frustrate more defenders. Then-assistant coach and current head man Tommy Dempsey had sent film footage to Ireland, and the Lions gobbled Taylor up, with his talent paying fast dividends. Another Irish stop intensified his pursuit of acclaim, yet his third destination exposed a faster brand of ball that accentuated his will.
“I played a year in Montevideo,” he said of living in the Uruguayan capital. “The crowds were so intense, like a jungle.”
His South American service complete, he made his way back to Europe, playing in Göttingen, Germany. A hand injury curtailed his moves, and his daughter’s birth gave him more perspective on his place in the game.
“It means so much to me to be a father,” he said. “My girlfriend and I decided that if I were to be away from my baby, I should go where I have the best chance to win to make my absence extra worthwhile.”
His girlfriend and cousin Yusef Turner influenced his decision to lace up his sneakers and attempt to break ankles. Teams courted him for a month, and his expanding maturity helped him to see the game as a business upon his return. His realization made pleasing fans an even bigger draw.
“Like I said, people want winners,” Taylor said. “Players need to be accountable to one another and the fan base.”
He enjoys not being responsible for only himself, approaching time with Suhayla as enriching as draining a three-pointer. His achievements mean his offspring will have plenty to hear of, but her daddy wants more.
“I have summer-league stuff prepared and am looking into pro-am[ateur] stuff,” he said.
The Eagles are hoping he soars over the Atlantic Ocean again, and he is entertaining their offer and pitches from Australia and Israel. No matter his decision, nothing but triumphs will matter.
“I like standing out,” he said, “but it’s better when standing among guys with a trophy in your hand.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
