The Philadelphia 76ers might not be represented in 2009 NBA All-Star game or festivities taking place this weekend in Phoenix, Ariz., but South Philadelphia will be in the form of 11-year-old Allison Grubb, of 18th Street and Oregon Avenue.
She is making the trip as a member of the ’08-’09 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Team throughout the country who are skilled players, great teammates and exemplify good sportsmanship and leadership on the court, in the classroom and in their communities. Allison Grubb is an member of the Palumbo Recreation Center, 10th and Fitzwater streets, league.
"I’m very excited and thankful to be playing in Phoenix All-Star weekend," Grubb, a sixth-grader at St. Richards, 19th and Pollock street, said.
Each Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA league director nationwide had the opportunity to nominate one boy and one girl, ages 11 to 12 in their program. Forty-five finalists were identified for the National Team by an independent selection committee.
Allison was nominated by Palumbo rec leaders Brian Canti and Bill Fuller from the Palumbo Recreation Center.
"Allison was chosen because she is a very active in the community and has great basketball ability," dad Mike Grubb said. "Most importantly, she has a 97 average in school."
The trip to the desert will include a meet and greet with NBA Commissioner David Stern and each youngster will be recognized in the arena during NBA All-Star Saturday Night. Sunday,
Grubb, a point guard for the St. Richards Catholic Youth Organization team, said she is most looking forward to Sunday morning’s contest pitting her National Team against the Phoenix All-Stars. As far the NBA stars go, the young athlete said she looking forward to meeting LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I hope the weekend will be a memorable one," she said.
