Video courtesy of the Jr. Knicks

The Jr. Knicks announced on May 24 that Clarence “Mugsy” Legget has been named the 2021 Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Legget is currently the executive director of the Wiz Kids basketball program and the director of the SCAN after-school program.

 

Founded in 1977, SCAN-Harbor is a non-profit youth and family service organization that provides a variety of integrated supports to the highest risk children and families of Harlem, East Harlem and the South Bronx.

 

Following hundreds of nominations, from youth basketball coaches across the Tristate area, Clarence was named this year’s recipient at an afternoon ceremony on Friday, May 24, at his team’s practice at Baychester Middle School in the Edenwald section of the Bronx, with a surprise visit from Knicks legend, John Starks.

 

Growing up in New York City, Clarence quickly developed an appreciation for the benefits provided to him through a combination of academics and skills on the basketball court. In 1990, following a successful collegiate career and time spent traveling the world with the Harlem Wizards, Clarence began to act on his desire to make a positive impact on children.

 

He started a basketball recreation program in The Bronx with only volunteers and his family members. Local boys and girls quickly embraced the program and the “Wiz Kids” began expanding to various gymnasiums and outside courts throughout the borough. In 2001, the program found a home in the Northeast part of the borough. ​

“I am humbled and honored to be named the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year,” said Legget. “I do not do this for recognition and cannot believe, after 30 years, I am getting this award. But maybe that is it; time, patience, and turning the Wiz Kids program into a family, my family, it is deserved.”

 

As the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year, Clarence will receive a $10,000 equipment donation to his youth basketball organization, a $5,000 donation towards facility rental costs and $2,000 donation worth of Knicks merchandise to his youth basketball organization. The first and second runner-up for the award will also receive financial donations to help with their youth basketball organizations.

 

Legget added, “These funds will help continue to build my community (Edenwald) and give kids in my program access to opportunities they could only dream of.”

 

Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS said the award honored Legget’s exceptional work as an outstanding mentor on and off the court, one who he said exemplified the qualities of leadership and integrity. “These qualities are so important because they are what allow us to succeed every day, and especially in challenging situations,” said Shapiro.

 

Jr. Knicks support the growth of youth basketball participation for boys and girls ages 5-14 by teaching them the fundamentals of the sport while instilling core values including teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. The program strives to endocrine the next generation of Knicks fans through the game of basketball by initiatives that support and uplift the community. For more information on the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year Award, visit nyknicks.com/junior/coach-of-the-year.