The basketball talent that once flourished in Pittsburgh may have faded over the years, but there are still young players determined to make their mark on the court.
With the decline of the steel industry and the city’s population, the flow of college prospects from Pittsburgh slowed down by the mid-1980s. The lack of places for city and suburban kids to play basketball contributed to this decline, as the city’s focus shifted towards football, particularly with the popularity of the Steelers.
Despite these challenges, there are still dedicated individuals like Darrelle Porter, who runs the Ozanam Basketball Program at the Ammon Community Recreation Center in the Hill District. Porter, a former Pitt player and coach, mentors young players and shares stories of local basketball legends to inspire the next generation.
One of those inspired players is Jaydan Brown, a junior at Central Catholic High, who believes he can add to Pittsburgh’s basketball legacy. Despite the city’s focus on football, Brown remains determined to make a name for himself on the basketball court.
As Porter tells the young players, there is always room for a few more legends in Pittsburgh’s basketball history. With the right determination and dedication, the city’s basketball talent may once again rise to prominence.
