Now that I have this opportunity to play for the Warriors what I plan to do is just be me: be a great teammate, be the hardest playing guy on the floor, whatever it takes to win. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. I was 10 years old or so and ran around playing tag in the locker room with my cousins Bernard and Kevin. "I always wanted to walk onto that court donning an NBA jersey," Toscano-Anderson said. "I would say, like at home, it was just like all Mexican traditions. Al Attles Basketball Player #173216 Most Popular Boost Birthday November 7, 1936 Birthplace Newark , NJ Age 86 years old Birth Sign Scorpio About Point guard who starred for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors from 1960-1971, and coached the team from 1970-1983. It seems hardly surprising since Attles cemented an 11-year career with the Warriors, coached them to their 1975 NBA championship and served as a longtime club ambassador. But as of Thursday morning, Toscano-Anderson is an official member of the Warriors -- and stillan Oakland resident -- as he signed a standard, multiyear contract with Golden State. He is married to Willhemina Rice. Al Attle's wife Wilhemina with children Erika and Alvin Jr. watch Game 4 of the championship series against the Washington Bullets May 25, 1975 (Photo by Terry Schmitt/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) DETAILS Restrictions: Contact your local office for all commercial or promotional uses. But it won't last long. Through the rest of elementary and middle school, Juan split time between his grandpas home and those of his AAU coaches in Oakland, not moving to Castro Valley full-time until the summer before his freshman year of high school. While youre asleep, there is someone on the other side of the world trying to figure out a way to steal your ideas and take your money.. Shenoticed that heseemed to be happiest when he was playing basketball in the schoolyard. ", Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast, Why JTA felt 'destined' to sign standard contract with Dubs, JTA sharesheartfelt moment with mom after contract signing. It was the same at home. Attles, 82, arrived Friday for Game 4 of the NBA Finals with son Al Attles III to a warm welcome from security and arena staff. He had the shooting touch of a jackhammer, but no team ever traded Attles for cash and a fist to be named later, probably because if intimidation was what you wanted, it was clearly better to fight with Attles than against him. "But he's. The boy bothering my aunt found that out the hard way. My father is as humble as they come. In addition to sending Juan to the Warriors youth basketball camp, Attles connected him with the Oakland Rebels, a youth AAU program. Klay Thompson subscribes. Back when Attles had a sharper memory, his consideration for others left a lasting impact. He was named player-coach of the Warriors midway through the 196970 season, succeeding George Lee. Toward the bottom of the cup was a familiar name in green marker: Juan Toscano-Anderson, now a 6-foot-6, 213-pound backup forward for the Golden State Warriors who has become a fan favorite. Al Attles is best known as a Basketball Player. I just, I was living in urban culture. When he is not watching the game, Attles is catching up with a former Warriors teammate or fan. Al Attles, who played with and coached Barry and is now a vice president in the organization, also has little to say. Patricia, still grieving the death of her younger brother, sank into a deep depression. Five months later, one of his closest cousins, Eric Toscano, was shot and killed while celebrating his 18th birthday at his home on Ney Avenue in East Oakland. "Enjoy this journey that basketball and life have taken me on. A life-changing signature," Toscano-Anderson said in a Zoom press conference Thursday evening. Playing in Santa Cruz was really cool also being back home, that was really cool, said Toscano-Anderson. Oakland is home to Juan Toscano-Anderson. I greatly anticipate my father becoming immortalized. Toscano-Anderson penned a personal note on the jersey reading: I wouldnt be wearing this jersey if it werent for you, Toscano-Anderson humbly shared with her. Toscano-Anderson could have been among them. In 29 games, Juan Toscano-Anderson has averaged 5.0 points on 52.8% shooting, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Warriors. So instead of a substantial financial increase and a promise of more executive control in a new city, my dad settled for lifelong season tickets, a small salary bump and a familiar seat in his office in the Oakland Coliseum. "Hes done everything weve asked and more," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. Attles became an assistant coach in 1968, while still a player. But before he could play in a preseason game, Toscano-Anderson had to complete what has become a team tradition at the annual Open Practice: he had to sing. But hey, hes here and Im here. When his mom moved back to Castro Valley when he was in fifth grade, he refused to leave East Oakland. "I can't envision anyone playing better than Barry is right now," says Warrior Coach Al Attles, whose surprising club leads the Pacific Division despite the loss over the past six months of Nate Thurmond, Clyde Lee, Jim Barnett, Joe Ellis and Cazzie Russell through trades, release or the kind of front-office ineptitude that once made the . Attles's number 16 is retired by the Warriors and he attends every Warriors home game. When Patricias salary from teaching violence-prevention skills to juvenile offenders wasnt enough to cover the rent, she and her kids stayed with her father, Macario Toscano. "I feel like this situation is just destined," he said. Al Attles was such a player, an enforcer. Juan Toscano-Anderson disputes fouling Jimmy Butler during a February game against the Heat at Chase Center. But my dads priorities even in a potentially life-changing situation, left a deep impression on me. Toscano-Anderson would require resilience, a change in the NBAs style of play and some luck to go from a seldom-used college reserve to a rotation player with the Warriors. At that time, I could see that Juan loved sports. police arrest 2 teens suspected in brutal attack near Dolores Park, a hero of sorts to Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Coach Steve Kerr rocked a retro-style suit in Attles' honor, sighing and saying after the game, "Polyester, 100 percent polyester. Former Warriors head coach Al Attles attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, marking his first appearance at Oracle Arena in 2019. At that time, the only NBA player he knew about was Allen Iverson.". Golden State Warriors Established 1946 | 7-time NBA Champions October 6, 2021 2:43 PM PDT Twenty years ago, Juan Toscano-Anderson was initially introduced to basketball by his third grade teacher,. Tough. But there were complications. It was 20 years ago when teacher Wilhelmina Attles, wife of former Warriors star player and coach Al Attles, encouraged Toscano-Anderson to play basketball. This is my fathers playful response when people ask how he feels about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron, How Juan Toscano-Anderson escaped monsters of his youth to become Oaklands Warrior, How Juan Toscano-Anderson gave himself a shot at a long-term future with Warriors, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson attend Oakland protest led by Juan Toscano-Anderson, How Curry's 3-point shooting changed the game. Toscano-Anderson memorialized his late cousin by getting a tattoo of 78 Erics jersey number with Oaklands Skyline High School football team on his upper left arm. He took over as player-coach for the last season of his career, and remained as head coach until 1983 (save for 21 games in 1980). Even his wife Wilhelmina is a tough competitor. For the rest of the school year, she made herself available to Juan anytime he needed her. It also unlocked his passion for basketball. On March 2, 1962, he was the team's second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. Yes, the wife of Warriors legend Al Attles. She did her best to provide for her children, but it never was easy to balance being a solo parent while maintaining a job in social work to support them. My dad and my sister were my only regular exposure to other Black people. It was undoubtedly a full circle moment for both Toscano-Anderson and Attles, whose positive influence made an everlasting impact on the future of the Warriors forward. Leave it to Toscano-Anderson to make his connection to the Bay Area known through his song of choice: Thizzle Dance by the late East Bay rapper Mac Dre. I never thought in a million years Id be playing for the Warriors, let alone in the NBA, but its exciting for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for the people of Oakland.. This happened once he transferred schools after having a knife pulled on him in second grade. "It was like something to feed off of," the Warriors forwardsaid. He became the first Warriors Basketball Camp alumni to play for the Dubs, and the third product of the camps to play in the NBA. My mom suggested I gather all of my fathers trophies and momentoes, so I grabbed as many as I could and began rushing back and forth to the car. As he walks past familiar liquor stores and laundromats, he is reminded of some childhood memories that shake him to this day. I knew theyd knock him right out, Patricia said. He plans on starting with getting his brother a car for his 16th birthday. I look forward to meeting so many idols from my youth. I am done trying to show people that I am Black and I am Mexican. (Oakland Tribune Photo), Former player, coach, player/coach and the last coach to last Warriors' coach to win a championship Al Attles has a word with the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) following their victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. Two of his most famous knockouts were against far bigger men: 6-9 Zelmo Beaty and 6-8 Bob Ferry. Keen members of Dub Nation likely saw a lot of Toscano-Anderson while they watched this past NBA Summer League as he played on both of the Dubs summer squads in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League. After visiting his mom in San Leandro and getting a trim at Phat Fades Barbershop on East 14th Street, he stops by his grandpas house on 95th Avenue. Patricia explained to Mrs. Attles that while she'd love for her son to be involved, but she simply didn't have the money for it. It wouldn't matter if he was living there or pursuing his basketball dreams elsewhere -- Oakland was always home. As the years passed, Attles often wondered what had become of the meek boy with the cornrows and the Larry Hughes jersey. One day, my mother came home from a full day to find my father napping. Yes, the wife of Warriors legend Al Attles. Attles's team tried to repeat the following season, but they lost to the Phoenix Suns in the Conference Finals in seven games. I get to enjoy everything I get to do with my family. I'm from Oakland.". Al Attles, NBA player. "We were houseless, we lived in a car, and from here and there to different places," Patricia said. * * *. Once he slipped up. "Of course we had family, but you know, who wants to go to their family with their children? You know, just really taking on the competitive challenge that was needed.". I ran and collected all the family photo albums and put them in my car. Outside of his family, most of the people he interacted with were Black. "I'm in tune with both of my heritages, and I love that about myself. "I can get in where I fit in in the hood, and I can go to a quinceaeraand speak Spanish. He remembers me.. On Friday against Washington, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles' likeness. Juan, he said, had a real future in basketball. . According to police, after a 17-year-old alleged gang member tried to crash the party and was turned away by Toscanos father, he returned a half hour later and opened fire on bystanders, killing Toscano and wounding three others. A month after Juan enrolled at Montclair, Attles learned from a member of the parent-teacher association that Juan had been staying at a family members house over the holidays when an intruder shot and killed one of Juans relatives, then stole the Christmas presents from under the tree. Toscano-Anderson was introduced to basketball in the third grade at Oakland's Stonehurst Elementary School by his then-teacher Wilhelmina Attles, who is a former Upsala College basketball star and also the wife of Warriors legend and Hall of Famer Al Attles. Before Letourneau joined The Chronicle, he covered the Oregon State Beavers for The Oregonian. Because of those varying roles, Attles will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor on Sept. 6. I started playing basketball in third grade. bobbleheads of his likeness. Beyond that, Attles didnt know much. There, in the back of the driveway, Juan and his cousins would shoot at a plastic crate hung on a gate. Although his role has greatly changed, we now happily assume the role of caregivers to the man who has given so much to so many. Heres why California has seen so much active weather. The racket she caused made my father get up to ask her what was wrong. With Ray likening Attles on-court intensity to a combination of Dennis Rodman or Russell Westbrook, the Warriors leaned on Attles to make hustle plays and knock out his opponents. As kids, my sister once told my dad about a boy who was messing with at her at school. And where else would he find out if he could play against the best than back home in the Bay Area? He loved it. Want Warriors news delivered to your phone? Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? This happened once he transferred schools after having a knife pulled on him in second grade. He made it a point to become fluent in Spanish, and took a trip to Chevy, Mexico, with his grandfather to see where his family was from. Rather than voice her displeasure about her day in comparison to his relatively short day, she instead took her frustration out on the pots and pans in the kitchen. It's a city made up of an incredibly diverse population, making those of us who tend to fall in minority races or are biracial feel more at peace. ", Earlier in his life, it was easier for Toscano-Anderson to identity as Black because of his surroundings. Without him, she felt lost. He also didnt inundate us with a lot of technical things and paper work. Nicknamed the "Destroyer",[2][3] he played the point guard position and spent his entire 11 seasons (19601971) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the team, joining it when it was still based in Philadelphia and following it to the Bay Area in 1962. One night, Raymond Young, the Oakland Rebels head coach, called Patricia and told her to make other babysitting arrangements. He poured his heart, body and soul into it., WARRIORS HQ PODCAST: Be sure to visit our podcast page at mercurynews.com. One of those games included a USA-Mexico match. Her younger brother, a nephew and two of her cousins were all shot and killed in East Oakland. It has been his entire life, as he grew up on 95th Avenue in East Oakland. But my father never seriously entertained any of those offers. Juan Toscano-Andersons uncle Macario Toscano Jr. (center left) takes a photo with family members outside Toscano-Andersons childhood home in Oakland. Point guard who starred for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors from 1960-1971, and coached the team from 1970-1983. I am versatile. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Alvin Attles' wife she was my third grade teacher and I was playing soccer prior to that put me into a Warriors Camp. He was previously the Warriors beat reporter (2016-2021) and the Cal beat reporter (2015-16). She also helped him get on the Oakland Rebels AAU basketball team. He played college basketball at North Carolina A&T, and was selected 39th overall in the 1960 NBA draft. He joined the Oakland Rebels AAU team (now known as Team Lillard), and played for Castro Valley High School. The time when he was in the backseat of his moms car outside the McDonalds on 98th Avenue and International as men exchanged gunfire that barely missed him. And well just smile, because thats so him. Patricia was a single mother of four. But at a certain point, the competition on the playground wasn't enough for him. Attles, 82, has not been at Warriors games recently this season because of what team spokesman Raymond Ridder called age-related ailments. The Warriors have invited Attles to be among the Warriors luminaries to attend Sundays game against the Clippers, which will mark the final regular-season game at Oracle Arena. Attles, barely 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, came to be known as The Destroyer. Golden State Warriors | Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. His ability to guard multiple positions, find open shooters and ratchet up the tempo intrigued Golden State, which had helped hasten the leagues trend toward a positionless brand of basketball. Doing these things for his family, and simply the time he gets to spend with them, are the biggest things Toscano-Anderson had to sacrifice when he went and played overseas. Golden State Warriors | A week before Juan was killed, Patricia had learned she was pregnant with her second child. They've given me an idea of where I wanted to be in my life and what I wanted to do.". After that happened, I was just really aware that he needed me more than I had thought when he first came to school. When Attles arranged for him to attend the Warriors youth basketball camp for free, she didnt imagine that it would start a hardwood odyssey that would culminate in a roster spot on his hometown NBA team. Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast, El Viaje: JTA details his journey in proudly embracing Mexican roots. "Like, wow, I get to beat all of these kids? But even with his guaranteed contract, he knows it doesn't mean he can slack off. But his desire to play basketball continued, which led him to play in Mexico for four seasons and play for the Mexican national basketball team. Like, let's do it, as opposed to just beating up on the kids at school and in my class all the time. But hes home now and is getting a little bit stronger every day.. We will forever be grateful.. That message is easier to tell someone than it is to actually have the words stick. (Staff Archives), Al Attles, former Golden State Warriors player and head coach, seen during an interview in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011. Alvin, my father yelled, stopping me in my tracks. A film he wrote . 16, Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Tom Meschery (14), Chris Mullin (17) and Nate Thurmond (42) hang in the rafters. But what he brings to this team extends far beyond what the stat sheet shows. Alvin Austin Attles Jr. (born November 7, 1936) is an American former professional basketball player and coach best known for his longtime association with the Golden State Warriors. That got pretty boring after doing every day at recess. Attles worked with the PTA to raise money to replace all the stolen gifts. It's also in Mexico. He's ready to pay it back to his mother -- the woman who gave him everything -- and pay it forward to his siblings. As a youth, Toscano-Anderson was a Warriors Basketball Camp participant, officially becoming the first Golden State Warriors player to have participated in the franchises youth basketball program. He hadnt known how to cook, just as he hadnt known how to coach when Franklin Mieuli asked him to take charge of the Warriors. I remember walking to in the house one day to find Marvin Gaye sitting in our living room. Next, going from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract. The family has always felt that my fathers basketball contributions have been Hall Of Fame worthy. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Hall of Famer Al Attles returned to Oracle Arena at long last. Keeping that connection to his roots in the East Bay are important to him, too, as Toscano-Anderson understands that his story can serve to benefit others. He tries to impact the game the same way Green does -- by doing a bit of everything. I had this feeling that something bad was going to happen.. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. It was from Patricia Toscano. Seeing somebody from Oakland, it probably gives them a little more inspiration and a little more motivation like this guys where Im from, he grew up in the same neighborhood I grew up in.. Family photos from Juan Toscano-Andersons youth. It was during the early October matchups that Toscano-Anderson made another nod to his upbringing as he changed his jersey number to 95. I know I am Black," Toscano-Anderson revealed. Clifford, who referred to Attles as a father figure to all of us, argued that background helped black NBA players feel more comfortable learning because of the similar cultural background. That's what kind of jump started me playing basketball. Alvin Austin Attles Jr. (Destroyer. Some players play hungry; Juan plays like a guy whos starving, Warriors guard Mychal Mulder said. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. Steph Curry takes encouraging step in lead-up to return, though timetable still unknown. [4] He has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and History along with a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. After averaging 3.8 points per game over his four-year career at Marquette, Toscano-Anderson didnt receive a single offer to play overseas, much less in the NBA. I grew up around [an] all Mexican family. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Chart: Bay Area rainfall totals for this week, Steph Curry could return during Warriors next road trip, per reports, Kerrs game plan, the Warriors energy, lifted the Dubs to a much-needed win, Draymond Green explains his issue with Black History Month: Why do we get the shortest month?, Warriors come alive in third quarter to beat Portland, Steph Curry takes encouraging step in lead-up to return, though timetable still unknown. Toscano-Anderson joined the 2018-19 training camp roster of the Santa Cruz Warriors, G League affiliate of Golden State, as a local tryout player. Especially as he set out to start his career. He honed his skills at Oakland rec centers and the Boys & Girls Club. Because of those various roles, Attles is one of six Warriors players to have their jersey retired. Toscano-Andersons No. So needless to say, basketball and the Bay Area are big parts of his life. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? Many people see only his accomplishments as a player, coach, and executive. (1999) and Black Magic (2008). "But, with all that being said, I feel like I have done myself a disservice by trying to make people happy. I just didnt want him to go to the party. He is the longest-serving coach in Warriors history, and also has the most wins in franchise history. Attles was photographed at the team's downtown Oakland practice facility where a large sign honors the 74-75 Warriors. Toscano-Andersons play at Santa Cruz was so strong in the 2018-19 season, the Warriors wanted to see more. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! As a teacher, you spend so much time around these kids that you know what they need at various times, said Attles, who watches every Warriors game to cheer for Toscano-Anderson. None of the coaches, none of my teammates they really made me feel a part of this. "I feel like there's more that I need to do," Toscano-Anderson said. What Attles didnt know then was that Toscano-Anderson was homeless. Many in the Elmhurst neighborhood know that, if they need a place to stay while they get their lives back on track, Toscano-Anderson and his mom will try to help provide accommodations. The Bay Area is catching a break from winter storms. Thurmond now serves as an Ambassador to the team and goes to 30 home games a season, with his wife Marci. In addition to becoming a hero of sorts to Mexicans and Mexican Americans for being the only active NBA player of Mexican descent, Toscano-Anderson has become an icon to Oaklanders, many of them still upset that the Warriors left their home of 47 years for San Francisco.
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