Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The City of Greensboro honored one of its greatest sports figures last Sunday, Sept. 21, by dedicating a basketball court to NBA Hall of Famer and hometown hero Bob McAdoo. The newly named "Bob McAdoo Court" in the Benbow Park neighborhood marks a poignant tribute to a legend whose journey began on these very grounds.
McAdoo’s return for the dedication was a central part of the event. He was joined by his wife, Patrizia, and his best friend of 66 years, Sam Rhodes, who spoke about their relationship, having attended Gillespie Junior High School together.
“Just seeing the support out here today is just unbelievable,” McAdoo said. “This court was always more than concrete.”
McAdoo, a former NBA MVP and two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, was in attendance for the dedication. He was joined by his wife, Patrizia, and family members, including his aunt, Greensboro resident Lola McAdoo. The event drew several notable Benbow Park and native North Carolina sports greats, who came to celebrate with the Greensboro legend.
The newly renovated court, featuring a new playing surface, upgraded goals, and a vibrant mural by local artist Xavier Carrington, drew a crowd that included family, friends, and fellow sports figures.
A host of basketball greats, former teammates, and local sports legends joined McAdoo to celebrate the court dedication. Among those in attendance were former UNC star and gold medalist Phil Ford; fellow UNC Charlotte legend Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell, who went on to win a championship with the Boston Celtics; and former Duke star Gene Banks. The event also drew Gill MacGregor, one of the first Black basketball players at Wake Forest, and Stahle Vincent, a three-sport star at Dudley High School who became the first Black quarterback in the Southwest Conference at Rice University. McAdoo also mentioned other lifelong friends and former neighbors who attended, emphasizing that the celebration was as much about his roots as it was about his accomplishments
Banks praised the dedication, saying, “I am truly happy for Bob. This is well deserved. This is something that will be talked about and inspire the next generation.”
During the ceremony, Mayor Nancy Vaughan presented McAdoo with the Key to the City, telling him, "Every time you come home, the door is always open to you. Welcome home Bob."
The event served as both a celebration of McAdoo’s iconic career and a reflection on his formative years. He shared personal stories, recalling his father taking him to see legendary players like Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and the epic matchups between Wilt Chamberlain with the Philadelphia 76ers and Bill Russell with the Boston Celtics. He also credited his mother for insisting that he continue playing the saxophone in the Smith High School band, even as he chose to focus on basketball at the age of 15.
The court dedication, the culmination of a process that began in 2023, stands as a testament to the power of local communities and the lasting impact that spaces like Benbow Park can have. It is not just a court, but a monument to a legacy and a source of inspiration for future generations to step in the footsteps of greatness.
