CORONA — NBA star and Queens native Kenny Anderson is returning to his roots Saturday to host a basketball tournament in his honor.
Anderson — a former All-Star who spent 14 seasons in the NBA with teams including the Nets, Celtics and Pacers — will attend Saturday's LeFrak City Legendary Basketball Day, which will include a tournament and ball-handling competition.
Organizer Malikah Shabazz, president of the Lefrak City Tenants' Association, said she wanted to bring Anderson back to the neighborhood as a "thanks for all the services that he's done out here and to uphold the legacy and the history in LeFrak City."
The event runs from 1 until 6 p.m. and will be held at the John F. Kennedy Jr. School at 57-12 94th St. — steps from the LeFrak City complex, Shabazz said. By holding it in the school, kids from all over can come and compete, she added.
It's hosted with support from Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland.
Anderson grew up in LeFrak City and became a standout basketball star at a young age. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School, playing for legendary coach Jack Curran, and took his Georgia Tech team to the Final Four in 1990.
He's hosted tournaments at LeFrak City through his years in the NBA but hasn't been back in a while, Shabazz said.
Kids can compete to win a basketball signed by Anderson and everyone will get a T-shirt and water bottle.
The goal is to bring some joy to the kids living in the multi-building complex, and throughout Queens, she said.
"There's so much going on in the world, let's do something to uplift the spirit for the children in your community."
