School Desk

NBA star inspires students

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Physical education teacher Marisa Maher had to stand on a stepladder to greet the Robert J. Christen School (P.S. 81)’s latest visitor face-to-face.

Pro basketball star Elfrid Payton, who comes in at 6-foot-3, was in town for a clinic ahead of the NBA’s All-Star weekend.

‘There are no words to describe how pumped up the kids are,” Ms. Maher said on Feb. 13 as students dribbled basketballs, ran sprints and practiced free throws in the gym while they awaited Mr. Payton’s arrival. 

After schools around the city sent in applications, one hundred of them, including P.S. 81, won the chance to host NBA and WNBA players as well as NBA FIT employees, who brought equipment and ran basketball drills with the students, on the Friday before the All-Star games. 

It was especially exciting for players on P.S. 81’s basketball team, which the school reestablished this year after funding cuts ended the program several years ago.

Andy Gjolaj, 10, has followed Mr. Payton’s progress since the NBA drafted him out of college last year. The point guard plays for the Orlando Magic.

Mr. Payton, 20, reached a career high in January, with 22 points and 12 assists against the Memphis Grizzlies. 

“I want to see how he practices and how he became so good,” said Andy. “[This clinic] inspires me to do more basketball and to train more.” 

 “I’m going to get him to sign my shirt,” added student Brianna Manderson, who said she plays basketball with her brother.

After students’ energy  climbed during the basketball drills, Mr. Payton’s entrance into the gymnasium received enthusiastic cheers. 

“Today, I’m going to talk to you about working hard, being fit and exercising,” he said.

He started by sharing some nutritional advice.

“I try to stay away from hamburgers, even though I know they’re good,” the NBA star said.

But as he continued, he discussed more long-term advice. 

“Work hard, and all your dreams will come true,” he advised students. “You never know how far you can go until you push yourself.” 

One student asked Mr. Payton why he was so tall. 

Robert J. Christen School, P.S. 81, Elfrid Payton, NBA, Maya Rajamani
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