NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The 2014 New Brunswick Celebrity Basketball game was a success as members of the community joined together with former Rutgers football stars, creating a positive spectacle for the hundreds who came out.

They gathered inside New Brunswick High School’s gymnasium to support a good cause, enjoy a fun and unique basketball game, and welcome back and interact with several professional football players, who once represented the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University.

Former Knights such as Tiquan Underwood, Mohamed Sanu, and Devin and Jason McCourty sign autographs, take photos, and play the City All Stars of New Brunswick.

Eric LeGrand, an inspirational Middlesex County resident who was seriously injured playing as an undergrad, was also on hand to support the event.

Alan “Chicago” Auciello, owner of the Southside Chicago barber shop on Somerset Street, served as the honorary coach of the celebrity team.

In a close match, the professional athletes defeated the “City All-Stars” squad by a score of 82-79. Both squads made a good showing and kept the large crowd entertained.

Serving as the opponents to the Pro Team were New Brunswick firefighters and police officers in the first quarter, Special Olympians from Camp Robin in Old Bridgein the second quarter, New Brunswick’s recreation workers in the third quarter, and the teachers of New Brunswick closing out the fourth quarter of play.

DJ Yoshi provided background music while free t-shirts were thrown into the stands to keep the crowd lively and involved during the game.

It was truly a community event as residents of New Brunswick were able to meet one another as they cheered on the cities volunteers and children, whom came together to make the Celebrity game as much of a success as it was,

Even the youth of New Brunswick was able to contribute to the game as younger children took fouled players’ foul shots and high school students served as the half-time show with their dancing talents.

All proceeds benefited the New Brunswick Rotary Foundation and City of New Brunswick Recreation programs, with approximately $3,000 split between the two organizations. 

Editor at New Brunswick Today | 732-993-9697 | editor@newbrunswicktoday.com | Website

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.