It was Brooklyn's Finest versus the Bronx Bombers at the New York Police Department Basketball Championship Game held at John Jay College on May 23. Law enforcement officials came to the College for the last game of the tournament, and for our two competing alumni—both on the Brooklyn's Finest team—it was a time to catch up and return to the place where they began their careers.
With an audience full of alumni, law enforcement officials, family members and young people, there was a packed house ready to cheer on both teams. Providing opening remarks, NYPD Detective Chris Murphy, took a few moments to welcome everyone. “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I would like to take this moment to welcome you all to John Jay College, and I would like to welcome you to the Police Commissioners Sports League Basketball Championship game between Brooklyn's Finest and the Bronx Bombers,” he said.
“John Jay has embraced a long-term tradition and relationship with the NYPD, which began more than 50 years ago, with the birth of our institution.” —Mindy Bockstein, Executive Director of External Affairs
After the singing of the National Anthem, Mindy Bockstein, Executive Director of External Affairs, took to the mic. She started by welcoming everyone to the “Doghouse and home of our Bloodhounds.” Then she gave a motivational speech to get both teams excited for the game. “Congratulations to the players on both teams. You inspire us by your service to the City, by competing here today in the spirit of fair play, respect, and camaraderie,” she said. Bockstein went on to highlight the close relationship John Jay has with the NYPD.
“John Jay has embraced a long-term tradition and relationship with the NYPD, which began more than 50 years ago, with the birth of our institution. Since then, we have continued to build academic and leadership programs with the department to work in tandem on research and crime reduction initiatives that have had major accomplishments and results in our communities,” she said. “We are proud of all of our alumni who work in the NYPD or have ties to the service. Some proud alumni are in attendance today, and two are on the Brooklyn's Finest team. It is through events like these that we can interact with friends, colleagues, alumni, and students, many of whom aspire to follow in the footsteps of NYPD officers, detectives, and executives. I wish both teams the best of luck.”
Bockstein also thanked all who helped bring this game to fruition. Those people included: First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker, a John Jay alumnus; Deputy Commissioner for Employee Relations Robert Ganley; Assistant Commissioner Maria Otero; Deputy Inspector and Commanding Officer Kenneth Quick, a John Jay alumnus; Lieutenant Manny Kwo; and Detective Vernon Kendrick. And from John Jay’s Athletic Department: Director Carol Kashow; Deputy Director Catherine Alves; and Business Development Manager Casey Sommers.
Following the tip-off, both teams went to work, running up and down the court, blocking players and making hard-earned baskets. After the first half, which saw Brooklyn's Finest with a lead of 34-30 over the Bronx Bombers, the players took a break and enjoyed a dance performance from dance team Evolution. But, the game wasn’t over just yet. Making a late comeback, the Bronx Bombers, trailing Brooklyn 63-61, had the ball during the final seconds of the game.
With just nine seconds left on the clock, the Bronx Bombers took a shot at the basket but missed. As the clock ticked to zero, the crowd exploded with excitement as the Brooklyn's Finest became the 2019 Champions of the Police Commissioners Sports League Basketball Tournament. To congratulate the team, Deputy Commissioner Ganley, came to the court, said a few words applauding their performance, and handed them the winning trophy.
After the game, we spoke with the two John Jay alumni, to learn what it was like to play at John Jay again.
Ryan Olsen ’10
Brooklyn North Warrant Squad
“Knowing that the last game would be at John Jay and that I would be coming home to play where the bloodhounds started was very motivational.” —Ryan Olsen ’10
“It’s crazy being back here. I honestly never expected to play here again, but when I heard that the championship game was going to be at John Jay, I was very excited. Throughout the playoffs, knowing that the last game would be at John Jay and that I would be coming home to play where the bloodhounds started was very motivational. And to see so many young kids in the stand today has meant a lot.
Emilio Gomez ’08
Federal Task Force
“Being back at John Jay has been amazing. Looking at the 2008 Championship banner, reminded me of the good times, the hustles, and all the great guys that I played with and went to school with. One of the fondest memories that I have was on this court. My basketball team was the only championship team in the school’s history. I played for three years, and I graduated the championship year.”
More scenes from the event:
