Richard Kirkland

Richard (Rick) Pee Wee Kirkland is a former street basketball player from New York City, United States of America. His play at Rucker Park (originally organized by Holcombe Rucker) in the 1970 and 1971 season is regarded as legendary.[1]

He played college basketball at Norfolk State University. In 1969 he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the fourth pick in the thirteenth round. It is speculated that he turned the offer down, because he was making more money via illegal activities (drugs, gambling, etc). At the time, the opportunities offered to him outside of the NBA were far more lucrative, in terms of financial gain and public recognition.[2][1] Kirkland then got caught up in street life activities and eventually landed in prison, first in 1971 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. In prison he scored 465 points in 8 games. He also played in prison from 1981 to 1988 in La Tuna, Texas. In the Anthracite Basketball League of central Pennsylvania he scored 100 and 135 points in one game.

Now a reformed man, Kirkland travels the country speaking to youth about decision-making and pathways to success, in addition to self-esteem and other various issues plaguing the inner-cities of America.[3]

He presents his messages in the "School of Skillz" -- a basketball and life skills campaign that is co-sponsored by Nike. The camps began in 90's on Saturdays in Harlem and has since become a nationwide endeavor. He has won championships as a high school coach at the Trevor Day school, a prestigious private school. One of his early breakthroughs involved reaching out to youth such as Hanif "Camel" Warren. As an educator and social worker, Kirkland utilizes the respect he receives from young people because of his gangster past to reach at-risk youth and break down their misconceptions about "keepin' it real" on the streets.[4]

Kirkland was mentioned in a song by the rap group Clipse in the song "Grindin" from their 2002 release entitled "Lord Willin'." The line "Legend in two games like I'm Pee Wee Kirkland" refers to his skill as both a drug dealer and basketball player