He made it a point to become fluent in Spanish, and took a trip to Chevy, Mexico, with his grandfather to see where his family was from. The racket she caused made my father get up to ask her what was wrong. Barry, however, is less reticent, which is much of the reason he is an. 95 -- to represent 95th Avenue in East Oakland. Follow Bay Area News Group Warriors beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. In class, his voice barely rose above a whisper. "Hes done everything weve asked and more," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. But hey, hes here and Im here. We couldnt share this moment in person with my father, because the game was played in Washington, D.C, and in 1975, teams did not fly families and friends to road games. Beaty slugged Meschery . He poured his heart, body and soul into it., WARRIORS HQ PODCAST: Be sure to visit our podcast page at mercurynews.com. Tahoe snow: Massive blizzard wreaks havoc on the Sierra, burying Another winter storm? Toscano-Anderson memorialized his late cousin by getting a tattoo of 78 Erics jersey number with Oaklands Skyline High School football team on his upper left arm. Do you understand me? he barked at the trembling guard, who apologized and slunk away. Mrs. Attles, as Toscano-Anderson called her, encouraged the young boy to join the Warriors' youth basketball program, and also helped him get on the Oakland Rebels AAU basketball team. Hes been in and out of the hospital in the last few recent months, Ridder said. Although celebrities such as Wilt Chamberlain, Jesse Jackson, and Bill Cosby were friends of his, he never took on celebrity airs. Keeping that connection to his roots in the East Bay are important to him, too, as Toscano-Anderson understands that his story can serve to benefit others. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Toscano-Anderson grew up in a similar situation, only with his Mexican roots. Really? They've given me an idea of where I wanted to be in my life and what I wanted to do.". All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Former Warriors head coach Al Attles attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, marking his first appearance at Oracle Arena in 2019. But it has been his standing in our family that has always held the most meaning for us. While youre asleep, there is someone on the other side of the world trying to figure out a way to steal your ideas and take your money.. He retired as a player after the 197071 season, and stayed on as head coach, guiding the Rick Barry-led Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship over the heavily favored Washington Bullets, making him the second African-American coach to win an NBA title (the first was Bill Russell). Yes, the wife of Warriors legend Al Attles. Although I never quite understood the one-half-of-one-percent phrase, at five years old I understood that my father was a practical man. (Ray Chavez/Staff Archives). In elementary school, he was encouraged to play basketball by his former teacher Wilhelmina Attles, wife of Warriors legend and Hall of Famer Al Attles. I am versatile. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron, How Juan Toscano-Anderson escaped monsters of his youth to become Oaklands Warrior, How Juan Toscano-Anderson gave himself a shot at a long-term future with Warriors, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson attend Oakland protest led by Juan Toscano-Anderson, How Curry's 3-point shooting changed the game. Juan went home and declared to his family he was giving up soccer. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images. But he was one. But at a certain point, the competition on the playground wasn't enough for him. In addition to becoming a hero of sorts to Mexicans and Mexican Americans for being the only active NBA player of Mexican descent, Toscano-Anderson has become an icon to Oaklanders, many of them still upset that the Warriors left their home of 47 years for San Francisco. My father was being interviewed some 20 feet away and saw the guard grab me. Heres why California has seen so much active weather. Alvin Austin Attles Jr. (Destroyer. The former Warriors general manager, coach and player hadn't been around much at all this season because of health issues. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Similarly, Toscano-Anderson has always been a Warrior, since he was part of the organization's youth program in the third grade. A mechanical engineer, he raised four kids as a single father and tried to shield them from the gang violence overtaking the surrounding streets. Coming up in the part of the town that I came up in, it almost feels like youre in that book, Where the Wild Things Are, Toscano-Anderson said. Everybody always said that if Al ever got into boxing, Barry said, he probably wouldve been a world champion.. I'm just Juan, the biracial guy. Wilhelmina, the wife of Golden State legend Al Attles, could sense that something troubled her new student. You hardly feel out of place. Like, let's do it, as opposed to just beating up on the kids at school and in my class all the time. The family has always felt that my fathers basketball contributions have been Hall Of Fame worthy. In my case, I was raised in a predominantly white family and went to a predominantly white school. I remember attending an NBA all-star game one summer at The Forum. . On his right shoulder, One in a Million is written in black ink. The Warriors were longshots to beat the Washington Bullets. It changed my life, it was really exciting. "Juan didn't know either. "I need to raise the bar. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. When his third-grade teacher Al Attles' wife, Wilhelmina took him to a Warriors-sponsored basketball camp, Toscano-Anderson returned home and told his soccer-obsessed grandpa, who asked . At a time when you're trying to form your identity, this kind of commentary makes it nearly impossible. Now, at 27, he is drawing comparisons to All-Star teammate Draymond Green for his court vision and energy. I thought he changed the game the other night in the second quarter with his emotion. But all it took was a little encouragement from the wife of a Warriors Hall of Famer to turn him onto the sport. Every time he walked into that building, he got a taste of what he wanted his future to be. He is a graduate of Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey and North Carolina A&T State University. According to police, after a 17-year-old alleged gang member tried to crash the party and was turned away by Toscanos father, he returned a half hour later and opened fire on bystanders, killing Toscano and wounding three others. His drive to get better also is intact. Heres when rain, snow will return. It also unlocked his passion for basketball. Even his wife Wilhelmina is a tough competitor. Next, going from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract. I paint the city, man, Toscano-Anderson said. It has been his entire life, as he grew up on 95th Avenue in East Oakland. (Staff Archives), Al Attles, former Golden State Warriors player and head coach, seen during an interview in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011. Clifford, who referred to Attles as a father figure to all of us, argued that background helped black NBA players feel more comfortable learning because of the similar cultural background. It seems hardly surprising since Attles cemented an 11-year career with the Warriors, coached them to their 1975 NBA championship and served as a longtime club ambassador. Toscano-Andersons play at Santa Cruz was so strong in the 2018-19 season, the Warriors wanted to see more. He hadnt known how to cook, just as he hadnt known how to coach when Franklin Mieuli asked him to take charge of the Warriors. With Ray likening Attles on-court intensity to a combination of Dennis Rodman or Russell Westbrook, the Warriors leaned on Attles to make hustle plays and knock out his opponents. Almost every off day the Warriors get, Toscano-Anderson guides his Honda east on Interstate 580, toward the streets where he learned the power of perseverance. He rushed from his interview and was soon nose -to-nose with the policeman. "I feel like this situation is just destined," he said. You know, just really taking on the competitive challenge that was needed.". Our house didnt burn; we were among the fortunate. Obviously a smart, smart player. You can waste them both.. "Enjoy this journey that basketball and life have taken me on. Toscano-Anderson has faced racism from both Mexicans and African Americans, telling him he wasn't enough of either to consider himself a Mexican man or a Black man. Two of his most famous knockouts were against far bigger men: 6-9 Zelmo Beaty and 6-8 Bob Ferry. The court was renamed as Al Attles Court. The boy bothering my aunt found that out the hard way. We knew what we were doing.. I love who I am. Attles was never a star in the league, yet he was an . "Even with knowing that final part of the play, I would still make the same play 10 times out of 10," he said. When he is not watching the game, Attles is catching up with a former Warriors teammate or fan. Alvin Attles' wife she was my third grade teacher and I was playing soccer prior to that put me into a Warriors Camp. Patricia explained to Mrs. Attles that while she'd love for her son to be involved, but she simply didn't have the money for it. Leave all that. On Friday against Washington, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles' likeness. Jersey No. Collect, curate and comment on your files. That encouragement set Toscano-Anderson on a path that has eventually led with the versatile forward finding a home with his childhood team, as this past May he signed a multi-year contract with the Warriors. I dont care if he doesnt remember everything. He was born in Newark, New Jersey. He played college basketball at North Carolina A&T, and was selected 39th overall in the . The lone constant during a journey that included stops in Mexico and Santa Cruz was his unparalleled effort. (D. Ross Cameron/Staff Archives), Oakland, CA January 31, 1989 - Golden State Warriors manager Al Attles. But as of Thursday morning, Toscano-Anderson is an official member of the Warriors -- and stillan Oakland resident -- as he signed a standard, multiyear contract with Golden State. Toscano-Anderson penned a personal note on the jersey reading: I wouldnt be wearing this jersey if it werent for you, Toscano-Anderson humbly shared with her. Marvin Gaye! A Warriors Outsiders segment was detailing Toscano-Andersons rise with Golden State. "I can get in where I fit in in the hood, and I can go to a quinceaeraand speak Spanish. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. She also helped him get on the Oakland Rebels' AAU basketball team. There, in the back of the driveway, Juan and his cousins would shoot at a plastic crate hung on a gate. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. I started playing basketball in third grade. But what he brings to this team extends far beyond what the stat sheet shows. But Ridder added, his family is going to play it by ear on whether he attends. She thanked Attles for all shed done for Juan in third grade and told her that he was about to graduate from Marquette with a bachelors degree in criminology. Credit: The doctor asked Patricias family whom he should save, if it came down to a choice: mother or son. Im just ecstatic that hes one of the positive ones. "I'm sure there were some more opportunities out there for me, but this is home for me. "My relationship with my Mexican heritage was, it was different," Toscano-Anderson recently told me. That was my first basketball camp, its propelled me to where I am today.. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. When Toscano-Anderson shops at the Costco in San Leandro, strangers often thank him for organizing two protests in Oakland last spring against social injustice and police brutality. He made about $2,000 a month with Santa Cruz. It was from Patricia Toscano. Really? Fueled by the desire to land a college scholarship and help his mom, Toscano-Anderson blossomed into a four-star recruit. "I knew that I was Mexican. Workers in S.F. She also did the cooking, the cleaning, paid the bills, helped with homework, carpooled us to our various activities and even taught me how to play basketball, as more and more of my fathers time was spent at work. You don't have to look deep to figure out why the Warriors decided to convert Toscano-Anderson's two-way contract to a standard one. Ever! Golden State Warriors Established 1946 | 7-time NBA Champions October 6, 2021 2:43 PM PDT Twenty years ago, Juan Toscano-Anderson was initially introduced to basketball by his third grade teacher,. As a player, coach and ambassador, however, Attles impressed the Warriors more with his substance over flash. I just, I was living in urban culture. And so that was kind of humbling. Toscano-Anderson could have been among them. I had this feeling that something bad was going to happen.. That showed me like, oh, I got a long way to go to get better.". But does that mean he was a Warriors fan growing up? After joining the former Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 as the clubs fifth-round draft choice, Attles became known as The Destroyer during his 11-year NBA career because of his unyielding physical presence along with 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. My dad agreed and the next day, he promptly burned a can of franks-and-beans for dinner. Because there is nowhere better than home, playing for the home team. Family photos from Juan Toscano-Andersons youth. Keen members of Dub Nation likely saw a lot of Toscano-Anderson while they watched this past NBA Summer League as he played on both of the Dubs summer squads in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League. Heres the impact of the latest 2022 tax returns: IRS further extends filing deadline for most Californians. Tuesday, February 12, 2013. . So, the Warriors themselves, for what they are, they've given me dreams. What are the similarities between money and potential? In our Oakland home, thousands of miles away from my fathers ultimate coaching triumph, I hugged my little sister, Ericka and did a happy dance with my mother. Even when he was not at his healthiest, Attles still attended Warriors home games in recent seasons. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Chart: Bay Area rainfall totals for this week, Steph Curry could return during Warriors next road trip, per reports, Kerrs game plan, the Warriors energy, lifted the Dubs to a much-needed win, Draymond Green explains his issue with Black History Month: Why do we get the shortest month?, Warriors come alive in third quarter to beat Portland, Steph Curry takes encouraging step in lead-up to return, though timetable still unknown. (Ron Riesterer / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives), Oakland, CA February 13, 1976 - Golden State Warriors basketball coach Al Attles at a press conference. That is the Oakland seeping out of Toscano-Anderson's pores. And Toscano-Anderson has a similar tenacity, grit and hustle. (By Howard Erker / Oakland Tribune), Oakland, CA February 8, 1981 - Golden State Warriors basketball coach Al Attles. "I'm super excited, obviously for myself to be on the team and continue to play basketball, but this is a life-changing contract. I was just like, This is insane, Toscano-Anderson said. [10], Attles at the Golden State Warriors Victory Parade on June 19, 2015, the night Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, "Al Attles, Hubie Brown recipients of 2017 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award", "50 years on, reluctant Warrior al Attles is the team's mainstay", "Al Attles, a Warrior for Life, is a Bridge to a Lone Bay Area Title", "North Carolina A&T to Retire Alvin Attles' Number", "On the occasion of his father's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, a son pays tribute", Basketball-Reference.com: Al Attles (as coach), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Al_Attles&oldid=1138383068, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 9 February 2023, at 10:58. A month after Juan enrolled at Montclair, Attles learned from a member of the parent-teacher association that Juan had been staying at a family members house over the holidays when an intruder shot and killed one of Juans relatives, then stole the Christmas presents from under the tree. Especially as he set out to start his career. Attles and his wife, Wilhelmina, reside in Oakland and have two adult children, Alvin III and Erica. It wouldn't matter if he was or wasn't a member of the team, he would always consider himself a Warrior. His wife, Wilhelmina, son, and Hall of Famer Rick Barry represented him during an on-court tribute after the first quarter. Juan often was late to school -- not because of rebellion, but because his motherwas spread thin -- and during class, he wasn't fully present. Although his role has greatly changed, we now happily assume the role of caregivers to the man who has given so much to so many. [4] He has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and History along with a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Al Attles, who played with and coached Barry and is now a vice president in the organization, also has little to say. A life-changing signature," Toscano-Anderson said in a Zoom press conference Thursday evening. One of those games included a USA-Mexico match. A native of Oakland, Toscano-Anderson is uniquely tied to the Golden State Warriors. I don't know if it was my pride or selfishness, but I have no regrets.". Everything I envisioned as a young kid, when I met Ms. Attles and I had cornrows and I used to wear a Larry Hughes jersey to school, Im doing all of that right now. Even then, he knew that suburbia didnt suit him. None of this wouldve been possible without your love and support at a very difficult time in our lives, Patricia wrote. After averaging 3.8 points per game over his four-year career at Marquette, Toscano-Anderson didnt receive a single offer to play overseas, much less in the NBA. Shenoticed that heseemed to be happiest when he was playing basketball in the schoolyard. He was previously the Warriors beat reporter (2016-2021) and the Cal beat reporter (2015-16). Juan Toscano-Anderson with his family as he graduates from Castro Valley High School. Patricia wascalled into a parent-teacher conference with Toscano-Anderson's teacher, WillheminaAttles. Toscano-Andersons No. The team that selected him was the then Philadelphia Warriors. I greatly anticipate my father becoming immortalized. As a kid, Toscano-Anderson lived in five houses scattered across East Oakland. Ask her what was wrong Avenue in East Oakland third grade always said that if ever... Being interviewed some 20 feet away and saw the guard grab me, LLCs Turner Sports & digital! 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Family he was giving up soccer this website, please visit our Accessibility page Beaty and 6-8 Ferry! Llcs Turner Sports & Entertainment digital Network beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter Facebook!, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment digital Network wife, Wilhelmina, reside in Oakland and have two adult,... Most famous knockouts were against far bigger men: 6-9 Zelmo Beaty 6-8... Was, it was really exciting & # x27 ; likeness crate on! Newark, new Jersey and North Carolina a & T State University Oakland Rebels & x27!

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