The Danny Rumph Classic is back in the City of Brotherly Love for another thrilling tournament. Some of Philadelphia best and biggest stars showed out once again for one of the biggest hoops events on the East Coast.
On July 15, 2005, Danny Rumph died after suffering cardiac arrest while playing pickup at what is now known as at the Mallery Recreation Center. Just 19-years of age at the time, his passing was nothing short of shocking for his family, friends, and the local community. It was later discovered that Rumph, who was a junior at Western Kentucky at that time, suffered from an undiagnosed heart condition known as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In addition to this undiagnosed condition, a lack of a defibrillator in the gym and no knowledge of CPR prevented any ability to potentially save his life.
After his passing, his family established The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation to honor his memory and prevent similar tragedies from befalling others. One of the many ways that they have gone about spreading the news, garnering charitable support is through the Danny Rumph Classic, a basketball tournament that not only raises funds for this great cause, but provides information to the community, spreading the importance of understanding heart health. This tournament has since become the flagship event of the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation, and one of the premeir hoops gatherings in the East.
For some, this event is an opportunity to see some high-flying action on the hardwood. For others, it’s an opportunity to further connect with the interwoven communities of Philadelphia. However, for everyone, it’s an chance to honor a young man who tragically passed, and an opportunity to better understand heart health awareness and to help ensure the health and save the next bright star.
Now, in it’s 19th year, the annual event kicked off the first day of its five day event on Thursday, Aug 1. Four teams went head to head as the double-elimination tournament began. The various rosters featured such notable local and NBA talent as five-year pro and Williamsport native Alize Johnson, Allentown’s Tyrese Martin who plays for the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League, Haverford’s Jameer Nelson Jr. who played with the San Antinio Spurs in the Summer League, NCAA and NBA champion Collin Gillespie who stole the show, and more.
As has been the case for a number of years, North Philadelphia legends Marcus—a former Sixer as well—and Markeiff Morris, rostered their own team for the tournament. In night one of this year, they had a special guest joined them as Philadelphia 76ers‘ wing Ricky Council IV took the court for their team FOE, named after their charitable organization, Family Over Everything Foundation.
Council wasn’t the only Sixer in attendance either as both rookie Justin Edwards—another Philly native from West Oak Lane—and newly signed guard Reggie Jackson were both in attendance as spectators for the event. Edwards drew a crowd the moment he walked into the room and spent the entire time conversing with various old friends and new from around Philadelphia.
In the same way, Reggie Jackson was a true celebrity as whispers worked their way around the crowd before he had even arrived. Once he was in the gym, the excitement of his presence only grew in the stands and he too spent a large portion of his time with the local community while also catching up with several players he’s developed a relationship with over his years in the game.
Jackson told Metro Philadelphia that he received an invite from the Morris Twins, with whom he has played a number of games with when they all played for the Detroit Pistons. Marcus in particular has had the opportunity to connect with Jackson quite a bit over the years as the two have played in 331 games together professionally. That is the most games Morris has played with another single player throughout his entire NBA career. For Jackson, that number is second only to Serge Ibaka as the pair have played 340 games together.
It’s worth noting that there is still time for Morris and Jackson to increase that number as the Sixers have a remaining roster spot they intend to use, a need for a forward, and reported interest from Morris to return.
As for the games themselves, the action was palpable, the energy was intense, and from start to finish, those in attendance had the opportunity to watch an incredible back and forth filled to the brim with highlights. From Ricky Council open court dunks to Collin Gillespie acting like a man possessed and willing his team to victory over Council and the Morris twins with a 30-point performance, it was a night no one will surely soon forget and the best part of it all is that the excitement has only begun.
The second night of the Danny Rumph Classic kicks of Friday Aug.2 at 5:45 p.m. at the community college of Philadelphia.
For more information, visit danielerumphii.com
Additional photos from the 2024 Danny Rumph Classic
