Walt 'Clyde' Frazier Makes Appearance At Brookhaven's 3-on-3 In An Event That Was 'More Than Basketball'

MASTIC, NY — Several hundred people turned out to the Mastic Aquatic Center on Friday night for the Town of Brookhaven's annual Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, where participants had the opportunity to take to the court with Supervisor Dan Panico and his team and meet New York Knicks legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier.

The event, which was hosted by the town's Youth Bureau as part of its Safe Summer Program, brought together participants ages 13 to 18 for an evening of pickup basketball, with teams randomly selected throughout the night.

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Participants also received commemorative T-shirts.

Panico took to the court alongside Kevin Meyer, William Floyd Board of Education Trustee; Mario Mione, former William Floyd basketball player and 3-on-3 Challenge veteran; Justin White, Legislative Aide to Councilman Neil A. Manzella; as well as Suffolk County Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo and Legis. Nick Caracappa.

The team played around eight games against groups throughout the evening, winning all but one.

Frazier spoke with the young athletes about his journey from humble beginnings in Atlanta as one of nine children to becoming a professional basketball player. He shared stories about the discipline and work ethic he developed growing up and encouraged participants to work hard and remain committed to achieving their goals.

Frazier joined the New York Knicks in 1967 and helped lead the team to NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. A seven-time NBA All-Star, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and has continued his connection to generations of basketball fans through his longtime career as a Knicks broadcaster.

Panico presented Frazier with a proclamation, recognizing his legendary basketball career and contributions to sports, officially proclaiming Sept. 18, 2026, as "Walt "Clyde" Frazier Day" in Brookhaven.

Panico called Frazier a New York legend, saying what impressed him "most was the man himself."

"He was incredibly gracious with everyone, especially the kids, taking the time to speak with them, sign autographs, and take countless photos," he said. "I grew up in the William Floyd community, went to school here, and know firsthand how much this community gives its young people."

"To be able to bring someone like Walt here, and watch him inspire another generation of kids was incredibly meaningful to me," he said. "This event was about more than basketball. It was about community, opportunity, and giving these kids a memory that I hope stays with them for a very long time."