1. Oral History Archive
  2. Delbert Prince

Delbert Prince

Author of two books about Coney Island basketball

Interviewer:
Charles Denson
Interviewee:
Delbert Prince
Interview Date:
June 2024

Themes

basketball
books
writers

Languages

English

Places

Abraham Lincoln High School
Carey Gardens
O'Dwyer Gardens

Periods

1990 - 1999
1980 - 1989
1970 - 1979

Interview Highlight Bookmarks

  • The "Garden," O'Dwyer Gardens court
    •
  • The courts: "Thunderdome," 288 Park, Carey Gardens
    •
  • Trash talk: intense, physically competitive games.
    •
  • Don't lose, don't back down!
    •
  • 1988-1996: Lincoln/Grady PSAL domination
    •
  • Lincoln/Grady powerhouse!
    •
  • Norman Marbury, Corey Johnson, Derrick Cooper, Darryle Flickings
    •
  • PSAL games
    •
  • Hard to get game tickets
    •
  • 1992 Dream Team and the Hall of Fame
    •
  • Mentors and father figures: "Mr. Lou," David Reed.
  • Attitude problems and discipline
    •
  • What happened to Coney basketball?
    •
  • Growing up in Coney Island
    •
  • New Books!
    •

    Delbert Prince is the author of two books tracing the history of Coney Island basketball and what the sport meant to the community.  Prince grew up in Coney Island and played ball on all the local courts. His detailed personal history includes the Lincoln/Grady High School rivalry, as well as stories about the kids from Coney Island who made it to the NBA. He also pays tribute to community members who mentored and coached at-risk youth and helped them achieve their goals. 

    https://www.amazon.com/History-Coney-Island-Basketball/dp/1074821408

     

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