Zamal Nixon is taking the New York City streetball scene by storm.
In just his second year on the Nike summer basketball circuit, the former Xaverian and Boys & Girls guard is beginning to make a name for himself. Nixon claimed took center stage in The Franchise-Sean Bell’s thrilling 98–95 win over Big Apple Basketball in the prestigious Nike Pro City final at Baruch College on August 8.
Nixon scored 16 of his 25 points in the second half and earned most valuable player honors for helping to rally unbeaten Sean Bell from 11 points down in the fourth quarter.
Holding the MVP trophy after the game, Nixon took a moment to savor what he accomplished.
“As far as streetball goes this is the best moment for me,” he said. “This is one of the better tournaments in the city, so it’s definitely one of the biggest moments for me.”
Big Apple Basketball led 76–65 early in the fourth after it out scored Sean Bell 30–17 in the third quarter behind former Robeson guard Gary Ervin (28 points) and former Rice star Keydren Clark (24 points). The 6-foot-1 Nixon, who played professionally in Germany last season, didn’t want to try to personally take on to the two summer ball legends. But he did know his team needed a spark to win the tournament widely considered the crown jewel of the Nike summer circuit.
“It was really a collective effort,” Nixon said. “I just picked my spots at the right time where I had to do a little more than others.”
He answered Big Apple’s lead with a 3-pointer to start a torrid fourth quarter. His biggest shot was an astounding crossover into a step back jumper from the left elbow. The 3-point play pulled Sean Bell within 86–81 with 4:23 left in regulation and brought the packed house to its feet.
“It was a little momentum for us,” Nixon said.
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.
