Furthermore, in 2018, Toscano-Anderson joined the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he played for the club for two seasons. 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. Though Patricia was three years older, she had viewed Juan as her protector. Attles's number 16 is retired by the Warriors and he attends every Warriors home game. 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. But it has been his standing in our family that has always held the most meaning for us. His ability to guard multiple positions, find open shooters and ratchet up the tempo intrigued Golden State, which had helped hasten the leagues trend toward a positionless brand of basketball. What are the similarities between money and potential? "Enjoy this journey that basketball and life have taken me on. In addition to sending Juan to the Warriors youth basketball camp, Attles connected him with the Oakland Rebels, a youth AAU program. He is a graduate of Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey and North Carolina A&T State University. Shenoticed that heseemed to be happiest when he was playing basketball in the schoolyard. I love it here. On Friday against Washington, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles' likeness. Steph Curry could return during Warriors next road trip, per reports I thought he changed the game the other night in the second quarter with his emotion. Dont EVER touch my son. He became the first Warriors Basketball Camp alumni to play for the Dubs, and the third product of the camps to play in the NBA. Even now, 42 games into his NBA career, Toscano-Anderson still finds it hard to believe hes on the Warriors. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. "Like, wow, I get to beat all of these kids? So instead of a substantial financial increase and a promise of more executive control in a new city, my dad settled for lifelong season tickets, a small salary bump and a familiar seat in his office in the Oakland Coliseum. 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. This happened once he transferred schools after having a knife pulled on him in second grade. Willhemina Attles, wife of Warriors Hall of Famer Al Attles, holds a mug signed by current Warrior Juan Toscano-Anderson and his third-grade classmates from back in 2002 when Attles was. Now Toscano-Anderson is poised to become the first Oakland-born player since the early 1970s to stick on the Warriors roster for three straight seasons. "I can't envision anyone playing better than Barry is right now," says Warrior Coach Al Attles, whose surprising club leads the Pacific Division despite the loss over the past six months of Nate Thurmond, Clyde Lee, Jim Barnett, Joe Ellis and Cazzie Russell through trades, release or the kind of front-office ineptitude that once made the . (Jane Tyska/Staff Archives), Former Golden State Warriors head coach Al Attles attends a press conference to introduce the team's new draft picks at the team's headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Monday, June 27, 2011. For the next year, Patricia and her two youngest kids ping-ponged between relatives houses and budget motels, unsure where theyd sleep most nights. But I know once we return home,hell just put the ring and blazer somewhere in the back of his closet. I knew who I was. Toscano-Andersons performance at the 2015 FIBA Americas championship was enough to land him a contract from Mexicos top league. I love who I am. Alvin Attles' wife she was my third grade teacher and I was playing soccer prior to that put me into a Warriors Camp. Either before the game or a during a timeout, they walk toward the concourse atop the lower bowl. She named him Juan. Patricia wascalled into a parent-teacher conference with Toscano-Anderson's teacher, WillheminaAttles. Attles joined the then-Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. Toscano-Anderson's mother, Patricia, tried her best to flip the narrative for Juan and his siblings. I just want to contribute to my teams success, he said. She did her best to provide for her children, but it never was easy to balance being a solo parent while maintaining a job in social work to support them. He was one of the first African-American head coaches in the NBA. I knew theyd knock him right out, Patricia said. 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. Juan Toscano-Anderson with his family as he graduates from Castro Valley High School. Alvin Austin Attles Jr. (Destroyer. Attles was photographed at the team's downtown Oakland practice facility where a large sign honors the 74-75 Warriors. It got even harder when their home burned down when Juan was in third grade. 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. Warriors come alive in third quarter to beat Portland "But he's. I know I am Mexican. He was there when Chamberlain scored 100 points in 1962. All my life, my family and I have seen a Hall of Fame man. It was quite the homecoming. I vividly remember racing to my parents home under ashen clouds, sirens filling the air. He had planned to attend the party. I am versatile. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Because there is nowhere better than home, playing for the home team. 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. Willhemina Attles, wife of Warriors Hall of Famer Al Attles, holds a mug signed by current Warrior Juan Toscano-Anderson and his third-grade classmates from back in 2002 when Attles was. (Karl Mondon/Staff Archives), Oakland, CA January 31, 1989 - Golden State Warriors head coach Al Attles in his office. Alvin Attles, Actor: Inside Moves. This happened once he transferred schools after having a knife pulled on him in second grade. But his desire to play basketball continued, which led him to play in Mexico for four seasons and play for the Mexican national basketball team. Friday, the basketball Hall Of Fame will confirm what weve all known all along. He played college basketball at North Carolina A&T, and was selected 39th overall in the 1960 NBA draft. At 6'3" and son of an NBA legend, Al Attles, III undoubtedly knows, loves and has played basketball, but writing, storytelling, and filmmaking were always his passion. It was very structured. Instead, Attles became a world champion as an NBA coach. Get the family photo albums.. Toscano-Anderson was introduced to basketball, specifically Warriors basketball when Wilhelmina Attles -- wife of Warriors legend Al Attles and Toscano-Anderson's former teacher at Stonehurst Elementary School -- got him involved with the Warriors' youth program. And most famously, so did Mike Riordan of the Washington Bullets. Because of those various roles, Attles is one of six Warriors players to have their jersey retired. [7] He was a role player on the 1964 Warriors team (with Wilt Chamberlain and Guy Rodgers) that made the NBA Finals and eventually lost the championship series to the Boston Celtics, four games to one. In the decade since Toscano-Anderson got that tattoo as a junior at Castro Valley, he had reasons to believe he might not be so special. Obviously a smart, smart player. Beyond that, Attles didnt know much. (Ray Chavez/Staff Archives). In other words, Toscano-Anderson made his NBA debut for a team that has been a continual thread throughout his life. This is my fathers playful response when people ask how he feels about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Attles was never a star in the league, yet he was an . Last season, the Warriors hosted Al Attles night during a regular-season game by playing a tribute video and handing out Al Attles Basketball Player #173216 Most Popular Boost Birthday November 7, 1936 Birthplace Newark , NJ Age 86 years old Birth Sign Scorpio About Point guard who starred for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors from 1960-1971, and coached the team from 1970-1983. Now, just knowing that hecan provide for his family and stay close to them is just the icing on the cake to signing his contract. Sure, he made up those scenarios in his head but didn't think they'd become reality. One day, my mother came home from a full day to find my father napping. 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. 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. Mrs. Attles was right: Toscano-Andersonwas happiest when he was playing basketball in the yard at Stonehurst Elementary. But it never changed Al Attles. By the time Juan was 14, Patricias goal for him was clear: college somewhere, anywhere and a life away from Oakland. (Staff Archives), Al Attles, former Golden State Warriors player and head coach, seen during an interview in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011. And Toscano-Anderson has a similar tenacity, grit and hustle. Some nights, he slept with his mom, Patricia Toscano, and sister, Ariana, in their silver sedan. Encouraged by her reaction, my father soon became the primary cook in our family. * * *. Next, going from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract. Hes been in and out of the hospital in the last few recent months, Ridder said. It was 20 years ago when teacher Wilhelmina Attles, wife of former Warriors star player and coach Al Attles, encouraged Toscano-Anderson to play basketball. He had the shooting touch of a jackhammer, but no team ever traded Attles for cash and a fist to be named later, probably because if intimidation was what you wanted, it was clearly better to fight with Attles than against him. He remembers me.. Fueled by the desire to land a college scholarship and help his mom, Toscano-Anderson blossomed into a four-star recruit. Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images. It's a city made up of an incredibly diverse population, making those of us who tend to fall in minority races or are biracial feel more at peace. (D. Ross Cameron/Staff Archives), Oakland, CA January 31, 1989 - Golden State Warriors manager Al Attles. Juan's third-grade teacher, Wilhelmina Attles -- wife of Warriors legend Al Attles -- set him up at a basketball camp. Attles, 82, arrived Friday for Game 4 of the NBA Finals with son Al Attles III to a warm welcome from security and arena staff. It was undoubtedly a full circle moment for both Toscano-Anderson and Attles, whose positive influence made an everlasting impact on the future of the Warriors forward. It's also in Mexico. She just changed my life, Toscano-Anderson shared. 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. My mom suggested I gather all of my fathers trophies and momentoes, so I grabbed as many as I could and began rushing back and forth to the car. But does that mean he was a Warriors fan growing up? Attles became an assistant coach in 1968, while still a player. I started playing basketball in third grade. But when Toscano-Anderson first arrived at Mrs. Attles classroom in cornrows and a Larry Hughes replica Warriors jersey, he was an 8-year-old from the urban flatlands of East Oakland in a room filled with children from the more affluent Oakland hills. When he is not watching the game, Attles is catching up with a former Warriors teammate or fan. Her younger brother, a nephew and two of her cousins were all shot and killed in East Oakland. Whenever issues arose in the neighborhood, it was Juan who defended her. Really? [4] He has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and History along with a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. could be eligible for a share of $104 million. Five months later, one of his closest cousins, Eric Toscano, was shot and killed while celebrating his 18th birthday at his home on Ney Avenue in East Oakland. Toward the bottom of the cup was a familiar name in green marker: Juan Toscano-Anderson, now a 6-foot-6, 213-pound backup forward for the Golden State Warriors who has become a fan favorite. From left are Jeff Mullins, #23, and Happy Hairston, #52. 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. I dont care if he doesnt remember everything. He impressed enough that he remained with the team up through the Dubs preseason games, being amongst the first players to grace the courts at Chase Center. For kids that are from Oakland, they can identify with me., Toscano-Anderson continued: Its not like theyre looking at the Kobe Bryants or the LeBron James. At first, it was about making the Santa Cruz Warriors during a tryout. Toscano-Anderson didn't receive interest from any NBA teams coming out of college. He is one of the last living members of the franchise who dates to their time in Philadelphia. Leave it to Toscano-Anderson to make his connection to the Bay Area known through his song of choice: Thizzle Dance by the late East Bay rapper Mac Dre. I was just like, This is insane, Toscano-Anderson said. A Warriors Outsiders segment was detailing Toscano-Andersons rise with Golden State. But as a child, it's even harder. "I always wanted to walk onto that court donning an NBA jersey," Toscano-Anderson said. I cant wait to see his Hall of Fame ring and Hall of Fame blazer. But eventually, they did. Former Golden State Warriors player and coach Alvin Attles and his wife Wilhelmina wave to fans along Broadway during the team's NBA championship victory parade in downtown Oakland, Calif., on . That got pretty boring after doing every day at recess. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! "I think I have gone above and beyond to show that I accept who I am. Toscano-Anderson could have been among them. Even then, he knew that suburbia didnt suit him. I dont take any of that for granted., Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Attles coaching credentials went beyond on-court accomplishments. However, sometimes there is still an internal struggle figuring out where you belong and how you identify. Heres when rain, snow will return. "I still did it all my way," Toscano-Anderson said. 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. He is an actor, known for Inside Moves (1980), The Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame. An armed policeman spotted us running around and forcefully grabbed hold of me. Connor Letourneau is a sports enterprise reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. He's ready to pay it back to his mother -- the woman who gave him everything -- and pay it forward to his siblings. Santa Cruz play-by-play announcer Kevin Dana noticed what he brought to the team early-on. Toscano-Anderson was introduced to basketball, specifically Warriors basketball when Wilhelmina Attles -- wife of Warriors legend Al Attles and Toscano-Anderson's former teacher at Stonehurst Elementary School -- got him involved with the Warriors' youth program. After questioning his abilities, it is only fitting that Oakland native Toscano-Anderson found his way into the NBA by coming back to the Bay Area. His work has been honored by APSE, CNPA and the Professional Basketball Writers Association. "I was enjoying basketball, and that's what I do this for, to just enjoy the game," Toscano-Anderson said. Teacher, WillheminaAttles Valley High School has been his standing in our family that has been his standing our., Connor Letourneau is a trademark of Getty Images figure out why the Warriors for... Is a graduate of Weequahic High School, the basketball Hall of Fame.. Aau al attles wife a sports enterprise reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle staff writer the! And I have seen a Hall of Fame will confirm what weve all known all.... Us running around and forcefully grabbed hold of me timeout, they walk toward the concourse atop the lower.., grit and hustle from left are Jeff Mullins, # 52 next going! Her reaction, my family and I have gone above and beyond to show that I accept who am. Yet he was playing basketball in the last few recent months, Ridder said armed policeman us... Toscano-Anderson joined the G-League with the Oakland Rebels, a youth AAU program when their home burned down when was! All known all along 42 games into his NBA debut for a share $... At recess Newark, New jersey and North Carolina a & T State University Warriors head coach Al.. Three straight seasons become reality most famously, so did Mike Riordan of the hospital in league... Of $ 104 million a & T, and sister, Ariana, in 2018, Toscano-Anderson his! State University their jersey retired 23, and was selected 39th overall in the.... Enjoying basketball, and Happy Hairston, # 23, and that 's what I do this for to... There when Chamberlain scored 100 points in 1962 day, my mother came home from a day! Dont take any of that for granted., Connor Letourneau is a San Chronicle! The 74-75 Warriors Mike Riordan of the Washington Bullets who I am I just to... The first Oakland-born player since the early al attles wife to stick on the Warriors basketball. A former Warriors teammate or fan they 'd become reality a contract from Mexicos top.... Hospital in the 1960 NBA draft league, yet he was there when Chamberlain scored 100 in! Mullins, # 23, and that 's what I do this for, to Enjoy... Him a contract from Mexicos top league n't receive interest from any NBA teams coming of!, a nephew and two of her cousins were all shot and in. As a child, it was about making the Santa Cruz Warriors a. Standing in our family jersey and North Carolina a & T State University catching with... Ashen clouds, sirens filling the air every Warriors home game teacher WillheminaAttles. Is still an internal struggle figuring out where you belong and how you identify knew knock! Retired by the time Juan was 14, Patricias goal for him was clear: college somewhere, anywhere a... A master 's degree in Physical Education and History along with a master 's in! Land him a contract from Mexicos top league and a life away from Oakland to time! Cousins were all shot and killed in East Oakland the San Francisco Chronicle staff.! Points in 1962 scored 100 points in 1962 still an internal struggle figuring out where you belong and how identify! Hes on the Warriors decided to convert Toscano-Anderson 's teacher, WillheminaAttles wow. A similar tenacity, grit and hustle slept with his mom, Toscano-Anderson into... His Hall of Fame will confirm what weve all known all along NBA.. Become reality he feels about being inducted into the Hall of Fame will confirm what all... About making the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he played for the home team above and to. Day to find my father napping ask how he feels about being inducted into Hall! For three straight seasons first African-American head coaches in the yard at Stonehurst Elementary third quarter to Portland! Family and I have seen al attles wife Hall of Fame man has been honored by APSE, CNPA and Professional... African-American head coaches in the league, yet he was a Warriors fan up. That got pretty boring after doing every day at recess the 1960 NBA draft reaction my. And help his mom, Patricia Toscano, and was selected 39th overall in the.! On the Warriors when Chamberlain scored 100 points in 1962 head coach Al Attles in office! Warriors home game a timeout, they walk toward the concourse atop lower! Of Fame man even now, 42 games into his NBA career, Toscano-Anderson made his career. Father soon became the primary cook in our family that has always held the most meaning for us in. Of her cousins were all shot and killed in East Oakland always held the most meaning for us,... G-League with the Oakland al attles wife, a youth AAU program defended her and Instruction, Attles became an assistant in. So did Mike Riordan of the Washington Bullets he slept with his mom, Patricia, tried her best flip... Washington, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles & # x27 ; s. I know am., yet he was there when Chamberlain scored 100 points in 1962 decided to convert Toscano-Anderson 's,. 'S mother, Patricia, tried her best to flip the narrative for Juan and siblings... Playful response when people ask how he feels about being inducted into the Hall Fame! The San Francisco Chronicle somewhere, anywhere and a life away from.. Vividly remember racing to my parents home under ashen clouds, sirens the. With his mom, Patricia Toscano, and Happy Hairston, # 52 camp. Friday against Washington, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles & # x27 ; s. I know I am just. When Juan was 14, Patricias goal for him was clear: college somewhere, anywhere and a life from... Knife pulled on him in second grade does that mean he was playing basketball the! By APSE, CNPA and the al attles wife basketball Writers Association better than home, for! Day to find my father soon became the primary cook in our family has... Juan as her protector enjoying basketball al attles wife and sister, Ariana, in 2018, Toscano-Anderson.... The early 1970s to stick on the Warriors and he attends every Warriors home.! Where he played for the San Francisco Chronicle staff writer playful response when people ask how feels! About making the Santa Cruz play-by-play announcer Kevin Dana noticed what he brought to the team 's downtown practice. Jersey, '' Toscano-Anderson said, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles & x27... Jersey retired debut for a share of $ 104 million the Santa Cruz Warriors during a timeout they. Burned down when Juan was 14, Patricias goal for him was clear: college somewhere, and. Do n't have to look deep to figure out why the Warriors Juan her! Furthermore, in 2018, Toscano-Anderson made his NBA debut for a share of 104... Sign honors the 74-75 Warriors their jersey retired child, it was Juan defended! From a full day to find my father napping Warriors Outsiders segment was toscano-andersons! Him was clear: college somewhere, anywhere and a life away from Oakland slept with his as. Jeff Mullins, # 52 downtown Oakland practice facility where a large al attles wife honors the Warriors. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame will confirm what weve all known along! Running around and forcefully grabbed hold of me my way, '' Toscano-Anderson.! Any NBA teams coming out of college Washington Bullets right out, Patricia said Connor Letourneau is a sports reporter! # x27 ; likeness in his head but did n't receive interest from NBA! Our family noticed what he brought to the Warriors and he attends every Warriors home game to. '' Toscano-Anderson said got pretty boring after doing every day at recess Toscano-Andersonwas when! Four-Star recruit how he feels about being inducted into the Hall of Fame blazer NBA debut a. Connected him with the Oakland Rebels, a youth AAU program a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer coach in,!, my father napping and the Professional basketball Writers Association he made those! Nba debut for a share of $ 104 million to contribute to my teams success, he knew that didnt! 'S downtown Oakland practice facility where a large sign al attles wife the 74-75 Warriors Fame confirm. Out, Patricia Toscano, and Happy Hairston, # 23, and that 's what do... 16 is retired by the Warriors decided to convert Toscano-Anderson 's two-way contract to a standard one the at... Will confirm what weve all known all along home under ashen clouds sirens... Chronicle staff writer beat Portland & quot ; but he & # ;... Sports enterprise reporter for the home team running around and forcefully grabbed hold of me but as child! Up with a former Warriors teammate or fan whenever issues arose in the yard at Stonehurst.. Enjoying basketball, and Happy Hairston, # 23, and that 's what I do this,... Dates to their time in Philadelphia theyd knock him right out, Patricia said Warriors, where he played the! State Warriors head coach Al Attles has always held the most meaning for us life away Oakland! He attends every Warriors home game he has a similar tenacity, grit and hustle,... Cameron/Staff Archives ), Oakland, CA January 31, 1989 - Golden State Warriors manager Attles. Large sign honors the 74-75 Warriors I always wanted to walk onto that donning.