Sports

Richmond’s Kenny Walker III is Destined to Achieve

Published

8 years ago

October 12, 2017

By Bobby Mardis

Richmond native Kenny Walker III might look like your typical neighborhood at-risk kid but the conscious decision to change his mindset created endless possibilities.

While growing up in Richmond, Kenny’s reality included what he saw from his living room window: drugs, jail, and a path that would lead him into violence, or even worse, dead. He was raised by his mother Patricia, and saw his father, Kenny Walker Sr., on some weekends; they did their best to shield him from the perils of his environment.

Despite his parents’ efforts, Kenny still found himself succumbing to peer pressure with street fights, dismal grades, and school expulsion, forcing his mother to send him to live with his father in Brentwood. But with his father’s guidance, a transformation occurred.

His father gave him man-to-man talks and constantly told him, “Don’t play with it,” which meant give it your all in life and in competition. Maybe the presence of his father made that life altering difference, but a metamorphosis did transpire. His grades got better and he found his true passion, which was football and track. While competing, Kenny’s life’s frustrations manifested themselves into positive results in competitions. He quickly stood out as an extraordinary athlete who fueled his mental barometer by telling himself that “Mom’s gotta’ eat,” and that meant making it to the NFL; a task that only 1,696 players achieve, with 32 teams and 53 roster positions..

Later, Kenny moved back with his mother and attended Kennedy High School. Despite the many obstacles, his new mindset led him to be ranked number one in the state in hurdles.

However, his optimistic mindset and fervent drive pushed him right to UCLA. Obstacles continued to present themselves in college when he was sent home from a bowl game because of subpar grades. BUT He remembered the many talks with his Dad and his father’s motto, “Don’t play with it.”

Kenny Walker

From that point on, he never received a grade lower than a “B,” and received many football awards for scholastic achievements. Hard work and perseverance created more success and opportunities for Kenny. He graduated in 2016 with a degree in African-American Studies, making the struggle worthwhile.

The next seemly insurmountable obstacle was securing a spot in the NFL. Kenny’s mindset was fueled by his continued persistence in spite of life’s challenges and the odds of actually being drafted. Like many other NFL hopefuls, he waited with baited breath for the draft announcement and subsequent call but it never came. He took his frustration out at a local bowling alley until the phone rang. It was an NFL coach, and he suddenly got an inch closer to his NFL dream.

Kenny was invited to join the Jacksonville, FL Jaguars for their camp. His attitude shifted and positive mindset kept working in his favor to help him achieve yet another goal and a better life than his original trajectory. He got in the first game, but as a wide receiver, he didn’t get the opportunity to make any significant plays. Life’s obstacles kept rearing their ugly heads. A business decision was made and he was cut from the roster to make room for another needed position.

Kenny’s persistent attitude afforded him a few more opportunities with the Jets, Giants, Cowboys and Rams, but he still has yet to sign a contract. As Kenny continues to train with Coach Ant Eggleton and Eric Merrida in Oakland, he is ready for that call to fill a midseason replacement slot.

With the help of his agent Peter Schaffer, Esq., Kenny’s football options may lead him overseas, but one thing is for sure – he is ready to expand his world of possibilities. A degree from UCLA also helps tremendously to brighten his future!

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 months ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

9 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

12 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.