OUR BEGINNING
Hoops By The River Inc. was founded in 2009 by Will Kelly Sr. and Will Kelly Jr. with a vision of creating positive opportunities for young people in East Harlem through basketball.
What began on the basketball courts grew into something much bigger — a community organization built around sports, education, mentorship and providing young people with opportunities to succeed both on and off the court.
Over the years, Erik Kelly and Christopher Kelly joined the organization, helping continue the Kelly family's commitment to serving East Harlem and expanding the vision of Hoops By The River.
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Will Kelly Sr. was more than a basketball coach — he was a mentor, community leader and father figure whose influence reached generations of young people throughout New York City.
For decades, he dedicated himself to teaching the game of basketball while using the sport to instill discipline, confidence, responsibility and determination in young athletes.
Throughout his years of coaching and mentoring, Will Kelly Sr. worked with countless young players, including future NBA players Stephon Marbury, Ron Artest (Metta Sandiford-Artest), Elton Brand and Lamar Odom, along with many athletes who went on to compete at the collegiate level.
His greatest impact, however, extended far beyond basketball. He believed in giving young people opportunities, keeping them focused and helping them see possibilities for their futures.
Although Will Kelly Sr. passed away in 2019, his influence continues through his family, the young people he mentored and the ongoing work of Hoops By The River.
A LEGACY FOREVER PART OF EAST HARLEM
THE WILL KELLY SR. BASKETBALL COURTS
For decades, Will Kelly Sr. dedicated himself to basketball, mentorship and the young people of East Harlem. His impact extended far beyond wins and losses. Through coaching, guidance and a commitment to developing young athletes, he helped influence generations of players while becoming a respected part of New York City's basketball community.
His legacy also became the foundation upon which the Kelly family continued its commitment to youth basketball and community service — a commitment that would eventually help shape the work of Hoops By The River Inc.
Following his passing in 2019, his family, former players, community members and supporters continued working to ensure that his contributions to East Harlem would never be forgotten.
A LEGACY FOREVER PART OF EAST HARLEM
A HISTORIC HONOR
In 2025, the basketball courts at Thomas Jefferson Park in East Harlem were officially named the Will Kelly Sr. Basketball Courts, permanently honoring his contributions to basketball, mentorship and the community he served.
For the Kelly family and Hoops By The River, the court dedication represents much more than a name on a sign. It represents the countless young people he coached, the relationships he built, the lessons he taught and the legacy of service that continues through the generations that followed him.
Today, those courts stand as a reminder of where the journey began — and of the responsibility to continue creating opportunities for the young people of East Harlem.
HIS NAME IS ON THE COURT.
HIS LEGACY LIVES THROUGH THE COMMUNITY.