York College in Queens wins NBA Slam Dunk contest

New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin represented York College in NBA Slam Dunk contest. Photo courtesy of York College

 By David Brand

New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin may have finished second in the NBA dunk contest, but he made sure York College was the real winner.

The Jamaica CUNY received an $80,000 donation from the NBA and AT&T after Toppin chose to represent them in the competition, which took place at halftime of the NBA All Star Game March 7. Each Dunk Contest contestant chose to represent a Historically Black College/University or a school with a predominantly Black student population.

Toppin, a Bushwick native, said it was “a tremendous pride and honor to represent York College.”

“I am grateful to have played a small part in York’s efforts to support students who have been most impacted by the pandemic and who continue to demonstrate what it means to be New York Tough,” he added.

Toppin soared to second by dunking over his dad and his Knicks teammate Julius Randle. His performance earned York $50,000, while AT&T chipped in another 30 grand.

York said it will use the money to fund COVID-19 relief efforts through the One York Student Emergency Fund. The fund supports students who have lost their jobs or housing or who face food insecurity as a  result of the pandemic.  

“It will help ameliorate financial difficulties for our hardworking students, most of whom lost jobs due to the pandemic; and many of whose parents have also lost employment,” said York College President Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes.

Queens has had a knack for winning the slam dunk contest in recent years. 

In 2019, LeFrak City native Hamidou Diallo took the title back to the borough. Diallo plays guard and forward for the Detroit Pistons.

The year before that, Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell tomahawked to victory. Mitchell grew up in Westchester County, but his dad worked as head of player relations for the Mets. So it counts for Queens too.