It's never an easy critique to hear. We were just so hurt, the staff and I, that a kid would be exposed to that, Attles said. I grew up around [an] all Mexican family. Attles was photographed at the team's downtown Oakland practice facility where a large sign honors the 74-75 Warriors. Attles, one of Montclairs only African American teachers, felt an immediate kinship with Juan, who is half-Black, half-Mexican. He was there when Chamberlain scored 100 points in 1962. Hes had a fighting spirit since the moment he came into the world, Patricia said. But at a certain point, the competition on the playground wasn't enough for him. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Take the instance where Toscano-Anderson cracked his head open on a dive to save a possession in the April 15 game against the Boston Celtics as evidence. The boy bothering my aunt found that out the hard way. Klay Thompson subscribes. In addition to becoming a hero of sorts to Mexicans and Mexican Americans for being the only active NBA player of Mexican descent, Toscano-Anderson has become an icon to Oaklanders, many of them still upset that the Warriors left their home of 47 years for San Francisco. Aug 15, 2022. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images. He was just 19. Many in the Elmhurst neighborhood know that, if they need a place to stay while they get their lives back on track, Toscano-Anderson and his mom will try to help provide accommodations. Beaty slugged Meschery . Point guard who starred for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors from 1960-1971, and coached the team from 1970-1983. Al Attles is a Warriors icon, but his wife, Wilhelmina, has been his rock for more than half a century. She also did the cooking, the cleaning, paid the bills, helped with homework, carpooled us to our various activities and even taught me how to play basketball, as more and more of my fathers time was spent at work. I hit all my spots.. As kids, my sister once told my dad about a boy who was messing with at her at school. Although I never quite understood the one-half-of-one-percent phrase, at five years old I understood that my father was a practical man. (Dan Honda/Bay Area News Group), Golden State Warriors legend Al Attles, center, tosses the basket ball between Jenny Fang, left, and her cousin Ella Fang to start a game as part of the refurbished baskteball court ceremony at Lincoln Square Park in Oakland in 2006. On March 2, 1962, he was the team's second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. "Hes done everything weve asked and more," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. But even with his guaranteed contract, he knows it doesn't mean he can slack off. After averaging 3.8 points per game over his four-year career at Marquette, Toscano-Anderson didnt receive a single offer to play overseas, much less in the NBA. He also didnt inundate us with a lot of technical things and paper work. So much so, Toscano-Anderson went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft, and not for any lack of talent, but by his own admission he did not even submit his name for the draft. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Chart: Bay Area rainfall totals for this week, Steph Curry could return during Warriors next road trip, per reports, Kerrs game plan, the Warriors energy, lifted the Dubs to a much-needed win, Draymond Green explains his issue with Black History Month: Why do we get the shortest month?, Warriors come alive in third quarter to beat Portland, Steph Curry takes encouraging step in lead-up to return, though timetable still unknown. It was not only a momentous occasion in his basketball career, but a culmination of events that are almost hard to believe. The immense pride Toscano-Anderson has for his hometown is a common trait found in most Oaklanders, including myself. Attles has been on the Warriors' payroll in one capacity or another for 62 years, the longest uninterrupted streak of any person for one team. 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. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Without him, she felt lost. 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. They've been here ever since. After police officers broke up the dispute and left the scene, the man returned. Attles joined the then-Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. As a player, coach and ambassador, however, Attles impressed the Warriors more with his substance over flash. Youre running into all these different monsters, only theyre things like gangs and drive-by shootings.. "I'm in tune with both of my heritages, and I love that about myself. "I'm sure there were some more opportunities out there for me, but this is home for me. Click here if you are unable to view this gallery on a mobile device. His toughness stemmed from loyalty.Related Articles That was my first basketball camp, its propelled me to where I am today.. 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. In other words, Toscano-Anderson made his NBA debut for a team that has been a continual thread throughout his life. Al Attles was born on November 7, 1936 in Newark, NJ. Toscano-Andersons No. Its a reflection of Toscano-Andersons upbringing in East Oakland, the most dangerous area of a city with 30 homicides already in 2021. One half of one percent of people looking to play professional basketball will even get the opportunity to try out.. Family photos from Juan Toscano-Andersons youth. He performed so well that it prompted a last-minute trade of six-year NBA veteran Terrence Jones in order to make a roster spot for Toscano-Anderson. 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. But what he brings to this team extends far beyond what the stat sheet shows. Originally, we thought this piece was going to speak to his victories, his winning percentage, his accolades, and his achievements with the Warriors. He needed an outlet.. But it won't last long. Stephen Curry has not only led a Warriors resurgence since entering the league, he has changed the game with his long-distance shooting. He loved it. Playing in Santa Cruz was really cool also being back home, that was really cool, said Toscano-Anderson. 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. So, the Warriors themselves, for what they are, they've given me dreams. 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 Ridder added, his family is going to play it by ear on whether he attends. After a long, winding, and non-traditional route, Juan Toscano-Anderson played his first minutes on the NBA hardwood in regular season action. Two of his most famous knockouts were against far bigger men: 6-9 Zelmo Beaty and 6-8 Bob Ferry. 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. Heck, he wears it on his chest and back every time he puts on his Golden State Warriors jersey. A few lucky ones would be invited to training camp with a chance to join the roster. 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. 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. I never thought in a million years Id be playing for the Warriors, let alone in the NBA, but its exciting for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for the people of Oakland.. "We were houseless, we lived in a car, and from here and there to different places," Patricia said. It's also in Mexico. He walks a little crookedly, and he struggles with his memory sometimes. He thanked Attles again Thursday . JTA incredibly surprises camper with free trip to Cancun camp. But it never changed Al Attles. Following a short stint as the Warriors general manager in 1983-84, Attles retired and became a regular fixture at Warriors home games. She noticed that he seemed to be happiest when he was playing basketball in the schoolyard. Whenever the Warriors luminaries return to watch the game they played and love, they often do one thing that becomes as memorable as marveling at the highlight reels. Now that I have this opportunity to play for the Warriors what I plan to do is just be me: be a great teammate, be the hardest playing guy on the floor, whatever it takes to win. Thats what kind of jump started me playing basketball. . (Oakland Tribune Photo), Former player, coach, player/coach and the last coach to last Warriors' coach to win a championship Al Attles has a word with the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) following their victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. He remembers me.. 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. Attles's number 16 is retired by the Warriors and he attends every Warriors home game. To see your child living his dream, it means everything.. He won an NBA championship in 1975, which made him the second African-American coach to do so, joining Bill Russell. The 28-year-old has become a keyrotation player for the Warriors, averaging 8.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals over the last 13 games, while shooting 63 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from deep in 29 minutes per game. A mechanical engineer, he raised four kids as a single father and tried to shield them from the gang violence overtaking the surrounding streets. Almost all their belongings, including many of the kids childhood photos, were destroyed. They have two children. Seventeen days after her due date, Patricia went into labor. But on the blacktop at recess, Toscano-Anderson forgot all about the outside world. "I was enjoying basketball, and that's what I do this for, to just enjoy the game," Toscano-Anderson said. I don't want to say I didn't accept it. "I'm from the Bay Area," he said back in March before quickly revising himself,"Wait, I'm not from the Bay. "But he's. ", Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast, Why JTA felt 'destined' to sign standard contract with Dubs, JTA sharesheartfelt moment with mom after contract signing. I heard that message on more Saturday mornings than I can recall. They swept them. Attles, 82, has not been at Warriors games recently this season because of what team spokesman Raymond Ridder called age-related ailments. The Warriors have invited Attles to be among the Warriors luminaries to attend Sundays game against the Clippers, which will mark the final regular-season game at Oracle Arena. Beyond that, Attles didnt know much. After finishing fifth on the Warriors all-time games played list (711), he transitioned into coaching the organization. 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. Patricia wascalled into a parent-teacher conference with Toscano-Anderson's teacher, WillheminaAttles. At the end of the day, I accept that I am in a different category of my own. In all, Attles has been a Warriors employee in some fashion for 57 years, going back to when he was drafted by the team in 1960. When he is not watching the game, Attles is catching up with a former Warriors teammate or fan. 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. A life-changing signature," Toscano-Anderson said in a Zoom press conference Thursday evening. Attles was known as "The Destroyer" due to his defensive specialities along with once punching a player in the jaw. 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. In my case, I was raised in a predominantly white family and went to a predominantly white school. Warriors come alive in third quarter to beat Portland 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. could be eligible for a share of $104 million. My dad paid the boy a visit. One night in July 1992, Macarios youngest son, Juan, had an argument with someone in the neighborhood. There, in the back of the driveway, Juan and his cousins would shoot at a plastic crate hung on a gate. I knew my family was Mexican. He played overseas, joining the Mexican national basketball team in 2016 at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and then in Mexico and Venezuela from 2016 to 2018. "Juan didn't know either. He played college basketball at North Carolina A&T, and was selected 39th overall in the 1960 NBA draft. Patricia was a single mother of four. Former Warriors head coach Al Attles attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, marking his first appearance at Oracle Arena in 2019. And where else would he find out if he could play against the best than back home in the Bay Area? Next, going from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract. I just, I was living in urban culture. Attles was replaced by Johnny Bach for the last 21 games of the 197980 NBA season (a season in which the Warriors finished tied for last place), though he returned for the next season (Bach would become Attles's permanent successor after 1983). I tried to provide a shoulder, just extra love and attention.. Back when Attles had a sharper memory, his consideration for others left a lasting impact. Instead, Attles became a world champion as an NBA coach. 16, Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Tom Meschery (14), Chris Mullin (17) and Nate Thurmond (42) hang in the rafters. In 29 games, Juan Toscano-Anderson has averaged 5.0 points on 52.8% shooting, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Warriors. Tahoe snow: Massive blizzard wreaks havoc on the Sierra, burying Another winter storm? Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. I knew who I was. But The Town isn't Toscano-Anderson's only home. I know I am Mexican. He was previously the Warriors beat reporter (2016-2021) and the Cal beat reporter (2015-16). HIs wise counsel, his unwavering loyalty, his great sense of humor, his deep compassion for others. (Staff Archives), Oakland, CA January 23, 1980 - Golden State Warriors basketball coach Al Attles on the sidelines. In class, his voice barely rose above a whisper. That yellow, single-story house with a lime tree in the front yard has long been a family haven. His career was built on maximizing his ability and working to become efficient in areas he wasnt comfortable. My fathers nickname was The Destroyer, because of his willingness to finish a fight. 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. Mrs. Attles told her not to worry about it. None of the coaches, none of my teammates they really made me feel a part of this. He thanked Attles again Thursday, noting, "She just changed my life." 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. Hes been with the Warriors forever. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? In 29 games, he has averaged 5.0 points on 52.8% shooting (40% from 3-point range), 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 19.1 minutes. Now living this childhood dream, Toscano-Anderson returned to Chase Center not as someone on the preseason roster contending for a spot, but as a Golden State Warrior. Because of those varying roles, Attles will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor on Sept. 6. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. "He just brings that energy and juice to every moment that he comes into the game. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. pizza favorite shuts down after 13 years, plus more Bay Area S.F. I am excited to be in Springfield. I dont take any of that for granted., Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. It changed my life, it was really exciting. 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