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If you think about it, there are not many Halls of Fame that a person could realistically be inducted into. Maybe high school, if they have one. College? Professional? Those are reserved for the best of the best.
With that in mind, the recurring message at Putnam Science Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction was one of complete gratitude, whether toward PSA and its faculty and staff, or to former teammates, former coaches, or to the town of Putnam itself.
“Putnam Science Academy gave me, a kid from Queens, N.Y., a chance to change his life for the better,” said Hamidou Diallo, a member of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and one of seven new members welcomed into the Mustangs’ exclusive club June 4. “From the first day that I came to Putnam, it was all work. They taught me my whole work ethic and made sure I understood that school was just as important as being on the court.
“I remember the first day being picked up and coming up to that suburban area. It was a culture shock, something new. But I wanted the change, and I was dedicated to being in life and becoming a better person. And they gave me that chance. I have nothing but love and passionate spirits about Putnam Science, and the Putnam neighborhood and community and what it’s done for me.”
Joining Diallo as inductees of this Hall of Fame class were former players Jaheam Cornwall, Mamadou Diarra, Aaron Robinson and Andrew Robinson, coaches Ken Chauvin and Josh Scraba, as well as the 2015-16 team.
“We had an amazing night,” said PSA basketball coach and athletic director Tom Espinosa. “This will be a night that I will always remember, reliving and making so many great memories with this great group.
“These individuals are not just Hall of Fame athletes but Hall of Fame people. I can’t begin to tell you how special each one of these individuals are.”
Diarra, PSA’s first high-major college recruit and first real “superstar,” recounted some of the times that he and head coach Tom Espinosa didn’t see eye-to-eye, then with a laugh thanked Scraba for intervening and “keeping Espo from killing me.”
The Robinson twins, inducted as Contributors because of their long-standing ties to the school since their graduation, both recalled what a special place Putnam was for them and how it helped them grow.
“It’s amazing to think about how being in this town for just one year was one of the most important experiences of my life,” Aaron said.
Chauvin made sure to emphasize the role that Espinosa played in bringing him into the program, while in a touching moment, had everyone in attendance wave to his daughter on FaceTime because she was unable to attend.
Scraba, the associate head coach who has been part of three national championships, nearly 400 wins, and has helped develop more than 120 players who have gone on to play college basketball, held back tears as he thanked his family, particularly his brother Travis, whom he called “my first recruit.”
Brandon Hurst, a member of the 2015-16 team which went 37-4 and put PSA on the national stage for the first time, also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be at PSA.
“I think my life would look very different if I hadn’t come here,” he said. “That was a great team to be a part of, and those guys are my friends for life. I was blessed to learn so much about life in my time here.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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