Canton Ohio honors NBA legend, Phil Hubbard, with basketball court re-naming celebration

By Patricia Henderson
Akron Reporter Staff Writer/Patch online.com

CANTON, OHIO -On August 8, 2026, the Canton community gathered to honor one of its own --
legendary NBA veteran and Olympic gold medalist, Phil Hubbard with a special dedication
ceremony.

The basketball court at Preston Young Sr. Park, located on Cornelia Avenue in Northeast Canton, was officially named in his honor, marking a significant moment for both the neighborhood and its residents.

The event unfolded as a heartfelt reunion of family, friends, and former athletes from Hubbard’s high school days. As the pride of Canton-McKinley High School, the 1975 graduate would ultimately play at the University of Michigan, after a star-studded high school career.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to unveil the court in his honor, with local dignitaries in
attendance. Hubbard, a celebrated athlete, was recognized as Ohio’s Player of the Year while
attending McKinley High. At Michigan, he earned All-American honors before embarking on a
successful NBA career from 1979 to 1989, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons.
Notably, he secured a gold medal at the
1976 Olympics.

The day not only commemorated Hubbard’s achievements but also served as a reunion
of past and present connections. Canton Mayor, William Sherer II, presented a proclamation to Hubbard on behalf of the city. Sherer is a 1988 McKinley graduate.

Also in attendance was Phil’s wife Jacqueline, son Maurice and his 102 year-old mother in-law, Mrs.
Sallie Williams.
For several years, Hubbard has consistently returned to Canton to sponsor give-a-ways and special gifts during holidays.

(ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia Henderson is a longtime journalist with the Akron Reporter. She is primarily noted for her personal column, "The Canton Connection." She can be reached at hanyasmom@yahoo.com)